Wednesday, John Taylor Willis, a third-year studying business administration and international studies, submitted his resignation from the office of student body treasurer. Willis had been the subject of an impeachment investigation for the last two months, which included charges of abuse of power and neglect of duty.

Here is a recap of Willis’ term in office and the entire impeachment proceedings, and a look ahead at how this will affect Student Government.

Timeline

March 1– Willis is elected student body treasurer with 55.85 percent of the vote over Priya Loganathar, a fourth-year studying biomedical engineering. 

March 30– Willis is sworn into office alongside the other student body officers, Student Body President Jackie Gonzalez, Student Body Vice President Mia Connell, Student Senate President Mitchell Moravec and Student Chief Justice Jess Errico.

Aug. 28– Bill to impeach Willis is filed by Student Senate President Pro Tempore Adam Schmidt, a second-year studying civil engineering, and sponsoring senators Kate Puricz, Gabrielle Dauntain, Samantha Chan and Rebecca Locklin.

The bill cites a charge of abuse of power towards Willis, alleging that his interpersonal interactions with members of Student Government created an unsafe environment in the organization.

The bill also cites a charge of neglect of duty for failing to meet self-imposed deadlines related to the ineligibility list for the Senate Committee on Appropriations.

Aug. 30– Willis responds to charges against him, calls the claims “unfounded” and says that he believes “transparent and constructive discourse” would be more effective than an “illegitimate impeachment bill.”

Aug. 31– The Willis Impeachment Act passes first reading in Student Senate, is assigned to the Committee on Government Relations and Oversight, chaired by Sen. Ryan Dunn, a second-year studying political science.

Sept. 5– Committee on Government Relations and Oversight (GRO) drops charge of abuse of power and lowers sanction to censure. Debate and vote on charges is done in a closed session, which Technician is removed from without legal reasoning.

Oct. 11– Student Senate President Moravec and GRO Chair Dunn announce that the actions made at the Sept. 5 preliminary hearing have been voided, due to a “continuous breach of parliamentary procedures.” Moravec and Dunn say that a new hearing will be scheduled 48 hours in advance, and the process will start anew.

Nov. 1– Willis resigns via letter emailed to all members of Student Government, citing a desire to refocus on academics and not want to endure more impeachment proceedings.

What’s next?

Per Article 1, Section 14 of the Student Body Constitution, Senate Finance Committee Chair Sean Harrington, a fourth-year studying political science, will serve as acting treasurer until a special election is held, which is required within 30 days of Willis’ resignation.

“I will ensure a smooth transition of my duties to Finance Chair Sean Harrington over the next two weeks, and will be overseeing the appropriations process until such a time that he is ready,” Willis said.

Harrington says that he respects Willis’ decision to resign, and wishes him the best as he moves forward with his academic and extracurricular life.

“Moving forward, I will work dutifully as acting student body treasurer during this period to ensure a smooth transition,” Harrington said. 

Senate President Pro Tempore Schmidt, the corresponding sponsor of the impeachment bill, declined to comment.

“I strongly believe that every student can contribute to and benefit from Student Government, but I respect the wishes of Treasurer Willis to find priorities in other matters of his life and time at NC State,” Student Senate President Moravec said. 

Moravec also affirmed his commitment to ensuring that the transition of power operates smoothly.

“Moving forward, I will review and execute the proper procedures for succession of the office and support a smooth transition to the financial responsibilities of the Senate,” Moravec said. 

Student Body Vice President Mia Connell, a third-year studying sociology, says she was surprised at Willis’ decision to resign.

Student Body President Jackie Gonzalez, a fourth-year studying political science, didn’t respond for comment before the time of publication.