When Chris Mack was unanimously elected speaker of the Boca Raton House of Representatives, he received two standing ovations.

Mack, who ran unopposed, has had a rocky relationship with Student Affairs, often challenging them in speeches during House meetings. The House speaker presides over the legislative branch of Boca’s Student Government, and is responsible for accepting bills, making the agenda for meetings and ensuring order in the house; the speaker cannot enter into debate and is the last to vote.

“It’s been a long time coming,” Mack, who has served as parliamentarian and speaker pro-tempore, said.

Boca Governor Matt Jarrett, who worked along side Mack as a representative, thinks Mack will be a good speaker, because “[Mack] is very strong willed about student advocacy.”

Jarrett also explained that Mack and Student Affairs have “never had a good relationship.”

In open forum, House forum and special order speeches, Mack has expressed his concern with Student Affairs’ oversight in SG business. Mack focuses many of his frustrations toward Vice President of Student Affairs Charles Brown who, under the new constitution, acts as the designee of the Board of Trustees and is responsible for approving SG legislation.

However, the animosity may not be shared, as Brown says, “I respect him as a student…[and] treat all students with the same respect.” Brown did not express concern with Mack’s new position, stating, “I hope he does a good job.”

As House speaker, Mack says he “will feel as if he has failed” if there are no legislative statutes, the rules that outline how the House operates, on the books and approved before the second legislative session begins after the elections in September.

Mack would also like to create an honorary position of chaplain to read the invocation, a prayer read before the U.S. Congress meets, at the beginning of every House meeting.

As for the animosity between Brown and Mack, Brown says, “It’s not what I think; it’s what the students think.”