Ed: For the interest of our readers, the Sun Star is reprinting Regent Jim Hayes' April 27 letter of resignation, unedited.

Dear Governor Palin:

I resign as a Regent of the University of Alaska, effective immediately.

My decision to resign has not come easily. I firmly believe that I am innocent of the charges against me; in addition, I am presumed in law to be innocent of those charges until, if ever, I am found to be guilty of them.

Furthermore, no one has said, even recently, that throughout my tenure as a Regent I have not well served the interests of the University. To the contrary, the Alaska Commission on Postsecondary Education, at its April 12, 2007, meeting, adopted a Resolution of Appreciation for my strong support and contributions while serving as a member of the Commission as a representative of the University of Alaska's Board of Regents. So I have long thought that I had no good reason to resign.

However, as I have continued to reflect upon whether to resign, I have continued to reflect upon whether to resign, I have concluded that these reasons no longer warrant my continuing to serve as a Regent. In reaching my decision, I have considered your request for my resignation. I respect that request.

Other reasons, as well, have led to my decision. I have great respect for the University and its vital mission of educating Alaska's youth. I do not wish to be a distraction to that effort or to the work of other Regents. In addition, I have found that my need to care for my wife and to prepare my defense of the charges against me do not permit me to devote as much time to my duties as is necessary for me to continue to fulfill my responsibilities as a Regent.

I thank Senate President Lyda Green, Senator Bettye Davis, Senator Joe Thomas, and the Senate Majority for allowing me time to reflect upon my decision. Their thoughtfulness has enabled me to voluntarily choose the right path, free of statutory impeachment proceedings.

I appreciate the opportunity to have served as a Regent in guiding the University through critical times, and I wish you well in the challenges you face in leading this great State.