In a two-part Student Senate meeting that lasted about five hours, 46 new senators were sworn in and new Senate leaders were elected.
Senators elected Gator Party Sen. Jordan Johnson, former chairman of the Budget and Appropriations Committee, as Senate president and Brian Matz as Senate pro-tempore during the second meeting, which marked the first time senators elected in spring and last week met as a body.
The Senate also took a vote to break a tie for the District E seat following Student Government elections. The senators voted to put Jonathan Gersten, an independent candidate, in the position.
Among outgoing senators giving speeches included outgoing Senate President Kellie Dale. Neither Dale nor outgoing Senate Pro-Tempore MaryGrace Bell sought re-election during last week's Student Government elections.
Both officials were involved in private e-mails sent among them, Student Body President Kevin Reilly and External Affairs Director Matthew Goldberger in May. The e-mails discussed whom to select for summer replacement seats and how to keep the opposition party out of important committees.
Dale, who confirmed the validity of the e-mails earlier this week, discussed the e-mails during her address.
"My fear is that the last seven days will overshadow the positive actions we, as a Senate, have taken over the past seven months," she said.
Dale said the inner workings of Senate have become more transparent during her term, though the Senate's progress has been hindered by party politics.
Dale reminded senators that they are students who still have much to learn and called for increased training in the rules, including Florida Sunshine laws. She said an informational session on Sunshine laws will be held on Nov. 6.
Dale also addressed Orange and Blue Party Senator-elect Sam Miorelli, saying she and Miorelli are examples of two senators who could not get past party and political alliances.
After Dale's speech was met with a standing ovation, Bell took the floor. Bell said the dynamics of Senate during the last few months should disturb senators greatly.
"I am not proud of all the choices that I have made as a Student Government senator," Bell said. "You will be forced to make difficult decisions that will reflect upon your character."
During other speeches, several senators shared snippets of their experiences and applauded the dedication of members from both parties. Some encouraged the importance of bipartisanship in their farewell addresses, but not all were sold on the idea of unity.
Outgoing Gator Party Sen. Jason Hancock criticized Orange and Blue Party Sen. Benjamin Cavataro, who was recommended for disqualification by the Election Commission on Friday, based on a complaint that he visited dorm rooms in Hume Hall illegally to obtain votes.
"Your party has done nothing but slow our progress," Hancock said.
Miorelli said the Gator Party's complaint against Cavataro was dropped, and the accusation was never proven.
"I've just got to say, Senator Hancock, I think you missed the memo," Miorelli said.
