A controversial amendment to the proposed SGA election rules was overwhelmingly rejected last night, with one top SGA official feeling the amendment was an attack on her performance.
The amendment, proposed by Student Government Association Denton Community Legislator Andrew Steinberg, would have changed the election rules to make it so that when a president is elected, all three of his vice presidential picks are automatically elected, as well.
SGA Senior Vice President Joanna Calabrese, the only executive not elected from the Students Party, not only disagreed with the amendment on principle, but said she also felt it was directed at her.
"I can understand their reasoning; I agree that it's important to work with people that you are comfortable with," Calabrese said. "But real leaders work together around a common goal despite different ideologies. If you are good leader, then you can work with anyone.
"But it's hard for me not to interpret it as the reason behind its creation was that these individuals have observed the process and disagreed with how it is run," she added.
Calabrese, who ran on the HOUSE Party ticket and defeated Students Party candidate Wanika Fisher last spring, also made it clear she was upset that she had not been told about the amendment and blamed it on miscommunication.
"It's not uncommon that amendments show up on the spot," Calabrese said. "But with this one, I wish I had known about it so I could have a chance to weigh in."
Her displeasure stems from the practice that members of the executive board are not allowed to debate unless they are yielded time from members of the legislature, Calabrese said.
Steinberg was quick to make it clear during the debate that he had no issue with Calabrese.
"I think Joanna has done a fantastic job, and I wouldn't change it if I had the chance," Steinberg said during the meeting. "I just think this would give the SGA the opportunity to all start on the same page."
SGA President Jonathan Sachs announced his support for the amendment early in the meeting, but said afterward his support had nothing to do with Calabrese's work within the SGA.
"I think that Joanna is a great, great leader, and I enjoy working with her," Sachs said. "What it was meant for was each SGA has only one year and it needs to be running on full cylinders just like it is this year, and as someone who cares deeply about the student body and student representation, I want to make sure that every SGA has a chance to maximize their year.
"I want to make it very clear that it has nothing to do with Joanna or anything she has done this year," he added.
Sachs pointed to the fact that he appointed Sumia Ahmad, who was also in the HOUSE Party, to be director of student groups, a position Sachs characterized as "contentious."
Engineering Legislator Kate Bodner was one of the members of the legislature who voiced her opposition. She said she could understand why Calabrese was upset, but added she didn't think the amendment was intended for Calabrese.
"I don't know how Wanika Fisher would have done, but personally, Joanna has exceeded any expectation I had. She has been amazing," Bodner said. "I have no doubt in my mind that this has nothing to do with Joanna; I can't think of anyone in SGA who doesn't like what she has done so far."
lemairedbk@gmail.com
Be the first to comment on this article!