At the third meeting to discuss restructuring student government, student leaders debated yesterday what roles special interest groups would play in a new government.

Initial discussion focused on whether special interest groups should sit on a senate and if they should have voting or non-voting seats.

Some leaders of special interest groups said they should have a vote to best represent their constituents.

"I think Black Caucus needs a vote," Black Caucus Vice President Dawn Williams said.

Currently, special interest groups sit on the Executive Student Action Council and have liaisons in the Undergraduate Student Government Senate, but do not vote on legislation.

However, not everyone wants a voting position in the new government.

"We're looking for a communication," Womyn's Concerns Co-Director Alexandra Sotereanos said. "We don't need or want a vote."

The student leaders proposed several plans to determine what part these groups should play in the new government.

USG President Chris Saunders proposed the formation of a congress that would consist of delegates from the special interest groups and ESAC. This would allow for more interaction and communication among organizations, he said, adding this congress would not be like the existing senate.

Saunders said it would not be another "USAB/ESAC/USEC/We Suck," referring to the many names the council has had.

Another suggestion was to have a popularly elected senate with 15 non-voting members consisting of representatives from special interest groups. This would provide the groups with a voice on senate, but no final vote, Town Senator Josh Bokee said.

The current officers have more than a month before USG elections to implement a new structure, but some believe that is not enough time.

Student leaders discussed postponing this year's elections. But USG would have to change its constitution in order to delay the elections and that would take at least two weeks, said Scott Payne, Association of Residence Hall Students president.

However, Saunders said he does not think it will happen. "I don't think it will be necessary," he said. "I would not want to do it."

The special interest group leaders will meet this week to form goals and determine their desired position in the new government.