The Student Association Senate abolished the position of senator emeritus at Sunday’s meeting, leaving former emeritus Jeff Meyer without a formal role within the senate.

Senator emeritus is a title given to a previous senator, granting the ability to speak on issues coming before the senate without having the right to vote.

“There’s no accountability for them,” said Senator Nick Pappanduros, sponsor of the bill to eliminate the position.

Other senators were not in favor of eliminating the position, because new senators outnumber returning senators 25 to 11.

“Why get rid of something that poses no threat to us?” Senator Doug Reisinger said.

After the position was eliminated, Meyer and the other senators emeritus were told to leave their seats with the senate.

“If they don’t want my wisdom, that’s their own loss,” Meyer said.

The senate confirmed three members of the SA Supreme Court as associate justices, including Eric Johnson, who previously resigned as as the chief of staff to work for U.S. Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert. Some senators expressed doubts over Eric Johnson’s commitment to the SA.

“The SA doesn’t sit very high on your priorities,” Reisinger said.

Other members of the senate were quick to come to Johnson’s defense, including Speaker Andrew Nelms, who expressed his confidence in Johnson’s ability to serve on the Supreme Court.

The senate also confirmed the members of the executive staff. Although the bill originally was presented to confirm members all at once, the senate voted to confirm each member individually.

“They just don’t want to have any surprises this year,” Chief of Staff John Arcado said.

The senate also approved the policies that will govern the 2003-2004 budget requests with no discussion. Budgets for next year will be due on Oct. 31, and presentations will begin Nov. 10.

Sherri Johnson photo

Student Association members Andrew Nelms, Kevin O’Kelly and R.J. Gravel count the members’ votes about the confirmation

of executive status at Sunday’s Student Association Senate meeting.