Husband Of Democrat State Senator Put On Administrative Leave At UND
The University of North Dakota has placed Gerald Groenwold, the Director of the Energy and Environmental Research Center, on administrative leave.
Groenwold is the husband of Democrat State Senator Connie Triplett. Accordign to Grand Forks Herald reporter John Hageman, Senator Triplett is saying she and her husband don’t know the reason behind the suspension.
UND puts EERC director on admin leave: http://t.co/k5M67iG8cO Wife of Gerald Groenewald, State Rep Connie Triplett, says they don't know why
— John Hageman (@jhageman_) May 5, 2014
So far UND is mum on the reason for the suspension as well.
It’s been a rough year for Senator Triplett.
Last May, Senator Triplett was reprimanded by the North Dakota Supreme Court for stiffing a client, something Triplett said happened because she was depressed. During the Legislative session last year Senator Triplett was reprimanded for verbally attacking fellow state Senator Margaret Sitte, and forced the Senator chamber to grind to a halt in the middle of a pro-life vote when she stormed out of the Senate chamber without leave.
Earlier this year Senator Triplett berated a state contractor in committee demanding the contractor turn over a draft report about oil impacts.
And then there’s this:
Groenewold pleaded guilty in 2008 to a misdemeanor assault charge for an incident involving his wife, state Sen. Connie Triplett. He was sentenced to one year of probation and ordered to complete 30 hours of community service.
Update: Hageman now reporting that he’s spoken to Groenwold…and he’s not sure why he’s on administrative leave either.
Just talked to Gerald Groenewold, the EERC director who was put on administrative leave. He is still not sure why. Hasn't talked to Kelley
— John Hageman (@jhageman_) May 5, 2014
