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MSA admin. coordinator fired for aiding party

Following a disciplinary hearing yesterday, the University terminated the contract of Michigan Student Assembly administrative coordinator Lou Stefanic.

Stefanic, an LSA senior, was suspended from his position last month after MSA executive officers produced an e-mail message attributed to Stefanic and accused him of using MSA resources to aid the Wolverine Party in the recent MSA election.

"Based on the contents of that hearing and the evidence as it was presented, the University took a stand that he was in violation of the terms of his employment," said Roger Fisher, University student activities associate.

Fisher said he issued the letter confirming Stefanic's termination.

MSA President-elect Fiona Rose said since Stefanic is both an MSA employee and paid by the University, any time he gave to the Wolverine Party cost the students money.

"There's a clear link between using MSA resources and using University of Michigan student money," Rose said.

The e-mail detailed Wolverine Party campaign plans for the final week of the campaign and made reference to MSA software and resources. Wolverine Party members Andy Schor, Matt Curin, Erin Carey, Aaron Williams and Michael Nagrant received the message. Schor said there is "serious doubt" about whether the e-mail is authentic.

If the message is authentic, MSA Vice President Sam Goodstein's distribution of the document at an assembly meeting is a breach of confidentiality and privacy, Schor said.

"They decided this before the hearing," said Schor, a former Wolverine presidential candidate. "There is so little evidence to terminate someone for this," he said.

MSA President Flint Wainess said the assembly was not involved with the hearing or the process after the initial accusations. Wainess said he and Goodstein may set the wheels in motion for choosing a new manager before they leave office next week, but the executive officers-elect said they plan to take on the search themselves.

"This person will be nonpartisan -- this will be written into the contract and etched in stone," said Probir Mehta, MSA vice president-elect.

A committee consisting of Mehta, Fisher, MSA bookeeper Sara Flynn and several students will be charged with the search and appointment for the position, Mehta said. The committee should avoid hiring a student because "a student will be susceptible to pressures," he said.

"Our next AC, administrative coordinator, will be one who is definitely outside the foray of student politics," Rose said.

Stefanic was unavailable for comment last night.