CCSG solves differences

By KARA McCONNELL
Collegian Staff Writer

A sigh of relief was heard as members of the Council of Commonwealth Student Governments left an emergency meeting Saturday in the HUB.

The problems that plagued the organization since the failed impeachment of former CCSG President John Baer last November came to an end when the council impeached Baer and Charles Stevens, CCSG vice president.

Jon-Michael Roman, former chief of staff, will take over as president and Mike D'Ausilio, former activities director, will be vice president.

"There has been a loss of respect for CCSG," Roman said. "But now there is closure and we can move forward again."

The meeting was open to all representatives from Penn State Commonwealth campuses and colleges, and all but two were in attendance. The representatives came to University Park ready to discuss problems and solutions concerning CCSG, and most of the meeting was run without Baer, Stevens or the central staff.

The council did invite Baer and Stevens into the meeting for a question and answer session, doing the same for the central staff.

All staff members, including those who did not return to CCSG at the beginning of this semester, were invited to the meeting and given the chance to voice their opinions.

"I couldn't work under ineffective leadership," said Tony Miller, 1997-98 CCSG vice president and a former central staff member. Miller added he had done all he could for CCSG as vice president.

The majority of the council's concerns were addressed by representatives from Penn State Fayette, whose Student Government Association had spent the week compiling a progress report on Baer and Stevens' platform goals for CCSG.

The progress report focused on Baer and Stevens' goals prior to the CCSG election, many of which council members believe went unfulfilled.

Some of the biggest concerns were lack of communication between Baer and Stevens with campuses, Baer's withdrawal from the university and the displaced focus on issues concerning CCSG.

Commenting on his withdrawal and his "resignation," Baer said he never resigned as president. "I was told that I wasn't president anymore."

As for his withdrawal, he said he medically withdrew and immediately re-enrolled in the same visit to the Office of the Registrar.

In the end, Baer and Stevens weren't holding grudges against CCSG.

"I have no ill will toward Jon-Mike (Roman) or the central staff," Baer said, adding he wants to continue working for the organization in other ways.

Stevens, who spent four years with CCSG, wasn't shocked by the decision. "It's the end of a chapter," he said.

Roman and D'Ausilio, who acted as president and vice president at Penn State Hazleton, said they hope their previous working relationship will be a strength and a catalyst in getting CCSG back on its feet.