Much like an episode of Law and Order, our very own Student Government Association set up a courtroom on Wednesday, Oct. 4, to hold the first impeachment trial in KSU history.
Gilbert Fernandez, director of external affairs, stood before the SGA with his defense. Having been alerted to his impending trial the Monday two days prior, he had little time to prepare a well-rounded defense.
His prosecutor, Jami Bouges, faced the same time-pressed issue. The senator for arch and construction management stood across from Fernandez, both awaiting their first trial.
Fernandez was accused of a severe lack of communication and failure to report a quantifiable amount of progress made since this past July. After several officers brought it to the SGA committee’s attention, a vote was held that resulted in Wednesday’s trial.
Bouges’ opening statements highlighted a lack of communication and quantifiable accomplishments. Fernandez countered with the intention to disprove any lack of communication while explaining current progress was difficult due to political interference: his committee’s main project, Greek housing, had been pushed back until after the elections.
Bouges’ first witness yielded little progress for either side. The second witness, Vice President Ryan Delaney, brought a testimony that increased the tension within the room. Under Bouges’ questioning, Delaney mentioned a lack of communication on Fernandez’ part. Quick with his retort, Fernandez and Delaney began a series of questioning that led to a debate over responsibility and some conflicting answers.
Among those answers was the disagreement on meeting times. While Fernandez claimed that the two had agreed on meeting every other Friday, the vice president had a different answer. While stating he had no memory of this agreement, he also stated he had other responsibilities every Friday that kept him occupied from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m., making Fridays nearly inaccessible.
Fernandez’ first witness testimony was brief. His second witness, however, aided the prosecution more than the defense. Bouges’ questions brought to light the lack of SGA-centered activities held by Fernandez.
The final witness, Senator Gargiulo, presented a strong case for Fernandez. While working under him, she had been exposed to a number of SGA-related activities brought about at non-SGA centered events. She also mentioned she had brought several ideas to Gilbert that couldn’t be carried out until late November or December, making quantifying progress at the present time difficult.
After brief closing statements that summarized each side’s case, a ten minute deliberation among the SGA was held. Several SGA members spoke up against Fernandez, while others spoke out against the lack of warnings about his failures. The final statement made before the vote reminded the members that impeachment was a drastic move. They were encouraged to think seriously on the things Fernandez had and had not done and to decide whether impeachment was the answer.
The majority belief was that Fernandez should not be voted out of office. Fernandez was given his judgement and a visible wave of relief washed over his face.
“I feel like I represented my dedication and accomplishments well,” Fernandez said.
Bouges felt slightly different about the outcome.
“I had no emotional investment in the case. I have no interaction with Director Fernandez outside of SGA, so I remain indifferent to the decision. I do wish Director Fernandez the best, though.”
