page two/the journal/october 10,1972
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Patterson resigns
To the students:
On Moixlay, October 2, I discussed with members of the
Presidential Cabinet my decision to step down from the position
of Student Body President. The decision was prompted by many
circumstances, and it is my hope that in this letter I might share
the rationale tor my resignation.
Having performed the job of President since July, 1971, I
have been involved in many things on campus which took quite a
bit of time. During the last year most of my time was spent in
Student Government, with very little time devoted to academics.
Asa result, I could not carry a full load of studies.
This year, in order to graduate in May, I was required to take
the equivalent of 21 hours of study for the fall and spring
semesters.
I could not do an adequate job as President of the Student
Government and also do well in academics. It was my decision to
make room for someone with more time so that they could do
the job that students need for an effective Student Government.
The Vice-President, Roland Gentry, Is very capable of filling
the Presidential job and I have faith that he can serve the student
body in this position. I feel that under Roland's leadership
Student Government can continue and exparxl services to the
student body, as well as speak for the students in dealing with
other campus agencies.
I have regrets about resigning as President of the Student
Body Government, because it has been enjoyable and I am
thankful for the chance that you have given me. My attitude
toward Student Government is one of hope, because I think that
students involved at UNCC are involved because they really want
to serve students. I fully support those that are now in office and
I appreciate the support that you have given me in the past year.
Student Body President Stan
Patterson tendered his resignation
before a meeting of tbe newly
formed Presidential Cabinet last
Monday night. Citing academic
difficulties and his fervent wish to
graduate as th'e reason, Patterson
asked those present to give his
successor. Vice President Roland
Gentry, their fullest cooperation.
After the announcement of his
resignation, discussion centered
on who would ascend to the
office of Vice President since
according to the constitution
upon the vacancy of the office of
President, the Vice President
becomes President and an election
is held for the office of Vice
President.
Patterson told the Legislature
committee chairmen present that
since they were the people that
made the Legislature function
that it would be in the best
interests of students if they did
not run for the vacant office.
He said that he felt that he is
leaving behind an enduring
structure and the strength of
Student Government does not lie
with one person as had formerly
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been the case.
Patterson left the meeting early
and went down to eat at
Herlocker's. The Cabinet
remained behind to discuss the
ramifications of his resignation
and speculate on who would be
running for Vice President.
Possible candidates for the
office include Boone Wayson,
Chairman of the Finance
Committee, "Fish" Foster,
Chairman of the Rules Committee
and Richard Butterfield,
Chairman of the Judicial
Committee.
Johnson disqualified
Sincerely,
Stan Pottersen
The Elections Committee has
ruled that Kenny Johnson, the
first ballot winner of the Senior
Class Presidency is ineligible to
hold the office. During the
election it was discovered, by
means that Johnson has charged
was illegal, that he has only 85
hours. Ninety hours are necessary
to be a senior and a candidate.
Marty Beam, chairman of the
committee, notified Mr. Johnson
on Tuesday, October 3 that he
would be ineligible to run in the
run-off election that was
seemingly to be held for that
office. Since then it has been
discovered that several write-in
candidates who got votes were
also ineligible for the office,
leaving Johnson with a majority
of the votes cast and a first ballot
victory.
Johnson, piqued by the
proceedings, has said that he will
take the issue to the Student
Superior Court.
Beam is standing by the
Committee's ruling that Johnson
is Ineligible. The Constitution
specifically states that a carxfidate
for a position on the Student
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Legislature must be a member of
the constituency which he will be
representing. Also the Committee
has the right to investigate the
standing of all candidates in order
to determine their qualification
for the office they are seeking.
Johnson has charged that the
investigation was not done by a
member of the Elections
Committee and was done too late.
He also maintains that since he
will be graduating in May, he
should be allowed to hold the
office.