Lamendola Wins Senate Chair

With much of the attention focused on the FUSA Presidential race, a new head of the legislative branch has been chosen.

Dan Lamendola ’09 was elected chair of the 45th FUSA Senate, over Steve Liguori ’09, by a vote of 26-6. “I am excited to take on this role,” said Lamendola, who currently serves as the co-chair of the senate academic committee, “Over my three years I have seen what has worked in FUSA Senate and what has not,” he said, in an exclusive interview with The Mirror after the election.

Lamendola’s platform was based on his efforts as Academics Committee co-chair and his near perfect three-year attendance record while serving in Senate. At the Sunday night meeting, Lamendola said he wants to bring back the integrity of the votes cast by Senators. According to Lamendola, representatives are not always sufficiently informed on the issues in which they vote. He said he also wants to “play up the outside interest of each Senator,” as many have been a part of and are actively involved in other clubs and organizations. Lamendola has claimed that his firm understanding of rule and objectivity in presiding over the Senate, during current Senate Chair Tim Rich’s absence, is a factor that has contributed to his recent victory. Besides a change of chairmanship, FUSA Senate will also see other members assume greater leadership roles. Jamie Abromaitis ’09, who defeated Alison MacNeill ’10 and Nazar Kamenchenko ’10, will join Lamendola as the Senate Vice Chair. Abromaitis received 20 votes, while MacNeill received 10 and Kamenchenko received two. Liguori was nominated for the position of chair when he lost Wednesday’s primary for FUSA President. Of Ligouri, current Senate Chair Tim Rich ’08 said, “He has worked closely with both Lamendola and Abromaitis and both are very qualified for their respected positions.” “Both Lamendola and Abromaitis have been a large part of the Senate’s success,” said Vice Chair Ashley Close ’08. Both Lamendola and Abromaitis will automatically assume office and did not need to run in the FUSA general election on Tuesday night.