Developing Story: Pres. Aswani Vetoes Election-Reform Bill

Update: 10:26 a.m.

In a statement released to WRGW News, Melissa Meyer, Chair of the Marvin Center Governing Board claims that the body was never approached to discuss the proposed reform in SB-09-13, which would have changed the length of the board's general election to a single day rather than the current two.

"No changes to the election format have ever been proposed or discussed with the Marvin Center Governing Board. As a Board we are welcome to the discussion of the issue if ever proposed." - Melissa Meyer, Chair, Marvin Center Governing Board

Posted: 1:48 a.m.

After a prolonged election season a bill intended to change the length of the general and run-off elections from two days to one day each was vetoed by Student Association President Vishal Aswani Thursday night based on what he claims is a lack of support from two organizations whose elections would be impacted by the move.

Sponsored by current Senator and unsuccessful Presidential candidate Nick Polk (U-At-Large) SB-09-13, "A Bill to Adjust the JEC Charter to Online Voting" passed through the Senate last week.

After what he said were "lengthy deliberations," Aswani used the veto pen for just the second time in his administration and released the following statement:

“While the bill itself has significant positive attributes given the elections are now held fully online, I can not justify any legislation that has an impact on Marvin Center Governing Board or Program Board elections without support from both bodies.”

The bill would have taken effect May 1, 2009. The future of the bill remains unclear.

WRGW will have more information as it becomes available.

- Jesse Regis

Bindleglass vs. Polk?

J.E.C. removes Boyer from ballot. Pending possible student court appeal

President's race may come down to #2 and #3 finishers.

Just two votes separated Kyle Boyer from the Student Association Presidency. Now there is a high probability that he may not become President after the Joint Election Committee removed the front runner from the ballot after failing to properly disclose campaign expenses. The J.E.C. then found Boyer in violation of campaign finance rules by spending more than the $1,000 limit for Presidential candidates.

Julie Bindleglass who came in second place with 942 votes (23.1%) was slated to face Boyer in a run off election March 11 and 12. Boyer who garnered 1630 votes (39.9%) was confident he would win the run off, going so far as to claim a mandate from students.

If the decision stands Bindleglass will face Sophomore Nick Polk in a run off election set for March 25-26. Polk who garnered 16.7% of the vote tells WRGW he is, "Saddened by the circumstances but I look forward to continuing to share my ideas with the student body."

A special meeting of the student association on March 10 saw the postponement of the election. A student unaffiliated with either campaign had filed allegations of campaign violations with the J.E.C. and enough probable cause was found for the S.A. to delay the election. Had Boyer been removed from the ballot within 24 hours before election postponement Bindleglass would have ascended to the Presidency by default despite coming in a distant second in the initial election.

The winner of the March 25 - 26 election will join Executive Vice President Jason Lifton who won a decisive victory with 2251 or 58% of the vote. Students may vote online at http://www.gwelection.com

- Jesse Regis

photo credits: Jenn Neuner, WRGW