The ASUNM Presidential Appointments Committee approved two elections commissioners, a presidential aide and a court justice Wednesday.
The full Senate will vote on the appointments next week during its meeting.
The nomineesare former Court Justice Peter Chen and former Sen. Loren Thomas.
Elections commissioners oversee all Associated Students of UNM elections, and, with the Senate and Presidential elections coming April 10, confirmation of the selections is vital.
The ASUNM Lawbook states that an election must have five to seven election commissioners in order for an election to be legal.
Three election commissioners are now in office.
Get content from The Daily Lobo delivered to your inbox
Both Chen and Thomas said during the interview process that they would like to give back to UNM and disprove what they said was a common misconception among students that ASUNM is "just a big show."
"We will be posting a list of ASUNM accomplishments," Chen said. "Showing that this is the way ASUNM affects you - the students."
Thomas, a previous senator who served on the Finance Committee, said what he really wants to do is make the elections fair.
"I've been here a number of years and it's always turned into a catfight," he said. "I want to help clean that up. An election committee needs to be fair and open-minded."
LaToya Taylor did not show up and will be interviewed for elections commissioner at the next Presidential Appointments Committee meeting.
After being asked a lengthy series of questions and the senators debating the merits of her qualifications, Athena Spencer was appointed Court Justice by the committee. The question over her qualifications stemmed from the Senate rejecting her nomination as presidential aide.
Presidential Appointments Committee member Sen. Nick Huffmyer said that the argument that every person who is appointed knows almost nothing about ASUNM law is irrelevant.
"I heard the same thing last time," he said. "The bottom line is that we were elected to do a job. I'm not trying to be an ass, and I don't have anything against her. I just know there are going to be a ton of arguments at the next Senate meeting."
Spencer said during the interview process that although she had no prior knowledge during her first appointment, she has made it a point to know what the court justice position entails this time around.
"Now I'm well versed with the UNM Constitution and Lawbook," she said. "I haven't had the chance to be around the student court yet, but I think the most important thing is that I am fair and unbiased and I will take everything case by case."
Sen. Heather Gabel said she was impressed by Spencer's perseverance.
"Coming back shows a great want for this position," Gabel said. "It shows she is dedicated and that is a great quality to have for a court justice."
Huffmyer abstained from the vote.
"I have a problem with this appointment," he said. "I appreciate her effort, but to say she is well-versed in UNM law in a month's time is a gross overstatement."
Celestina Torres also was appointed as presidential aide. She has occupied the position for the past two months as prior legislation has allowed.
