Students vote for PSG reform

By Laura Pelner
Campus Editor

The referendum to restructure Purdue Student Government passed by more than 1,696 votes.

The referendum, which has been a debated subject on campus, will go into effect next semester when PSG's new executive branch takes over in the fall.

"I'm ecstatic," said Jim Vaca, student body president. "I don't think there's any way PSG can fight this position anymore; the students have spoken."

Patrick Mondi, student body vice president, agreed that the results reflect what the students want. "I'm really pleased that the students participated in this election and their message is clear," said Mondi. "It's time to have a student government that's accountable to the students."

Mondi said the support for the referendum makes it clear that students want to see change in PSG.

Some PSG senators, such as Maarten Rothman, a graduate student senator, still question the constitutionality of the referendum. "As long as the constitutionality hasn't been asserted ,the referendum hasn't been passed," he said. "It's not wise to reveal the results of the referendum that hasn't been declared constitutional yet. It's going to affect how people see PSG, most likely negatively."

Dustin Beutin, a senator and junior in the School of Liberal Arts, said it's sad that the referendum passed. "There are lots of constitutional questions involving whether the referendum should even have come up," said Beutin. "For the results to come up and be announced, it's a sad day for the students. Students will suffer greater in the future than they've ever suffered in the current system."

Brenda Shea, student body president elect, said it may be difficult for the student government to transition next year, but she is not too worried about it. "It's going to be tough because there are a lot of transitions (to be made)," she said. "But Matt (Newton, student body vice president elect) and I are ready for it."

Shea said students can expect to have lots of great leaders next year. She said she is excited and she expects the next PSG term to be successful.

Newton said he hopes the Senate and the rest of PSG take the wishes of the student body seriously and help the organization to reform its structure.

There were 3,522 votes registered with regards to the referendum — 2,609 in favor of it and 913 against it. There were only 98 more votes cast in the presidential election than in the one for the referendum, so most students did participate in both.

"I think the overwhelming voter turnout in favor of the proposal proves that a lot of students want to see change," said Shea.

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Campus editor: Laura Pelner

Assistant campus editors: Kurt Esposito, Dave Stephens

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