Bindleglass: Early support for bill "taken out of context"

Student Association President-Elect Julie Bindleglass is defending herself against critics who question her motives after the current Senator switched her position twice on a bill that would have put a referendum before the student body on whether to adopt a new SA Constitution. Ms. Bindleglass, who ultimately voted to table the legislation, went from abstention, to support, to opposition over the three day period April 18 - 21, 2009 without explanation, which triggered a number of rumors about what was behind her decisions. Now she is claiming that her early support was taken "out of context." She also denies having any ulterior motives.

Dual positions as Senator and President-elect reportedly led to the initial decision to abstain from voting. Then, according to Senators Michael Komo, Michelle Taney, Nick Polk, and Senator-elect Jamie Baker, Bindleglass threw her "unequivocal support" behind the bill.

Within a day Bindleglass announced her opposition to the bill stating," I have some serious hesitations with regard to the approach taken." She elaborated to allege that the meetings regarding the formulation of the bill "took place behind closed doors and in secret sessions," and that "With classes coming to an end and senate business having been apparently closed for the year, this is not the time to put forth a proposal of this magnitude."

Bindleglass tells WRGW that, "I think my original enthusiastic approval was definitely taken out of context." She continues to say that, "When I first had a chance to talk about it they were proposing a vote in September. They said it would not take place until the next year. I thought the [Senate vote] in September would mean that we had to get things done now."

SA President Vishal Asawni remembers things differently claiming that, "she loved this and wanted it ratified for this year."

Speculation also mounted that President-Elect Bindleglass decided to oppose the bill to score an early legislative victory when she begins work with a newly elected Student Association in September. Responding to the merits of those claims Bindleglass said, “Absolutely not.  I don’t care whose taking credit, if it’s something good it needs to get done."

Bindleglass reiterated her support to table the legislation, which would make it possible to consider the bill at the next meeting. However, the meeting, a special session called by President Aswani, was the last of the year. Pending legislation does not carry over from year to year meaning the bill was essentially defeated.

Ms. Bindleglass went so far as to say that she would not be proactive in the formulation of a new Constitution next year and would do so only "if there is shown to be a need."

For additional information listen to: "A Constitutional Controversy"

- Jesse Regis