Informed Speculation

This one holds more promise than the offer from the Texas Exes, who would donate space but move the club, but it’s still not satisfactory:

The Cactus Cafe might not be closing, but instead head in a “new direction,” according to Student Government President Liam O’Rourke.

O’Rourke and members of the Student Events Center board are proposing that the Cactus Cafe remain open and still feature a stage and bar structure but fall under the management of a committee. O’Rourke did not say who would serve on the committee, but compared it to a SEC committee, similar to Texas Union’s Film Committee that brings movies, and advanced and special screenings to the University. The Cactus Cafe’s bar could only be opened for certain events and whenever cash donations are available.

All SEC committees are comprised of students.

“We’d try to attract new acts and larger demographics of students,” he said. “If save the Cactus Cafe groups would give funds to the student committee, then that would be a great partnership. They would give the committee money for specific things like an Austin music night.”

O’Rourke said he and Student Events Center officials would present their proposal at the Feb. 26 Union Board meeting.

…The proposal is still in its early stages, said Andrew Nash, president of the Student Events Center.

“We’d be creating a new committee within the next few weeks or month that would be tasked with promoting the space and bringing student organizations to utilize the space,” Nash said. “We’re making sure none of the history would be lost.”

Both Nash, who also sits on the Board of Directors at the Union, and O’Rourke denied know the decision to cease operations at the cafe had been finalized until they were told in executive committee on Jan. 29. Both agree with the decision, and both said the proposal was created because of the overwhelming response they received from outside the University.

“To be completely honest, I didn’t know the closing of the cafe was an issue,” Nash said.  “Now that this has all come to light and the Union is … making these cuts, this is what Liam and I have to put together as the student response.”

Well, with all due respect, if these two students at UT, one of whom sits on the Board of Directors of the Student Union, for crying out loud, don’t even realize what a treasure the Cactus is, as evidenced by their comments, then I have little hope that this proposal will preserve the essence of this jewel.  The Student Government President wants the Save the Cactus group to give its money to the students who endorsed closing the club in the first place?  So they can have an occasional “Austin music night”?  You have got to be joking…

Nope…not good enough…we can preserve the character of the club as well as its location.  Keep on pushing!…