Legislator apologizes for any “consternation” he may have caused
Thanks for the item in Sunday’s Dispatch; I do agree to keeping leaders of the Legislature and state offices, as well as local offices, accountable.
In an interview with Emily Wagster of the AP in reference to a cloning bill introduced by me (on the first day of the session) I should have taken more time; your criticism is well taken.
I have researched the matter and I was emailed a request last year to “pre-file” legislation many weeks before the session was set to open. The requestor was one of the two people I told Ms. Wagster about, but honestly wasn’t sure of at the time.
I had not even proofread the bill and immediately said I did not sponsor same; I was wrong. Emily showed me the newly assigned legislation.
It was natural for me to be asked, and this is not the first time I have been asked. In 2006, as then chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I worked on and we passed such legislation to the Senate. I am very familiar with the legislation, but other than the requestor (who is a physician and former member of the House and Judiciary Committee), there had been no hue or cry from the pro-life groups to enact such legislation this year. However, I was asked to introduce the legislation, as I said, via email last fall.
As legislators we should keep up with legislation we sponsor, and I take full blame for same. I will admit as chairman of one of the two ranking committees in the House of Representatives, I am asked and also required to author or sponsor hundreds of bills each year.
I take full responsibility for this faux pas, and if I need to explain this matter in any more detail to you or any one I will be more than glad to, and apologize for any consternation I may have caused by this.
Jeffrey C. “Jeff” Smith
Columbus
Smith (R) represents House District 39 in the Legislature. He is chair of the Ways and Means committee.
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 36 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.