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EDITORIAL: Resolving the Union debacle
Editorial | 10/16/07
Posted online at 9:12 PM EST on 10/15/07
/ Last updated at 2:50 AM EST on 10/15/07
In the latest installment of the long, slogging debate over the irresponsible election oversight by Union Secretary Michael Goldman '08, the Union Judiciary handed down an opinion last week that was firm, reasonable and in basic agreement with the Union's censure of Mr. Goldman several weeks ago.
But somehow, in the wake of this mess, little has changed.
Although the UJ wisely dissolved the appointment of Rajiv Rhamakrishnan '10 as Mr. Goldman's technology assistant, Mr. Goldman is still the secretary. Adding to the confusion, the Union appears divided over the case. The scene at the Sept. 30 UJ hearing illustrated this discord, featuring Village Senator Michael Kerns '09 in a faux legal battle with two other Union officials and in the audience, a bloc of dedicated and, it would seem, disgruntled alumni, one of whom graduated nearly three years ago.
All of this begs the question: How can the Union move forward and return to what it does best-advocating for the student body? The answer, simply, is that the Union should follow the rules already on the books.
The UJ decision confirmed that Goldman had in fact abused his privileges as secretary by revealing or hinting vote tallies before polls had closed. Armed with this clear and authoritative decision, the Union should follow its own procedures and adhere to the ruling. To restore the credibility of the elections process and maintain the validity of the UJ's authority, the Union must replace Goldman with someone who hasn't violated the constitution.
Although this solution is a necessary one, the Union has unfortunately resisted Goldman's removal from the start, failing to secure enough votes even to begin a debate on impeachment proceedings. As it stands now, allowing Goldman to serve as secretary means he is still charged with election oversight, regardless of how the task is delegated. If removing Mr. Goldman really is too much to bear for a majority of representatives, the Union should at least do itself the favor of amending its constitution to correct this embarrassing conflict.
At the moment, the Union's election system is in utter disarray. Let's hope the Union can resolve the issue quickly and rationally.
But somehow, in the wake of this mess, little has changed.
Although the UJ wisely dissolved the appointment of Rajiv Rhamakrishnan '10 as Mr. Goldman's technology assistant, Mr. Goldman is still the secretary. Adding to the confusion, the Union appears divided over the case. The scene at the Sept. 30 UJ hearing illustrated this discord, featuring Village Senator Michael Kerns '09 in a faux legal battle with two other Union officials and in the audience, a bloc of dedicated and, it would seem, disgruntled alumni, one of whom graduated nearly three years ago.
All of this begs the question: How can the Union move forward and return to what it does best-advocating for the student body? The answer, simply, is that the Union should follow the rules already on the books.
The UJ decision confirmed that Goldman had in fact abused his privileges as secretary by revealing or hinting vote tallies before polls had closed. Armed with this clear and authoritative decision, the Union should follow its own procedures and adhere to the ruling. To restore the credibility of the elections process and maintain the validity of the UJ's authority, the Union must replace Goldman with someone who hasn't violated the constitution.
Although this solution is a necessary one, the Union has unfortunately resisted Goldman's removal from the start, failing to secure enough votes even to begin a debate on impeachment proceedings. As it stands now, allowing Goldman to serve as secretary means he is still charged with election oversight, regardless of how the task is delegated. If removing Mr. Goldman really is too much to bear for a majority of representatives, the Union should at least do itself the favor of amending its constitution to correct this embarrassing conflict.
At the moment, the Union's election system is in utter disarray. Let's hope the Union can resolve the issue quickly and rationally.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 4
James Sanders
posted 10/16/07 @ 11:00 AM EST
Which alumni in the audience graduated 3 years ago?
Wait for it....
Wait for it....
NONE! The right answer is there was no alumni in the audience that graduated 3 years ago. (Continued…)
Al Royals
posted 10/16/07 @ 11:24 AM EST
James Sanders, how you play with my heart... using facts and logic, how dare you!
Joshua Brandfon
posted 12/24/07 @ 5:02 AM EST
James Sanders and Al Royals, both of you are sick. I absolutely have no clue where the Student Union is going today. Sinha is a joke, Goldman is a joke, and so is Kerns. (Continued…)
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