A special legislative committee continues to weigh the future of state Representative Jeff Wood in the Assembly.
Representative Joan Ballweg is serving on the Committee on Ethics and Standards of Conduct, which deciding whether to recommend the expulsion of Wood (I-Chippewa Falls) for repeated alleged drunken and drugged driving incidents over the last year. Wood has been arrested three times for suspected intoxication while behind the wheel.
Ballweg says one of the most damning aspects of the evidence against the lawmaker is that it was other drivers who notified law enforcement officers about Wood’s erratic driving.
The Republican lawmaker from Markesan says early next month they will give Wood a chance to address the charges against him. Wood has been given until January 5th to respond.
Ballweg says that, unlike prosecutors, they weigh the evidence in regards to whether Wood is representing his constituents in a fit manner.
The committee will make a recommendation on whether Wood should be expelled from the Assembly, censured, or reprimanded before the beginning of the Assembly’s January 19th floor session.
Wood was on the Assembly floor on Wednesday, where he voted in favor of legislation to toughen penalties for repeat drunk drivers.
AUDIO: Rep. Joan Ballweg (:15)