As a 17-year dean of the Kenai Peninsula Community College, and alum of the University of Alaska (master's degree in administration from UAA), I take great pride in the university system we have today.

As you can see the University of Alaska has played a major role in my life, so it was with great reluctance that I came to the conclusion an impeachment is the final step the Legislature has with regards to Regent James Hayes.

The delegation that drafted the Alaska Constitution knew that the university was, as it still is, an important part of this state. They also found the Board of Regents for the university to be such a distinguished body they made specific provisions for them in the constitution.

Many great citizens of Alaska have served as regents to the university, and it is a shame that there is currently one with a cloud over his head. Using the official university seal and status as a city mayor to help secure funds for an organization that a person has direct personal and financial ties to is a severe misuse of public trust.

I introduced Senate Resolution 3 after much consternation. I held back for a month before introducing the resolution, hoping that Regent Hayes would do the right thing and resign. Several people have talked to Jim Hayes asking him to resign, but it is clear he does not intend to. The only option we, as a Legislature, have is to start the impeachment process.

A multiple count federal indictment and a drastic drop in attendance of board meetings certainly raises the question of whether Jim Hayes should keep his seat on the Board of Regents. The impeachment process is the tool the Legislature has for situations like this.

The Senate should hold hearings on Senate Resolution 3; the impeachment of Regent Hayes needs to be discussed.

If, after holding hearings, we find this is not enough to base an impeachment on, I will stop pushing the resolution, but not until then.

If I were under indictment, I would want to focus all of my attention on my defense, as I am sure Mr. Hayes is going to do.

If all of his attention is on his defense, he cannot be a truly effective regent. He should want the board to operate with top quality members. Having a member with less than 50 percent attendance since January 2006 (he missed four of nine full board meetings in 2006 and both so far in 2007) is not benefiting the board or the university.

I am still hoping that Regent James Hayes will step down from his seat and let someone step up that can give it their all.