The Associated Students of Madison Student Council passed legislation Wednesday to place the newly proposed ASM constitution on the spring 2013 election ballot, making it’s implementation subject to student body approval.
The constitution would establish four different branches of ASM: the executive, legislative, judicial and appropriations branches. These would replace the institution’s three current branches: Student Council, Student Services Finance Committee and Student Judiciary.
Some representatives voiced concerns over the document, including Student Council Rep. David Gardner, who said the new constitution could inhibit collaboration between the branches of ASM and increase bureaucracy.
“We don’t see the flexibility to pursue whichever grassroots campaigns and committees we would like to that exists in our current constitution,” Gardner said.
However, Nominations Board Chair Sean McNally, who proposed the legislation last week, said the new constitution ensures all grassroots positions cannot be eliminated, which is not guaranteed under the current constitution.
Student Council Chair Andrew Bulovsky said many representatives have complained about the current bylaws. According to Bulovsky, the new constitution presents an opportunity for council members to make desired changes.
“Let’s collaborate and pass the constitution to benefit students and let them have a choice,” Bulovsky said.
Following debate, Council passed the legislation for a second time by a 20-4 vote. The legislation needed to be approved by a two-thirds vote in two consecutive meetings to be put to referendum. It was passed by a 18-6 vote last week.
The constitution will need to be passed by a majority of students who vote in the spring elections.
McNally said there will have to be a grassroots effort by those who believe in the constitution to get the word out to students so they are prepared to vote.
“Students can weigh the pros and cons, but we’ll make sure to get out positive points and the general run down,” McNally said.
Pending a vote of approval from students, a 15-member committee made up of ASM leadership and grassroots committee chairs will draft bylaws for the new student government structure, which will then be sent to Student Council and would need to pass by a two-thirds vote.
