Wagoner Calls for Hayes Impeachment
Resolution Directs House to Begin Trial

Juneau – Sen. Tom Wagoner, R-Kenai, will introduce a resolution Monday directing the State House to begin an impeachment trial to remove indicted University of Alaska Regent James C. Hayes.

“I thought long and hard before I decided to go through with the resolution to impeach Regent Hayes. I have met the gentleman, I have served with him on the postsecondary commission, I like him as a person, but when the university is put in the position that they have a regent who has been indicted by the federal government, I think that casts a pall over the whole Board of Regents and the university administration,” Sen. Wagoner said.

The resolution refers the matter to the House of Representatives for a trial on impeachment for the removal of Mr. Hayes from the University of Alaska Board of Regents.

The resolution states that the Senate finds by clear and convincing evidence that Mr. Hayes has committed an impeachable offense by his unauthorized use of the University of Alaska Seal to secure funding for his personal benefit and use, and by being unable or unwilling to carry out his duties to the University of Alaska as demonstrated by his past and continuing absences from the meetings of the Board of Regents.

A federal grand jury in Anchorage has indicted Mr. Hayes on multiple counts of theft, conspiracy and money laundering, charging that Mr. Hayes and his wife improperly diverted $825,000 from federal grants that were supposed to go to LOVE Social Services Center.

Hayes’ 8-year appointment to the Board of Regents expires in 2011, and he has stated he intends to serve out his term.

“I think the right thing for him to do would be step down. If he isn’t willing to do that, then I am willing to go the last step we have, and that’s an impeachment resolution and start the impeachment process, because nobody should be allowed to sit in a seat when they have this much controversy surrounding them dealing with the Board of Regents. I just don’t think that’s right,” Sen. Wagoner said.

An audio actuality by Sen. Wagoner can be downloaded below:
http://www.aksenateminority.com/media/25/wagoner2007022301a.mp3

Fact Sheet on Hayes Impeachment Resolution
http://www.aksenateminority.com/pdfs/25/factsheet_hayes_resolution.pdf

Original Letter showing State Seal:
http://www.aksenateminority.com/pdfs/25/hayes_letter_20010428.pdf
Copy of Impeachment Resolution:
http://www.aksenateminority.com/pdfs/25/hayes_impeachment_resolution.pdf