The senate proposal, which would change the structure of
undergraduate student government and reorganize the
responsibilities of its elected officers, has been listed as an
action item for the Undergraduate Students Association Council and
could be voted on as early as tonight.
Passage of the proposal, like all constitutional and bylaw
changes, would require a two-thirds vote of the 13-member
council.
Though it has never before been voted on by USAC, the senate
proposal has been an issue of contention among council members
since it was first proposed last winter by General Representative
Brian Neesby, who was then chief of staff for the Financial
Supports Commission.
The changes proposed include establishing a 20-member
legislative senate, reorganizing duties within the executive
positions, depoliticizing commissioners and introducing a new
voting system.
The Hare system of proportional representation, where students
rank all candidates in order of preference by a single transferable
vote, would be used to elect senators.
USAC, with the exception of the general representatives, is
currently elected by a simple majority vote.
Neesby said that while council members are open to the idea of
creating change, some have their reservations about certain aspects
of the proposal.
Many are adamant that commissioners should keep their vote.
“I strongly feel that commissioners do need that power,
and it’s something that’s very important to the
commissions. While we do need time to program and things like that,
we also need to advocate on behalf of our programs,” said
Todd Hawkins, Cultural Affairs commissioner.
Other issues council members have expressed concern over are the
efficiency of the senate system ““ which they say would be
more fragmented ““ and changes to elections.
Proponents of the Hare system say it provides access to
representation to all groups in the electorate, but it is also
criticized as being too complicated.
However, criticism of the new voting system from within the
council is waning, Neesby said.
Last year, attempts to get the senate proposal to a special
election vote failed. Supporters were aiming for the changes to
take effect before spring general elections, so candidates could be
elected into the new government.
A petition for a special election requires signatures from 15
percent of undergraduates, but the petition fell short after
undergoing preliminary verification by the Elections Board.
Although a vote may be postponed, Neesby said the discussion
phase of the senate proposal is over and students should expect
action to be taken before the quarter ends.