By Claudia Balthazar, Staff Writer

In the past few weeks, SGA has lost six members from its Senate. One of the most prominent departures has been that of sophomore Gary Duff, former Ethics and Conduct Chair. His departure leaves a new hole in the senate just a week after a cabinet position, the Club Relations Chair, was filled.

Senator Katy Friedman said, “It’s upsetting and a little discouraging for the new senators [to have lost six people].” She added, “Some were asked to leave because they couldn’t fulfill their duties.” Friedman is the Social Chair and a senior.

Gary Duff says he left on his own terms. He felt that he was in conflict with next semester’s schedule, so he wanted to step down to let someone else take the job and carry it through to next semester.

“I wish he would’ve stuck it out for a little bit longer, but he’s going to do what’s best for him.” said Jimmy Wells. Wells, a senior, currently chairs the Rules Committee and last year was president of SGA.

“I regret losing him as an asset,” Zuniga said. “It’s a shame to lose Gary. He was very principled.”

Duff wrote a letter for the senate, which he chose Wells to read in his place because he felt that he and Jimmy share the same values. In the letter, he talked about SGA and gave regards to some of the people in the organization. He said, “I wrote the letter mainly to get my point across, and to give advice to SGA for the future.”

Wells said, “It’s unfortunate [that we no longer have Duff] because I want voices to be heard.”

As of now there is no one to replace Duff, but Wells hopes to have someone by the end of the week. Wells also added that the resignations of former senators give opportunities to new leaders. Vice President Alex Zelinski is currently handling the Ethics Chair responsibilities.

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Jimmy Wells, Chair of the Rules Committee, reads a letter to the senate from the former Ethics and Conduct Chair. (Chronicle File Photo)