Meeting minutes for Consolidated Student Senate University of Nevada, Las Vegas, September 19, 1991

CONSOLIDATED STUDENTS OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT AGENDA SENATE MEETING 21-27 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991 WRI 211 4:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M. I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. APPROVAL OF SENATE MINUTES 21-26 IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS V. BOARD, COMMITTEE, AND DIRECTOR REPORTS VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD NOMINATIONS VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Approval of the Vacant Hotel Administration Senate Seat. 1. Jamie Nalder VIII.NEW BUSINESS A. Approval of the Executive Board Nominations The Executive Board has requested approval of the in Item VI of this agenda. B. Tabled Items The Senate President will open the floor to the Senate to move Tabled Items to New Business for consideration. Tabled Items are posted wtih this agenda. NOTE: To take an item of the table for consideration requires a majority vote by the Senate. C. Approval of Entertainment and Programming contracts for Liberty Zoo Band for $250, Endless Mindless for $300, and Act One for $10 0 Entertainment and Programming Director Warren White has requested approval of three (3) contracts for perform-ances on August 30th and 31st, 1991. IX. OPEN DISCUSSION X. ADJOURNMENT POSTED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE NEVADA OPEN MEETING LAW IN: 1st floors: BEH, ENG, FDH, WRI; 2nd floor: TOH. 2. Brett Linderman MK/bjbs UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89154/(702) 739-3477 TABLED ITEMS Executive Board Nominations 1-Approval of Becky Jo Birmingham as a member of the Election Board. (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-24) 2-Approval of Joe DeMarco as a member of the Elections Board (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-26) 3-Approval of Joe Alemida as a member of the Entertainment and Programming Board. (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-26) 4-Approval of Christana Hunt as a member of the Elections Board. (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-26) 5-Approval of Chris Jones as a member of the Elections Board. (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-26) New Business 1-Constitutional Revision: Article IX, Section G "[CSUN, acting with the authority of the licensee and in accordance with its policies, shall be empowered to manage and operate KUNV.]Student Government shall disperse to KUNV funds not less than seventeen percent (17%) of the amount of money Student Government receives in student fees, and in any case not to be less than $90,000.00." (Tabled at 21-26) 2-Approval of $20 ,000 out of the 904 account for the Depart-ment of Public Safety. (Tabled at Senate Meeting 21-26) UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89154/(702) 739-3477 CONSOLIDATED STUDENTS OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT CONSOLIDATED STUDENTS OFFICE OF THE SENATE PRESIDENT DATE: September 16, 1991 TO: CSUN Senators FROM: Mike Kennedy, Senate President RE: Speeches and Student Health Fee MEMORANDUM Office of Student Information Director Joel Kostman has asked me to get the word out about the upcoming ballot question on Student Health Care. He suggested that the Senators, while giving their speeches, hand out information about the ballot question. This way we can get the word out about this important issue to as many students as possible before the October 2nd and 3rd elections. The fliers should be available by the end of this week. Senator Mike Bunin, Rules Committee Chair, has extended the deadline for turning in your speech forms by one week while you wait for the fliers to come in. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to ask either Office of Student Information Director Joel Kostman or myself. Thank you for your cooperation. cc: The Executive Board Mike Bunin, Chair of Rules Committee Joel Kostman, Office of Student Information Director Memo File MK/bjbs UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89154/(702) 739-3477 CONSOLIDATED STUDENTS OFFICE OF THE VICE-PRESIDENT DATE TO FROM RE September 16, 1991 All Senators J n (2 Kevin Briggs, Vice President Emergency Motion at Senate Meeting 21-27 **************************************************************** MEMORANDUM **************************************************************** There will be an Emergency Motion at Senate Meeting 21-27. This motion will be made to include the Judicial Council appointments on the agenda. These Executive Board Nominations were unable to be placed on the agenda due to the fact that interviews and Executive Board meetings concerning the applicants continued past the item submission deadline. These nominations must be placed on the agenda at this time as a full Judicial Council is essential during the Elections. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. cc: Roderick Colebrook, President Mike Kennedy, Senate President Memo File KB/bjbs UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89154/(702) 739-3477 CONSOLIDATED STUDENTS CONTRACT FOR UNLV SHUTTLE SYSTEM 7: e amount of $20,000.00 has been allocated for fch« cs'-'i of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas campus ^iiii.tie system. This set amount is to be set up in a ,;ct>';tate account through Vice-President Neil and is to :x; iitored by the student campus safety committee. The entire $20,000.00 is to be used for the r •••.l?.w es of the shuttle service employees and for any other reasonable expenditures associated with the si'.ci i -nance and operation of the shuttle system. The sh^M'le service will consist of specific time schedules, <v-;. :• . a ted pick-up areas, and intermittent checks on tb service by the safety committee. When given this $20,000.00, I agree to abide by all of the aforementioned terms and conditions. Pi ^sident Pro-Tem Stud-.:fjt Campus Safety Committee C.-' I LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NV 89154/(702) 739-3477 1 991 . J > a v f <<• H o 11 e n b e c k €.K; >: of Public Safety CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL BY THE CSUN EXECUTIVE BOARD: To the Honorable CSUN Senate: The Executive Board of the CSUN Student Government, in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution, Article V., Section G., hereby nominates and recommends Pamela Briand for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government, with all of the privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto. Done and Dated this iff day of September, 1991. PRESIDENT VICE PRESIDENT (J (J SENATE PRESIDENT BY THE CSUN SENATE: The nomination and recommendation of Pamela Briand for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government is approved in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution , Article VI., Section C., (4) by a vote of in favor, 0 opposed, and abstaining. Done and Dated this day of September, 1991. SENATE PRESID CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL BY THE CSUN EXECUTIVE BOARD: To the Honorable CSUN Senate: The Executive Board of the CSUN Student Government, in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution, Article V., Section G., hereby nominates and recommends Jorge Gonzalez for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government, with all of the privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto. J>one and Dated this £0 day of September, 1991. BY THE CSUN SENATE: The nomination and recommendation of Jorge Gonzalez for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government is approved in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution , Article VI., Section C., (4) by a vote of 13 in favor, 0 opposed, and ± abstaining. Done and Dated this ^ day of Septemberyl-991. CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL BY THE CSUN EXECUTIVE BOARD: To the Honorable CSUN Senate: The Executive Board of the CSUN Student Government, in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution, Article V., Section G., hereby nominates and recommends Lauren Field for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government, with all of the privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto. ^Dune and Dated this d& day of September, 1991. PRESIDENT VICEPRESDENT IJ| SENATE PRESIDENT ^ BY THE CSUN SENATE: The nomination and recommendation of Lauren Field for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government is approved in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution , Article VI., Section C., (4) by a vote of in favor, 0 opposed, and J- abstaining. Done and Dated this day of September, 1991. CERTIFICATE OF APPOINTMENT FOR THE JUDICIAL COUNCIL BY THE CSUN EXECUTIVE BOARD: To the Honorable CSUN Senate: The Executive Board of the CSUN Student Government, in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution, Article V., Section G., hereby nominates and recommends Randi Sue Smith for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government, with all of the privileges and responsibilities appertaining thereto. Dane and Dated this A3 day of September, 1991. PRESIDENT VICEPRESDENT U (J SENATE PRESIDENT BY THE CSUN SENATE: The nomination and recommendation of Randi Sue Smith for the office of Justice of the Judicial Council of the CSUN Student Government is approved in pursuance to the CSUN Constitution , Article VI., Section C., (4) by a vote of ±3 . in favor, 0 opposed, and J- abstaining. Done and Dated this day of September, 1991. SENATE PRESIDENT SENATE SECRETARY MINUTES SENATE MEETING 21-27 THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 1991 4:00 P.M. TO 6:00 P.M. WRI 211 I. CALL TO ORDER Senate President Mike Kennedy called the meeting to order at 4:10 p.m. in Wright Hall 211. II. ROLL CALL PRESENT ABSENT Senator Adair Senator Barkhuff Senator Benneman Senator Bunin Senator Epperson (late) Senator Field Senator Finmark Senator Fisher Senator Lee Senator Maultsby Senator Ortega Senator Ricci (late) Senator Roth Senator Young (late) III. APPROVAL OF SENATE MINUTES 21-26 Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. There were no revisions, Motion carried by voice vote. IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS Student Body President Roderick Colebrook stated that he applauds the Senate's tabling of the $20,000 for the Department of Public Safety at the last meeting, stating that he hopes that they continue to table items if they are in need of more information. He stated that the Vice President Pro Tempore, Heidi Smith, is compiling information on the distribution of the funds, and that she has been working with the Department of Public Safety. He stated that Chief Hollenbeck is at the meeting to speak about the funding. He stated that he attended a President's Advisory Council meeting today, and that they are working on making problems on the campus better, and improving things that students have had problems with. He stated that the Student Health issues were discussed, and that Student Government's goal is to present all of the facts in an unbiased manner in order to allow the student population to be able to make an informed decision at the ballot boxes during the election. Student Body Vice President Pro Tempore Heidi Smith stated that she has the contract for the Shuttle System to pass out. Senate President Pro Tempore Bud Benneman announced that the Senate will be meeting at the MSU parking lot on Saturday, Octob- UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, LAS VEGAS/4505 MARYLAND PARKWAY/LAS VEGAS, NEVADA 89154/(702) 739-3477 SENATE MEETING 21-27 Page Five (2) IV. ANNOUNCEMENTS, CONTINUED er 12th, at 8:30 a.m. for the CSUN Retreat which will be held at Lee Canyon. He stated that the Senate are legislators, that they represent the Student Body, and that it is correct to voice their opinions. He stated that no Senator should be afraid to state their opinion to their constituents. Senate President Mike Kennedy stated that the Senate Meetings has now officially moved to its sixth location, unfortunately another classroom. He stated that if anyone has ever wondered how an instructor can hear everyone who speaks in class, it is because the classrooms are designed for it. He asked everyone to please refrain from speaking in order to make the Senate Meeting run in a smoother fashion. V. BOARD, COMMITTEE, AND DIRECTOR REPORTS KUNV — Rob Rosenthal, KUNV General Manager stated that he is giving his yearly reminder that if any organizations are having events on campus are invited to tell KUNV, as they can advertise it and let the general community know. He stated that they have almost totally moved back into the MSU, and that they will be starting a project to carpet the studios in the near future. He introduced Vince Alberta, their new Development Director. CSUN BUSINESS MANAGER — Sue Hobbs, CSUN Business Manager stated that she has passed out the updated budget and that KUNV, while appearing to have a deficit, has the money to cover the account. She stated that she is still working on the CSUN Business Procedures Handbook, and that she would like Senators to have some input. She added that she is working with the Yellin' Rebel to formulate a set of business procedures for them as well. ORGANIZATIONS — Nick Whitstone, Organizations Board Director stated that a new organizations funding policy has been submitted and that he and Dave Gillespie, Appropriations Board Director, are working out the kinks. He stated that funding will begin on October 26th. He informed the Senate that the next Organizations Board meeting will be on Wednesday, October 25th at 7:00 p.m. in the White Hall Auditorium. ELECTIONS — Kim Kershaw, Elections Board Director stated that she has received 7 Homecoming King Candidate filing packets, 7 Homecoming Queen filing packets, and 20 Senate filing packets. She stated that campaign materials that have been approved will be in a folder in the offices, and that her Board members will know where it is. She stated that she is in the process of purchasing the crowns and other items for the Homecoming Party. OFFICE OF STUDENT INFORMATION — Joel Kostman, Office of Student Information Director stated that it is good that the "Adver-tisement" portions of the OSI page are removed. He stated that he needs Senators to help him cover the campus with flyers concerning the Student Health Fee next week on either Wednesday or Thursday. He stated that OSI cannot present views or opinions on the ballot question, but rather can encourage the Student Body to vote, and through the OSI Page, enable the Student Body to be informed voters. He stated that the Organizations are welcome to inform him of events, and that he will give them calendar time in the OSI Page, but that the deadlines are Fridays at 12:30. SENATE MINUTES 21-27 Page Three (3) V. BOARD, COMMITTEE, AND DIRECTOR REPORTS, CONTINUED. NEVADA STUDENT AFFAIRS — Paul Stuhff, Nevada Student Affiars Director stated that NSA will do investigative reporting concerning the Student Health Fee issue, and that all the plans for the proposed fees are available, that they are not concrete, but rather state what the money "may" or "can" be used for, not what is "will" or "shall" be used for. He stated that he will attempt to get definite budgetary allotments of the proposed fees, and that he will go from there concerning Student Government and the NSA viewpoint. STUDENT HEALTH ADVISORY COUNCIL — Robert Jensen, Student Health Advisory Committee Chair stated that they have already had several meetings, and that the meetings will be held every Monday at 2:30 p.m. He stated that they will be meeting with the United Blood Services next week to determine the blood drive schedule for UNLV this semester. He stated that he is reorganizing the committee, and that they want representatives from every college in the committee. He added that he is in the process of contacting the Deans of every College to have students recommended for SHAC. He stated that he is also arranging to have a representative from the Humana Health Insurance Group as an "advisor" to the committee as well. He stated that he also wants two more Senators to join. He requested the Senate's assistance in finding a room for the SHAC meetings to be held, as the committee has grown too large for the meeting room at the Student Health Center. ENTERTAINMENT AND PROGRAMMING — Warren White, Entertainment and Programming Director stated that the Tailgate party went very well, and thanked Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman and Director Quick for cooking the hamburgers at the event. He also thanked Senators Finmark and Fisher for their assistance. He stated that the next events that he is working on are the Homecoming events which include dances, tailgates, and other activities. APPROPRIATIONS — David Gillespie, Appropriations Board Director stated that the organizations funding policy is coming along schedule, and that it should be finalized by next Tuesday, just in time for funding to begin. STUDENT SERVICES — Mike Quick, Student Services Director stated that the Student Directory is coming along, and that if anyone has any question for him about Student Services, he will be glad to answer. VI. EXECUTIVE BOARD NOMINATIONS Motion to make an emergency motion to place items under Executive Board Nominations by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion carried by voice vote with Senator Ricci opposed. Motion to approve Randi Smith to the Judicial Council by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion to approve Jorge Gonzalez to the Judicial Council by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion to approve Lauren Field to the Judicial Council by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion to approve Pamela Briand to the Judicial Council by Senate President Pro Tempore Bennneman. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Field and Ricci abstaining. SENATE MINUTES 21-27 Page Three (4) VII. UNFINISHED BUSINESS A. Approval of the Vacant Hotel Administration Senate Seat. 1. Jami Nalder 2. Brett Lindermann Senate President Mike Kennedy informed the Senate that Brett Lindermann withdrew. He also stated that due to delays at the Registrar's Office, G.P.A. Verifications have not come in. No further action was taken at this time. VIII. NEW BUSINESS A. Approval of the Executive Board Nominations. 1. Approval of Randi Smith to the Judicial Council. Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. There was discussion. Randi Smith spoke and answered questions. Motion carried by voice vote with Senator Field abstaining. 2. Approval of Jorge Gonzalez to the Judicial Council. Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. There was discussion. Jorge Gonzalez spoke. Motion carried by voice vote with Senator Field abstaining. 3. Approval of Lauren Field to the Judicial Council. Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. There was discussion. Lauren Field spoke and answered questions. Motion carried by voice vote with Senator Field abstaining. 4. Approval of Pamela Briand to the Judicial Council. Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. There was discussion. Pamela Briand spoke and answered questions. Motion carried by voice vote with Senator Field abstaining. B. Tabled Items Motion to remove item D' of New Business from Senate Meeting 21- 26* off the table by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Epperson and Roth opposing and Senator Fisher abstaining. Chief Hollenbeck, of the Department of Public Safety, spoke and answered questions. There was extensive discussion. Motion for a recess by Senator Bunin. Senate President Mike Kennedy recess the meeting at 4:57 p.m. Senate President Mike Kennedy called the meeting back to order at 5:06 p.m. There was extensive discussion. Call for the Question by Senator Finmark. Objection by Senator Barkhuff. Objection failed 7 - 6 - 0 . Motion carried by vioce vote with Senator Barkhuff opposing. *D1. Approval of $20,000 out of the 904 account for the Depart-ment of Public Safety. Motion to remove items C*, E*, and F* of Executive Board Nominations from Senate Meeting 21-26 by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. Motion carried by voice vote. C. Approval of Joe DeMarco as a member of the Elections Board. SENATE MEETING 21-27 Page Five (5) VIII. NEW BUSINESS, CONTINUED E. Approval of Christana Hunt as a member of the Elec-tions Board. F. Approval of Chris Jones as a member of the Elections Board. Motion to approve as a whole by Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. There was discussion. Motion to have each candidate speak for two (2) minutes. POINT OF INFORMATION by Kim Kershaw, Director of the Elections Board, that due to the length of the meeting, Joe DeMarco was unable to stay at the meeting due to a prior committment. She stated that due to the continuing changes in the Senate Meeting Rooms, Chris Jones is at the Geoscience Trailer at this time. Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman stated that he would speak on behalf of Joe DeMarco. Christana Hunt spoke and answered questions. Motion to divide the question by Senator Bunin. Motion carried by voice vote with Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman opposed and Senator Adair abstaining. There was discussion about item C. (Approval of Joe DeMarco as a member of the Elections Board.) Call for the Question by Senator Finmark. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Bunin and Lee opposing. Motion to approve item E. (Approval of Christana Hunt as a member of the Elections Board.) Motion carried by voice vote. Motion to approve item F. (Approval of Chris Jones as a member of the Elections Board.) Motion carried by voice vote. C. Approval of Entertainment and Programming conracts for Liberty Zoo Band for $250, Endless Mindless for $300, and Act One for $100. Motion out of order due to fact that there are no contracts made. Motion to make an emergency motion by Senator Bunin. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Fisher and Ricci abstaining. Motion to waive Bylaw 26 by Senator Bunin. Motion carried by voice vote. Senate President Mike Kennedy passed the gavel to Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman. There was discussion. Call for the Question by Senator Field. Objection by Senator Finmark. Objection fails. Motion to amend by Senator Finmark to read: "Approval of waiving Bylaw 26 for a twenty-four (24) hour period." Maker and second concurred. Motion carried unanimously. SENATE MINUTES 21-27 Page Three (6) IX. OPEN DISCUSSION Senator Young had no comments. Senator Adair had no comments. Senator Finmark stated that she had been informed that By lav/ 2 6 was to be waived for twenty four (24) hours only. She stated that the Tailgate Party was great, and that she had a good time. She stated that she still has mixed feelings about the Shuttle funding. Senator Barkhuff invited everyone out to OOZEBALL on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and that there are 48 six man teams involved. Senator Field thanked the Senate for appointing her to the Judicial Council. She officially resigned from the Senate. Senator Ricci had no comments. Senator Ortega thanked Senator Finmark for not commenting on the Shuttle Service funding. She informed E&P Director Warren White that she heard that the. event went well, and apologized for not being able to make it to the event due to work. Senator Fisher stated that it was good to have passed the funding for the Shuttle Service. He stated that the Senate has to decide when and where student money is going, but the Senate does not have the time to be a watchdog for every department that has received funding. He stated that that is what the Directors and committees are for, that is why the responsibility is DELEGATED and that the Senate can get caught up too much in where every cent is spent. He stated that Warren White, E&P Director has about 800 hamburgers left from the tailgate party. fie asked the Senate President if nominations will be opened for the empty Senate Seats. Point of Information by Senate President Pro Tempore that any Senators can,in Open Discussion, nominate a person to a Senate Seat. Senate President Mike Kennedy stated that the Senate is "dropping like flies", and that part of the problem with filling the seats at any time is the red-tape bureaucracy with G.P.A. verifications. He stated that if the Senate wants to fill those seats for a month, then they are welcome to do so. Senator Roth stated that the Senate should have realized that Sue Hobbs1 ability to access the account is plenty. He congratulated Warren White on the Tailgate Party. Senator Maultsby stated that they need to expand the explanation of expenditures, and that if anyone has questions to ask the Business Manager. Senator/Justice Field asked if there will be time to have the new Business Manager hire train with Sue Hobbs. Senator Bunin stated that the matter was not the $20,000, and that he is sorry that Hollenbeck was so insulted, and that he sounded like everyone's dad, "If you don't stop, I'll turn the car around." He stated that he voted no on the Elections Board members because it is tough to be unbiased. He stated that there was no personal attack in his negative votes. He stated that he would like to see the Election Board a lot less biased, and with a lot less problems. He stated that originally, he did not want Becky Birmingham on the Board due to problems with the forms last year, but that he would not have a problem now, but he forgot it was on the agenda. SENATE MINUTES 21-27 Page Three (7) IX. OPEN DISCUSSION, CONTINUED Senator Young stated that they could pull the item off the table during the Open Discussion. Motion to move back into the order of the day to New Business item B. by Senator Bunin. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Roth and Maultsby opposing. Motion to take Executive Board Nomination tabled at Senate Meeting 21-24* off the table by Senator Bunin. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Maultsby and Roth abstaining. *Approval of Becky Jo Birmingham as a member of the Elec-tions Board. Motion to approve by Senator Finmark. Motion carried by voice vote with Senators Maultsby and Roth abstaining. Senate moved back into order of the day to Open Discussion. Senator Lee had no comments. FROM THE EXECUTIVES: Vice President Pro Tempore Smith had no comments. Senate President Pro Tempore Benneman congratulated the new Justices. He stated that the article in the paper made CSUN look bad, but tabling the item was a good thing. He stated that the Tailgate Party was fun. He stated that the Shuttle Service discussion was much too tedius, but that this meeting improved from the last Senate Meeting. He thanked the Senate for waiving Bylaw 26. Senate President Mike Kennedy stated that he is for tabling items if there is a question on them. He stated that while he was campaigning for his position, the second most prevalent complaint was that the Shuttle Service "sucks." He stated that if there is a problem with quality assurance, the Senate has a right to question it. He reiterated that overall the policy of tabling is a good idea. X. ADJOURNMENT Senate President Mike Kennedy adjourned the meeting at 5:55 p.m. Mike Kennedy, Senate President