RHA Speaker of Congress Blake Lawrence resigns

Michael Crawford was elected and sworn in to replace Lawrence.

By Luke Udstuen

Published Jan. 26, 2010

After one and a half years as speaker of Congress for the Residence Halls Association, senior Blake Lawrence announced his resignation Monday night, effective immediately.

"It's been a hell of a ride and it's been a really positive lesson for me," Lawrence said. "It's a lesson that, if I pursue politics outside of college, I will carry with me."

Policies and Rules Sub-committee Chairman Michael Crawford was elected by a clear majority to replace Lawrence.

"I have a lot of experience with this organization, and I know where it's going to go," Crawford said before the vote. "This organization hasn't always been as good and as bright as it is now, but I know a lot about this job. I've done it a few times and I'm prepared to step into this position and go with it."

President Rachael Feuerborn swore Crawford in immediately following the election Monday night in an impromptu ceremony.

Lawrence cited time constraints and ideological differences with the Department of Residential Life as factors that led to his resignation.

Lawrence has spoken with Missouri Students Association President Tim Noce about pursuing a higher position within MSA but decided to focus on graduating in May instead.

"Resigning as speaker was one of the last things I wanted to do, but at this point in time, I feel it's necessary," Lawrence said. "I will still be sitting in on almost every RHA-related meeting that I had been before."

In the past Lawrence has responded to student concern of major crime on campus by petitioning to make the MU Police Department more accountable.

Lawrence said he would continue work to reconcile these complaints in MSA as an MSA senator.

Lawrence sees opportunity in his resignation.

"Also, as a senator, I'm a great point man for communication within student government and student leaders," Lawrence said. "I know a lot of the people, and a lot of things about the governments, and I feel that I can be an effective communicator for both bodies of government."

Lawrence's resignation also means he will not act as the chairman of the Board of Elections in the upcoming RHA election. National Communications Coordinator Mike Madden will fill that role.

Lawrence set up rules and regulations recommended for use in this year's Board of Elections.

As Crawford assumes the role of Speaker of Congress, he leaves the Policies and Rules sub-committee chairman vacant.

It will become Crawford's responsibility to fill both the Polices and Rules sub-committee chairman and the Campus Dining Services and Facilities sub-committee chairman, which was vacated at the close of last semester by Roger Cheng.

Freshman Spencer Cook, freshman Kathy Rudd and Grafman were also nominated for the speaker of Congress role.

Madden and Treasurer Tim Alexander was nominated as well, but respectfully declined their nominations.