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Allegations of constitutional impropriety in Illinois
By punch bowl | December 11, 2007
On December 4, Brett Kotecki was removed from his position as Treasurer for the Illinois Federation of College Republicans.
Allegations are being made that the removal was unconstitutionally forced through by Federation chair, Patrick Binning and his Exectutive Director Jeremy Rose.
Per the Illinois College Republicans constitution, the removal of an officer requires proof of 1) bad behavior 2) a three-fourths vote of the state board and 3) notice filed with the Federation secretary and state board 4) two weeks prior to the removal meeting.
There are several other things to keep in mind. First, three-fourths vote of the state board is measured by those at the meeting. Second, the state board is made up of chapter chairs and the executive board. Third, Illinois has a five member executive board and 28 member chapters according to its IFCR website, for a total of 32 possible votes on any “official” motion, such as removal. Fourth, the Illinois Constitution requires a quorum of the state board to engage in “official” business, which in this case would require 17 members of the state board.
The first allegation claims that quorum was not met. The claim notes the absence of Brett Kotecki, Secretar Ben Miler, and the 2nd Vice Chair from the meeting; and doubts that a sufficient number of chairs were present so as to overcome the quorum problem presented by the absence of three executive board members. Interestingly, the 1st Vice Chair abstained, meaning that the only executive board member to vote for removal was Mr. Binning.
The second and stronger allegation (constitutionally speaking) is that Mr. Binning did not properly notify the secretary of the removal. Ben Miller, the secretary claims that no notification was ever filed with him. Unlike the previous allegation, this is confirmed.
Irrespective of its constitutionality, Kotecki was removed from office and replaced by Binning ally, the chapter chair of Northern Illinois University. Mr. Binning goes to school at Northern Illinois.
When I attempted to get a reponse from Mr. Binning for the allegations that are being made, he refused to comprehensively respond via email, but instead sent this statement –
I appreciate the opportunity to comment on this matter, however I will only due so via phone or in person due to the fact that I refuse to perpetuate commentary that only proves divisive. I would also like to clarify the fact that I did invite Punch Bowl to call me or engage in a conference call as well on the issue. He/She declined, citing the fact they would like to protect their anomynity, which I totally understand. If anyone has any questions they may call me directly
Commentary made through email is divisive, but commentary over the phone isn’t?
The subject matter and your alleged behavior is what is divisive Mr. Binning, not the mode in which I wish to discuss it.
Topics: CR gossip |
December 12th, 2007 at 2:31 am
From Binning:
Last night, With a 9-0-1 vote, Mr. Kotecki was removed and Meagan Szydlowski from Northern Illinois University will be taking over as our new Treasurer.
9-0-1 meaning only 10 were in attendance? I think this confirms your first statement about quorum.
December 12th, 2007 at 2:44 am
I have a question for Mr. Binning. If your own Secretary has a question, like “Why did you try to remove an officer after I explicitly told you that what you were doing was unconstitutional?”
- then why won’t you answer HIS calls? Just wondering.
December 12th, 2007 at 1:36 pm
Patrick Binning should be impeached.
December 12th, 2007 at 4:52 pm
I don’t blame him for not wanting to be interviewed by an anonymous coward who cannot be held accountable for their actions or words. Stop hiding in your mommy’s basement behind a computer and more people will have a desire to talk and interact withy ou. Smart move on Binning’s part to ignore you.
December 13th, 2007 at 4:06 am
I find it interesting that nobody is bringing up the reasons for the Treasurer’s removal.
Mr. Kotecki’s removal was in response to allegations of embezzlement and misappropriation of ICRF funds.
These allegations stemmed from several refusals to give Treasurer’s reports, shady financial recording, and a gross over reporting of funds (Upwards of $3,000).
After the over reporting was discovered, Mr. Kotecki made a cash deposit equal to the missing amount, and upon questioning by Mr. Binning refused to state the source of these funds and told him simply, it came from “individuals”.
If the same thing happened in my administration I’d nail the him to the wall. There’s no place in any organization, particularly a student organization, for any malfeasance by those trusted with money.
I agree wholeheartedly with the actions of Mr. Binning and believe his actions to be completely and utterly justified.
Furthermore, I encourage Mr. Binning and the ICRF State Board to fully investigate this matter and report their findings to the appropriate entities to pursue criminal charges.
I’d let him hang. If you couldn’t already tell, I’m not a fan of thieves.
December 13th, 2007 at 7:18 pm
I find it interesting that Ryan Murphy has so much inside information regarding the allegations. It seems like he is always in the mix of drama, most recently in the case against Justin Jordan, which I still consider to be a scheme contrived by both Murphy and Clint Peterson. Murphy is a snake and I trust anything he say to be exact opposite of truth.
December 13th, 2007 at 8:19 pm
The reason that I have information on this issue is that Patrick and I became acquainted at the convention and have formed a friendship since.
I spoke up because this is an injustice and nobody else seems very interested in defending the actions of Mr. Binning. If anyone is guilty of contriving drama, it is the people that have consistently attacked Patrick with ridiculous accusations.
As for Justin Jordan, he announced his intent to resign from office and changed his mind based on conversations he had with Republican leaders here in Texas. I had absolutely nothing to do with that situation, he made both decisions on his own.
I don’t know how you get “snake” from that.