SGA President-Elect responds to election controversy

Student Government President-Elect Ashley Epperson released a statement earlier today in response to the disqualification of her former running mate Christian Hill.

While she did not delve into specifics for Hill’s disqualification, she asked the student body to stand with her and the new administration as they head into the new academic year.

“I am more than confident that I will be the Student Government Association President that our campus called for and deserved. Nothing changes but the position on the badge I will wear,” said Epperson, in a prepared email statement sent to The Signal.

According to the SGA’s election bylaws, candidates for now-vacant executive vice president will be chosen by the president-elect, who will go before a Senate confirmation committee (formed by the Pro Tempore, who has yet to be elected) to be interviewed  prior to the candidate being introduced to the Senate for a three-fifths confirmation vote.

Here’s the full transcript of Epperson’s statement:

First and foremost, I would like to say thank you to the Student Body for participating in the recent Student Government Association elections. This year I have witnessed more students ask questions and demand more from potential Student Government Candidates than ever before. When I ran for office, one of the things I promised along with the same principals of Team Impact was to be transparent if elected, so here we go.

My running-mate Christian Hill’s disqualification surprised everyone including myself. For the record, the 2012-2013 Student Code of Conduct Section IV, Letter G on page 39 protects the Privacy of Student Records under Federal Law, so I do not know nor am at liberty to comment on his disqualification; however, I fully respect any individual’s private life and personal matters. With that being stated, it is a personal matter and this situation in no way affects me or my capabilities to assume the duties of Executive Vice President, which includes being able to fulfill the duties of President in cases where the President is no longer able to meet those obligations.

I am more than confident that I will be the Student Government Association President that our campus called for and deserved. Nothing changes but the position on the badge I will wear. I only ask that that Georgia State Student Body can stand with me and the newly elected officers in Student Government Association as we head into the next academic school year. Thank you for your support.

Members of the election committee, along with SGA adviser Darryl Holloman were unable to be reached for comments on the vetting process for SGA elections.