Wednesday, January 24, 2007
More teh reform
In order to avoid the dumbest arguments ever ("We can't be removed from office because our term has already started, despite the fact that we haven't actually won yet"), as well as the curious approach of extending one's presidency via executive order, Taylor Allbright is proposing a better definition of executive terms in the Constitution, as well as creating a line of succession. (i.e. no more "We have to take office" executive orders)
The constitutional amendment portion of the bill would define the executive term of office as beginning on the first day of regular summer session or when election results are certified by the Judicial Council, depending on which happens later.
"Their term of office shall end when their successor's term begins," the proposed amendment states. Be careful, dudes. Keep in mind that it isn't necessarily true that an executive gets elected. (Explanation) Also, if the cases drag on, as they often do, it's possible that a president can serve two terms despite being elected only once.
My suggestion is to require that, when the Senate returns in the fall, if the new president has not been elected yet, they be required to appoint someone via the process used to fill vacancies, rather than just having the previous president continue serving.
Student Action Senator Jeff Manassero, one of the bill's co-sponsors, said that educating the student body on the need for an amendment would be the most difficult task facing the sponsors.
"It's a large undertaking because it has to go to the whole student body," Manassero said. "It will take publicity to get the voters educated." Take a page from the GA's book. You don't have to educate voters. It's probably easier to pass if you don't.
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