BREAKING: Webley Resigns From The UA, For Real This Time

The former king of the jungle finally rears his head in resignation.

To recap, Alec Webley, the former UA Chair, sort of resigned last week, but then reclaimed his seat. Tonight, he sent an email to the UA officially declaring his resignation once and for all.  We reported that last week's events went down with an incendiary tone, but in tonight's letter, Webley claims the DPizzle (and us, we assume) blew things up a little. Anyway, he said everyone (including him) makes mistakes and we're forgiven. Thx, Weblz.

In the letter, Webley says his reasons for finally peacing out are three-fold: 1) he claims the new UA President Matt Amalfitano and Co. don't need or want him around anymore, 2) his successors will hold it down just fine and have a better learning experience, and 3) "There is more to college than student government, and in the one year remaining to me I’d like to sample more of the opportunities that college provides." Ya don't say! We'll see you at Smoke's, Alec.

Of course, we wouldn't expect any less in a signature:

Alec Webley The Last Chairman of the Undergraduate Assembly Notorious Ginger Free man

The letter in full, after the jump.

My dear Mr. Speaker:

I wish to communicate to you my respectful resignation from my seat on the Undergraduate Assembly, effective immediately.

To begin, let me be emphatically clear: this resignation should in no way be construed as criticism of any of the new UA Executive, especially GJ Melendez-Torres. To GJ: I’m glad you won; I think you’ll do a marvelous job; and I think, with perspective, you were the right man for it.

Before I discuss my reasons, I wish to set the record straight on the matter of the false allegations published by the DP in regards to my conduct during the Transition Meeting. The only true statements – as reflected in the text of the articles once one peels away the sensationalizing – are that I left the room and did so handing you, Mr. Speaker, a preliminary letter of resignation. The remainder of the DP’s account is quite simply not true. I regret that my actions gave rise to this kind of scurrility, but everyone makes mistakes – Lord knows I did – and so there, I hope, the matter can rest.

There is not much to say about my decision, but I will attempt to summarize the reasons here as briefly as I can. I have, in short, three reasons for submitting this letter.

First, discussions with Matt, the new Executive Board and UA members have made it clear to me that there is no place for me on the new UA Body. I say this without rancor: it is a testament to the extraordinary talent of our leadership and our Body that I can say that I have little left to contribute – save only experience, which dates itself with a speed matched only by the speed with which its expression becomes irritating. I have a few projects left to tidy up, but none of these require me to remain a member of the UA.

Second, I am convinced that my successors, should I leave, would not only do an equally good job on the UA but would personally gain more from it than I would. Jake Shuster, who would take my place on the University Council, has already distinguished himself in that forum by asking incisive and insightful questions and ought to be provided with the opportunity to do so again. Emerson Brooking, who would take my UA seat, is not only one of the most passionate and dedicated members of student government I have ever met but brings a record of real achievement to his position, including reviving the UA’s free legal services for students unable to afford legal advice. He deserved re-election and he will do an excellent job on the UA. Both of these individuals also deserve the leadership opportunities it has been my good fortune to enjoy.

Third, I am ready to explore other parts of my college experience. I have worked in student government for three years almost continuously. Last year, as UA Chairman, I spent roughly 60 hours a week doing UA-related work. I had little time for anything else – whether that was going out, exploring Philadelphia, doing schoolwork, or simply spending time with my friends. There is more to college than student government, and in the one year remaining to me I’d like to sample more of the opportunities that college provides.

I do, however, need to make an apology. I apologize to the 700 undergraduates who voted for me and who will be deprived of my (questionably effective) service this coming year. To these people, I can only say that Emerson Brooking and Jake Shuster will serve with distinction this year. Rest assured, moreover, that the projects that I promised to execute will get done, if not by me then by the talented members of the UA. I will also continue to facilitate a smooth and thorough transition this semester and into the summer.

Finally, I want to extend my sincere thanks to the very many friends, in high places and low, who have come to help me through the last very difficult month. It is wisely said that it is in times of adversity, not prosperity, that we learn who our true friends are, and your support has moved me beyond description. I hope that this move creates an opportunity for me to get to know all of you better outside of the confines of University policy-making!

It has been my pleasure and privilege to serve the student body these past three years. Thank you to everyone who believed in me.

I remain, sir, very sincerely yours,

Alec Webley The Last Chairman of the Undergraduate Assembly Notorious Ginger Free man