/Burton, Snowden DUI saga One top leader resigns post as another’s future is snarled in uncertainty

Burton, Snowden DUI saga One top leader resigns post as another’s future is snarled in uncertainty

Terry Burton, R-Newton was charged with driving under the influence. He said that he was sorry for the “inability to behave as a person should behave” and that he would resign as Senate second in command. Burton made a short speech to his Senate colleagues and announced that he would finish the year representing District 31 in eastern Mississippi, but not for re-election. He announced that he would be stepping down as Senate president pro-tempore at midnight Tuesday. Burton stated to his Senate colleagues, “You elected me into that position to lead, to do right, to serve dignity and honour.” “This Senate is larger than any individual. It is greater than the successes and failures of any one person.” A Senate member could be elected as pro tem as soon as Wednesday morning. This position is outlined in the state constitution. The Senate’s pro tem is responsible for the management and is the third in line of succession to the gubernatorial office. The 2019 session opened Tuesday with the possibility of Greg Snowden (R-Meridian), and Speaker Pro Tempore Greg Burton, both facing DUI issues. Snowden, who was suspected of driving under the influence by Meridian Municipal Court officers on Nov. 19, pleaded not guilty to refusing a breathalyzer. In December, Speaker Philip Gunn (R-Clinton) confirmed that he had referred this matter to the House Ethics Committee. The controversy was not addressed by Snowden or Gunn on Tuesday. When asked whether the ethics committee would investigate Snowden’s resignation, Rep. Mac Huddleston (R-Pontotoc) and Rep. Angela Cockerham (D-Magnolia) said that they couldn’t comment on the discussions or possible decisions of the committee. Huddleston stated that the issue is not yet ready. Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves asked Burton to resign as pro-tem following his Starkville arrest last month for DUI charges. Burton, 62-year-old, was arrested for DUI in 2016. He has been in the Senate ever since 1992. Burton claimed that he had taken cough syrup and breath spray to treat a scratchy throat. This was a false positive. He pleaded guilty in 2014 to a DUI charge. Burton stated to his Senate colleagues that he needed professional help. The Senate chamber was filled with the sounds of a school chorus as they sang during his speech. Sen. Willie Simmons (D-Cleveland) said, “I have a lot love, admiration, and appreciation for Senator Burton.” “I believe because of the negative image that could be put on this chamber [by the DUI arrest] I think he did the best.” Sen. Joey Fillingane (R-Sumrall) echoed similar sentiments. Fillingane stated, “My respect for his only grows.” Fillingane said that he managed the situation with dignity, grace and professionalism. There are a few possible replacements for Burton: Gray Tollison (R-Oxford), Dean Kirby (R-Pearl), Videt Carmichael (R-Meridian), and Briggs Hopson (R-Vicksburg). Robert Foster, R.Hernando, held a press conference at Republican Party Headquarters in Jackson, where he revealed a farm tour covering 82 counties as part of his newly announced bid for gubernatorial office. He spoke at the event about his campaign platform issues which included expanding vocational and technical training for students and restructuring the funding of infrastructure in the state. He stated that he would pursue health care reform, which includes implementing Medicaid waivers, similar to Indiana’s, to reach the current 200,000-300,000 Mississippians without health insurance. Gov. According to Mississippi Today, Phil Bryant’s office held meetings regarding a similar proposal. “I don’t personally support traditional Medicaid expansion like they have done in other states. But what I do support is looking at waivers as an innovative way to bring health care affordable for the working class Mississippians that are excluded right now.” Mike Tagert, the Northern District state transportation commissioner, announced Tuesday that he will need to run for reelection after two terms. To support this important work, you can make a regular donation to our Spring Member Drive today. Our reporters give a human face to policy’s impact on everyday Mississippians by listening more closely and understanding their communities. To ensure that our work is aligned with the priorities and needs of Mississippians, we are listening to you. Click the button below to let us know what you think. Republish this Story