I am writing today in reference to an article that was run earlier this week about dropped charges on my record for possession of fake identification. While I am upset that after a long and successful career in the Student Senate this issue is only being brought up now during election season, I wanted to take the time to address many of the claims made in the article.
First and foremost, I want to take responsibility for my actions back in 2013 and apologize for the fact they now have taken the focus away from the issues really impacting students. As an 18-year-old freshman new to UF, I made a mistake. I knew better than to have possession of a fake ID. I would also like to point out I have always acknowledged these charges happened and were dropped. Going through the process of making sure my charges were dropped was an important learning experience and was an experience I shared with many of my peers so they would not make the same mistake. The charges being dropped, however, is what led to my confusion when I was confronted by a reporter from this paper saying I had charges on my record.
I walked away from that experience fully confident in my abilities to represent my constituents in the UF Senate and continue to do so to this day. I am excited for the opportunity to serve another term and hope this small indiscretion does not shake your confidence in me. I find it unfortunate that dropped charges from years past are deemed newsworthy while leaders have lost focus of the real issues affecting students every day. It’s these issues I fight for as a student senator and, with your vote, it’s these issues I will continue to fight for as a senator in District C.
Sincerely,
Octavious Buiey
District C Senator
c02@sg.ufl.edu
