Flaw in the Student Government

PLYMOUTH, N.H. – On Sunday, April 18, student body treasurer, Tricia Gaul was brought up on impeachment charges which, according to student body vice president, Maya Blanchette, were “interpretations” of formal charges. They were later dropped after the discovery of flaws in the impeachment process. Charges brought against Gaul were made because she, according to Blanchette, missed meetings, one of which being an allocations meeting.The charges were brought in an effort to prove that student senate is an active organization, and all members were to meet their responsibilities. “This is about members of our organization attempting to exercise their elected right to hold another member accountable for their performance,” stated student body president, Matt Wilhelm.According Wilhelm there is a “certain level of professionalism and follow through by which student senators and notably the members of the executive board are expected to perform.”All charges against Gaul have been dropped because there was not enough time left in the semester for a hearing, which would have been held Sunday, April 25. As a result Gaul has been suspended, and is unable to attend the Senate banquet.According to Wilhelm, “feelings were hurt in the process” and the biggest disappointment in the whole process was that Gaul did not have the opportunity to have a hearing, and to come to understand “the real charges were not personal, but rather her execution of her role as a member of the Student Senate’s Executive Board.” Blanchette stated “senate was responsible in a way” for the impeachment because the process is vague. She wanted it to be clear that only two student senators brought the charges against Gaul.One of the goals for next year’s student senate might be looking over the process of impeachment and amending the flaws.”The process for impeachment is vague,” said Wilhelm. “We’ve asked the 2004-2005 senate to review the procedures outlined in the constitution and bylaws so the organization doesn’t encounter this or this kind of situation.”In hindsight, Blanchette stated that she did not believe the impeachment process was necessary. “She [Gaul] did a really good job on the budget.” Blanchette also attributes Gaul’s absences to personal issues and not lack of responsibility.Tricia Gaul’s comments concerning this issue were not made in time for publication.