UA elects Bilenker new chairperson

At its transition meeting last night, the UA also elected Samara Barend vice chairperson. and Stephanie Cooperman The Undergraduate Assembly elected College sophomore Noah Bilenker as its new chairperson at the UA's annual transition meeting last night. Bilenker -- who won the race for chairperson over Wharton junior Charley Margosian and College junior Meredith Hertz -- will replace outgoing UA Chairperson Tal Golomb, a College junior. In his speech, Bilenker discussed his plan to strengthen the UA's committee structure, build solid relationships with administrators and other student leaders and improve the UA's interaction with the rest of the student body. "I'm very excited about getting to implement my plan," Bilenker said. He explained that although he is also secretary of the InterFraternity Council and a Phi Kappa Psi brother, he is concerned with more than just funding fraternity parties. As the outgoing chairperson of the UA facilities committee, he noted that he has already dealt with the issues of recreational facilities and rehearsal space for performing arts groups. "One and a half years ago when I first joined the UA, it was completely overcome by bickering," he said. "I want to raise the respectability of the UA." He noted that he plans to build upon what past UA chairpersons Golomb and Lance Rogers have accomplished during his time as part of the organization. Bilenker said his ability to "navigate the University bureaucracy and to delegate responsibility," as well as the ease with which he works with people will make him a successful chairperson. And he admitted that his emotionalism when he is "really passionate about something" is his biggest shortcoming. The body elected College sophomore Samara Barend vice chairperson over College sophomore Jeremy Katz in a run-off after Margosian and Hertz were eliminated. UA member and College freshman Matt Chait asked Barend and Katz how they would deal with member attendance problems -- an issue even at the transition meeting, which did not see perfect attendance. While Barend said she wanted to change the notion that the UA "historically lacks focus," Katz called for the punishment of members. "This is pathetic," he said. UA bylaws stipulate that a candidate must get a majority of the members' votes to win -- 13 this year -- but only 18 of the 25 UA members remained at the meeting after electing Bilenker. When it became clear that neither candidate for vice chairperson or the other offices would get the necessary 13 votes, the body agreed to suspend the bylaws in order to allow a candidate to prevail with a majority of those present. Barend said that she wants to "get everyone mobilized," adding that "once members see we're doing things, they will be more apt to participate" in meetings. She added that she wants to move UA meetings to McClelland Hall and to include administrators in the proceedings in order to make meetings more effective. College sophomore Olivia Troye and College freshman Bill Conway were elected to the positions of UA secretary and treasurer, respectively, after running unopposed. "I am very happy to have been elected secretary," Troye said. "The UA needs to send a message that we will try to represent everyone and will work efficiently, but I am very optimistic." And Conway said he did not want to rescind the budget to allow for fraternity party funding. "I don't plan to do anything that drastic," Conway said. "Steve Schorr was a phenomenal treasurer. He's a hard act to follow." Hertz was elected to a second term as the UA representative to the University Council Steering Committee. She prevailed over Katz and College freshman Dave Goldberger. The body moved to drop the candidate receiving the lowest number of votes, leaving Hertz and Katz in a run-off. Many candidates addressed the UA's apparent lack of credibility due to the "Greek takeover." 20 of the 25 open seats this year were won by members of fraternities or sororities, after a coordinated campaign effort on their behalf. But members stressed that the newly elected UA would act effectively. "People seem to forget that [Greeks] are students too," Margosian said. Golomb said he was pleased with the new Steering Committee and felt Bilenker was ready to take control. Bilenker addressed the body after members voted on all positions. "I think people will be pleasantly surprised by the body," he said. "We have a talented and motivated steering committee." Golomb and Bilenker participated in the ceremonial "gavel toss," signifying the passing of power. The body will hold nominations and elections for the UA budget committee at its next meeting.