Rep. Wood: Helping No One By Staying Put

Wisconsin state Rep. Jeff Wood inarguably has a substance abuse problem, and his constituents deserve better.

Instead of resigning, as so many lawmakers have suggested, Wood has resorted to playing the blame game. In order to convince members of the Ethics Committee that are discussing his expulsion not to expel him, Wood took the time to write a resolution citing all of the Wisconsin legislators who have been charged with crimes, yet were not expelled. He adds that the state constitution enables lawmakers to expel other lawmakers only if their behavior occurred during official duties on the legislative floor or during committee hearings. He also argues he is being treated differently because he is an Independent.

These excuses made by Wood demonstrate he is unwilling to take the blame for his irresponsible and life-threatening decisions. Although his arrests never occurred while on the job, it would be extremely unlikely that his substance abuse did not affect his work. Furthermore, it has some how failed to dawn on Wood that he is likely being treated differently due to the legislature's recent revamping of drunken-driving legislation. Wisconsin lawmakers have gone to great lengths to curb acceptance of Wisconsin's binge drinking culture, and ignoring Wood's crimes would not only be hypocritical, but also counterproductive.

Representative Wood is clearly unable to do adequately do his job. Members of Wisconsin's 67th Assembly District deserve a candidate who is coherent and responsible, two things Rep. Wood is not. Rather than continue to drag out the expulsion process that began in October, Rep. Wood should bow out gracefully and continue his treatment. Rep. Wood cannot help the 67th Assembly District if he cannot help himself.