Independents suffer impeachment threat

In the wake of fierce infighting within the YPU's Independent Party (IP), IP board members convened a special impeachment hearing in the Saybrook Common Room on Wed., Nov. 5 to consider removing party Chairman Michael Frazer, DC '00. In a surprise turn of events, Frazer voluntarily resigned after his opponents dropped their impeachment drive.

The impeachment hearing came after a similar effort last week led to the resignation of YPU President David Perlstein, BK '98. Frazer supporters claimed that Perlstein instigated the anti-Frazer movement to exact revenge because the Chairman had not supported Perlstein, who formerly led the Independent Party. Those seeking to impeach Frazer charged him with slandering party elders, sexually harassing female party members, and performing poorly across the board.

Frazer dismissed the charges against him, describing them solely as acts of politcal revenge. "All particular incidents which are said to constitute offenses `occurred' months ago," he said. "These charges are only being brought now because I threatened what matters most to David Perlstein--his resume."

Some IP members disagreed. "Contrary to popular belief, I think that the impeachment of Frazer around the time of Perlstein's resignation is mere coincidence," one board member said. "David Perlstein is interested in the greater good of the party and the union.... In no way do I see this as Perlstein's revenge."

As part of a deal arranged to swap Frazer's resignation for an end to the impeachment drive, the party chairman's opponents publicly stated that they retracted their accusations. "I believe he's innocent of all charges. I urge you not to impeach," party member Andrew Diamond, CC '99, said.

The sudden turn of events inspired a wide range of reactions among party members. Louis Tompros, SM '00, expressed disappointment that Frazer had faced charges. "Frazer has constantly been an outspoken and energetic chairman," Tompros said. "The charges of misconduct and sexual harassment were added [by Frazer's opponents]...simply to make an excuse for impeachment."

Others were pleased with Frazer's removal, but unhappy with Diamond's retraction of charges against Frazer. Candace Rand, BK '98, who had accused Frazer of making sexually suggestive comments about her, said that "I think what happened at the impeachment was disgusting." She stood by the validity of her charges against Frazer, and stated that after the hearing, "I finally got an apology for the remarks from Michael, which I accept."

Frazer will say only that he has "always treated all members of the IP, male and female alike, with the utmost respect."

Despite the lingering dissension, Diamond is confident that the IP is now in sound condition. "I believe that Michael's resignation was the best thing for the party.... It is evident to me that the IP is a strong, unified organization that is now ready and able to move forward," he said.

Likewise, new YPU president Peter Norman, CC '00, expressed confidence that the recent party instability would not harm the union as a whole. "In the short term, the PU is in very good shape," Norman, who is eligible to run for re-election next month, said.

Party of the Right Chairman Christopher Thacker, DC '98, agreed. "I do not believe the overall stability of the YPU is in question at this time," he said. Pointing to the recent visit of former California Governor Jerry Brown, Thacker added that "even in the midst of the impeachment the union continued to operate in such a way as to fulfill all its obligations and to maintain an impressive slate of events."

Despite the confidence of the Political Union's establishment leaders, party members expressed fears that the reputation of the YPU has suffered from the constant infighting. "If Frazer is impeached, I would guess the IP would lose about a quarter of its current membership," Tompros said before the hearing. "In a political sense, simply none of the other parties will be able to maintain any respect for the IP."

Divisions within the IP were evident as Frazer ended his tenure. "Given the malice in the party, I don't think I can lead," he said. "I don't think the IP or the YPU will ever be the same."

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