With some dispute, the undergraduate student council appointed a
new Elections Board chair at their general meeting Tuesday night
amid discussion of upcoming events and new councilmembers.
The Undergraduate Students Association Council appointed
second-year civil engineering student Joseph Vardner as the new
E-board chair with a 3-2-5 vote.
Recommended to council by President David Dahle, Vardner, along
with his staff, will be responsible for coordinating the USAC
elections in the spring.
The recommendation was based on the amount of experience Vardner
has had in USAC, Dahle said.
Vardner was a member of E-board during the Spring 2002 elections
along with former E-board Chairman Chris Abraham.
Vardner also sits on the On-Campus Housing Council in addition
to serving as a Transportation Services representative.
The depth of Vardner’s involvement in various on-campus
activities was the cause of concern among some councilmembers.
“Although I thought he had experience … I’m
concerned how his commitments will affect his performance,”
said Internal Vice President T.J. Cordero, who abstained from
voting.
“It is really difficult for any student to be effectively
sitting on both the transportation and election committees,”
he added.
Academic Affairs Commissioner Chris Diaz, who voted against
Vardner’s appointment, said he disapproved of what he called
bias by some councilmembers toward Vardner.
“We asked other appointees to resign from other
commitments, but we didn’t make the same request of
(Vardner),” Diaz said.
But Vardner said he had experience in dealing with multiple
responsibilities.
“I definitely understand their concerns,” Vardner
said. “But I’m the type of person who likes to be
involved.”
“He’s a great multi-tasker,” said General
Representative Michelle Styczynski, who approved Vardner’s
appointment.
As the new chair, Vardner takes on the responsibility of
formalizing election procedures after the council approved to
change this year’s elections to an online vote last
quarter.
“I hope he takes the time to explore best ways to
facilitate the spring elections,” Cordero said.
“This year should be one of best years in voting,”
Vardner said. He added that he will have the procedures ready for
council approval by sixth week.
With the resignation of former Facilities Commissioner Annie
McElwain last week, councilmembers also discussed the process of
selecting a new commissioner.
Council approved to have candidates be subject to an
“open” interview. The process, specified by USAC
bylaws, would enable all of council to interview the possible
officer.
After the public interview, Dahle would recommend a nominee and
present him or her for council approval.
The process was slightly altered from last year, when the
president alone chose the financial supports commissioner
replacement.
But this year’s method will allow more council input,
Cordero said.
“Unlike other appointments, this position has voting power
and the expectation should be higher,” he also said.
It also keeps checks and balances in place, Diaz said.
Also discussed was the Hate Crime Awareness Fair organized by
General Representative Jenny Lam, scheduled to take place today
from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Bruin Plaza.
The fair will feature speakers, flyers and information packets
on hate crime and hate incidents, Lam said.
“It’s important to get the word out and educate the
student body of different resources on campus,” she said.