Controversy surrounding last years Student Government Association Senate was once again an issue, as debate arose over the possible appointment of former Senator Jeff Bazydlo to the Chancellor of Elections.

The appointment was made by Southwest Governor Joshua Seidman, and sparked debate between Mike Taugher, Chair of Ways and Means and President John Sheehan. Issues surrounding Bazydlo’s ability to be impartial were of much concern, as well as his affiliation with the University of Massachusetts at Amherst Minuteman newspaper.

However Bazydlo claimed before the Senate that he would be impartial under all circumstances. He also addressed the issue of the up and coming judiciary case surrounding this Fall’s elections. Bazydlo, a witness on the case, stated that he did not have anything to do with the case, other than being a liaison.

“I promise that the rules will be followed and that there will not be any of the problems that we’ve faced in the past,” Bazydlo said.

Sheehan then rebutted, by presenting an article from the Nov. 1 Minuteman newspaper, stating that Bazydlo had called the Senate, “…squabbling children.” He further went on to explain that he felt that Bazydlo was partial, based on his previous experiences within the Senate.

Sheehan continued by referring to next week’s judiciary hearing, in which the illegalities of this Fall’s Senate elections will be on trial.

“The rules of our Constitution did not enable us to appoint elections commissioners, but we made sure that the elections happened as legally as possible,” Sheehan said. “Rules were held up to the best of our ability and we don’t need a police officer as the chancellor of elections, we need someone impartial.”

Taugher responded, by explaining that he saw nothing wrong with following the rules of the elections as documented in the SGA Constitution.

“I haven’t heard anything that would prohibit the elections,” Taugher said. “People keep on saying that he’ll (Bazydlo) follow the rules; what is so wrong with that?”

After two rounds of debate, and a roll call vote was called, the motion to appoint Bazydlo failed.

Issues surrounding the changed time of 5 p.m. Senate meeting from the normally scheduled 7 p.m. also brought forth comments from Senators.

Taugher explained that he felt it brought forth dangerous political precedent to the Senate.

“Changing a meeting for a political event sets a dangerous precedent and I don’t think it was right,” Taugher said. “Next semester when the Republican Club starts hosting speakers, I’m sure that Senate meetings will not be moved.”

Speaker Aaron Saunders responded by explaining that he felt the move not to be political. Taugher responded by explaining that the movement of the meeting based on the presentation of the Linda and Peter Beihl, was political because it revolved around hate crimes. The issue was shortly deceased, but was noted by the Senate.

Other motions on the agenda were the allocation of $2000 to the Haitian Student Association, which is putting on their annual event Saturday Nov. 10. The motion passed unanimously.

A motion to change the job description of the Secretary of Finance was also on the agenda. The motion called for a more detailed description of the Secretary of Finance’s official position within the Executive Cabinet. The Senate passed the motion unanimously.

The Senate ended their meeting with the final appointments of members to the Ad-Hoc Priority Committee, a committee formed by the Senate in which students will look closely and offer their opinions on the new chancellor search committee. Those appointed to the committee were Jennifer Temen, Jen Casavant, Brian Thompson and Sheehan.