The Student Governing Association confirmed the appointment of Kathleen Sexton, sophomore in secondary education, elections commissioner for the 2010 SGA elections.
She said she was thankful to have the opportunity to play a role in the election process. Her job requires regulating election campaigns and reviewing appeals.
Her confirmation did not come without debate, however. Doug Shane, junior in animal studies and industry, said he felt that the selection process was corrupt. Additionally, Shane said he felt that a majority of the Student Senate knew who would be selected for the position.
“I have no doubt that she could perform her duties,” Shane said. “But my opposition is to the procedure and what I feel was done.”
He declined to name his sources, but claimed his source had been informed by at least one of the persons on the selection committee that they knew which applicant would be chosen.
Sexton’s nomination was confirmed with a 47-2-8 vote.
“We are very happy to announce this appointment,” said Speaker of the Student Senate Amy Schultz.
Danny Unruh, junior in food science, industry and political science, introduced a resolution formed by the Governmental Relations Standing Committee. The resolution took a stance on the City of Manhattan’s current debate regarding a cellular device ban.
Mayor Bob Strawn had specifically requested the input of the SGA, said Danny Unruh.
“You can’t very well express your opinion on something after it has passed,” said Bill Muir, faculty representative. “That’s called a horse out of the barn.”
For that reason, the Senate was urged to make a decision and moved to special orders. This allowed the resolution to move from the introduction directly to final action so that a vote could be taken. Standard procedure calls for the bill to be presented the first week and re-introduced a week later.
The resolution states that the committee feels that any ban by the City of Manhattan should be limited to a ban on text messaging and be a secondary offense, rather than a primary offense.
The resolution, however, stalled on the Senate floor and will be reevaluated at next week’s meeting.
