Seton, Redmond Call for Burton's Resignation

The past president and vice president of the Undergraduate Council called on Saturday for the resignation of Vice President John A. Burton '01, citing his alleged theft of campaign resources from a student group office.

The Bisexual, Gay, Lesbian, Transgender and Supporters' Alliance (BGLTSA) has accused Burton of taking, without permission, upwards of 100 pin-on buttons from its office to use for his campaign and that of his running mate Fentrice D. Driskell '01.

Former council President Noah Z. Seton '00, whose term ended January 10, said he stayed out of the controversy until now out of fear that he would handicap Driskell and Burton's nascent administration.

"I have been careful not to interfere because I wanted Fentrice and John to get off to a great start without getting in the way," he said. "However, as the unfortunate incidents have multiplied, I have come to the conclusion that John should resign the vice-presidency for the good of the council and the student body."

Seton endorsed one of Burton's opponents, Nehal S. Patel '02, in this year's vice-presidential elections.

But former Vice President Kamil E. Redmond '00, who endorsed Burton in the vice-presidential elections, is joining Seton, her former running mate, in calling for Burton's resignation.

Redmond said she felt the continuing scandals that have surrounded Burton are eroding the council's legitimacy.

"I think it's ridiculous that the vice president-elect should already have had such a negative interaction with a student group," she said. "What I've heard of his actions is just unbelievable."

While many council members still support Burton, Redmond and Seton join a growing number who are calling for him to resign. Last Monday, David B. Orr '01, another former supporter of Burton's, also asked for Burton's resignation.

But Burton attributed the recent defections to misunderstandings perpetuated by The Crimson, not a lack of confidence in Burton.

"My guess is that The Crimson coverage has been so bad that [Seton and Redmond and Orr] are afraid that it will reflect poorly on the council," he said.

Burton has previously told The Crimson that "it could be the end of the world" and he would not resign, and he said this latest setback would not change that.

"I don't feel affected. I'm just as strong and as capable as I was before," he said. "I'm not going to need Noah and Kamil to be vice president."

Driskell, who has long avowed she will stand by Burton, said she respectfully disagreed with Seton and Redmond's call for his resignation.

"I think that these are two former executives that know the workings of the council better than any ordinary member, so maybe their opinions are valid," she said. "At the same time, I disagree with them, and I support my partner."

Driskell said the time to question the election's legitimacy had passed and that the council should move on.

Redmond said she thought the Election Commission should re-convene to examine the case, a move which council Parliamentarian John P. Marshall '01 said would require a majority of council members.

According to Seton, any 10 council representatives could also bring a bill before the council to forcibly remove another representative or officer.

However, Burton still has his supporters on council.

Alexander A. Boni-Saenz '01, who worked for the Driskell-Burton campaign, said he felt Burton's resignation would accomplish nothing.

"Those alleging serious campaign violations will not be satisfied until both Fentrice and John are removed. Their interest is in getting their own candidate in there, which, at this point, is not going to happen," he wrote in an e-mail message. "We should move on and get to work."

And Stephen N. Smith '02, who endorsed Burton and Driskell in this year's presidential campaign, echoed the sentiments of many council members in saying he didn't know enough about the controversy to make a decision on the matter.