Bernell DorroughAfter a close race, Washington University students have selected their executive officers for next year’s Student Union (SU). Sophomore David Ader, who defeated opponent sophomore Pam Bookbinder by only 42 votes, will serve as the next SU president.
Sophomore Jessica Jones, the only elected executive of two running with the Innovate party, will be the new SU treasurer.
The positions of vice-president and secretary were uncontested, with junior Katie Leikhim and freshman Lindsey Grossman respectively filling the two offices.
The newly elected officers could not be reached for comment.
Students were also given the chance to allocate a portion of their student activities fee to two campus organizations that asked for block funding, namely Wash. U. Build and the Campus Y.
Wash. U. Build’s request was granted. With 74.4 percent of voting students in support of its proposal-more than the required majority-the group will receive $1.84 from each student’s fee. These funds will be automatically allocated to the organization at the beginning of the year, allowing them to bypass interaction with the SU treasury.
The Campus Y, however, was 5 percent short of receiving its requested block funding of $6.57 per student.
Receiving less than the required two-thirds majority vote, both of the proposed constitutional amendments on the ballot failed to pass.
The Joint Class Council funding proposal, which called for an overall JCC budget cut and up-front funding for the individual class councils, was 4 percent short of the number of votes necessary.
The proposed executive compensation amendment fell far short of the required majority. Only 28 percent of voting students supported the proposition that would have made possible future legislation approving salaries for the four SU executive positions.
Sophomore Luke Grobe voted against the executive compensation amendment.
“Lots of people who are leaders in other groups on campus have dedicated just as much time to their organizations and aren’t paid for the work, so why should Student Union leaders be?” said Grobe.
Senior Michelle Miller, the outgoing SU president, was not entirely satisfied by the proposal failures but is confident in the abilities of the winning candidates.
“I’m personally disappointed that the executive compensation didn’t pass, but that was the student body’s decision…I’m also really excited about working with the new executive officers-elect,” said Miller. “All the candidates were amazing. We had a very good group of very qualified people running.”
Senior and outgoing SU Treasurer Rob Stolworthy expressed similar assurance.
“We’re excited for all the candidates who ran, and we’re confident that all those who won will continue the tradition of making SU great next year,” said Stolworthy.
Thursday night’s election results also determined the officers of the individual class councils, members of the treasury and senators for each of the University’s schools.
Elected students will assume their offices on April 18th.
Student Union Election Results
Sophomore David Ader won the presidential race with 789 votes, to Pamela Bookbinder’s 747
Katie Leikim and Lindsey Grossman ran uncontested to become vice-president and secretary respectively
Jessica Jones was elected treasurer with 667 votes, to Gina Macchiaroli’s 620 and Jamie Lee’s 225
Wash U recieved block funding, with the support of 74.4% of voters.
Campus Y did not recieve block funding, which was supported by 62% of voters. Two-thirds was needed.
Both constitutional amendments failed, with 1065 students voting against executive compensation and 502 students in favor.