New senators seated to StuGov, decision to appoint member to election commission tabled

Monica Pietig stands at the podium during Wednesday evening’s Student Government meeting before being confirmed as Supreme Court Chief Justice. 

Alex Connor

The senate tabled a decision to seat a member to the election commission during its meeting Wednesday evening. 

Currently, there are nine vacant seats on the commission and three seats filled.

The decision to table the order was due to his lack of attendance and inability for the senate to address him directly on concerns some had on his previous experience.

Noah Collins was nominated for the commission by Election Commissioner Bradlee Fair, who also represented Collins at the senate meeting due to his absence.

Concern for Collins was raised by several senators to Fair because of Collins’ previous position as Election Commissioner last cycle and some issues that arose with that.

“For those of you who don’t know,” Fair said. “The biggest issue with last year’s election fell under policy violations… that will be a job not run by Noah.”

Last year, Fair said, one of the presidential campaigns had several policy violations in which it was of the responsibility of the commission to determine consequences. Under Collins, that never really got done.

Fair was questioned on Collins’ accountability and work ethic.

“He has shown a newfound dedication toward it,” Fair said. “He has brought new ideas to the table and seems to have good working relationship with others.”

The senate also seated three new senators to the Inter-Residence Hall Association: Alyssa McMichael, Jacob Schrader and Lilian Juma.

Questions to the nominees included previous leadership positions and what they hope to accomplish as senators.

Kylee Cox was seated to the Panhellenic Council, as well.

“I really want for CPC to be more informed on what’s going on in Student Government,” Cox said.

Additionally, Claire Nauman was seated as a senator to the Human Sciences Council.

A new chief justice, Monica Pietig, was also confirmed to the Student Government Supreme Court.

Pietig previously served as a justice on the Supreme Court.

Going forward as chief justice, Pietig said she would like to strengthen the branch, go over the bylaws, fill empty seats and create standard meetings.