Jones: censure not expulsion
Rep. Earl Jones of Guilford County has carried through with his promise to offer a censure alternative. He is introducing it now.
Jones called expulsion a "serious, extreme" punishment. "It is not practical, just or fair to do so given the present circumstances," Jones said.
Jones argued, among other things, pointed out there is a court case ongoing and that Wright could be found not guilty. "If Rep. Wright is exonerated by the courts, is it fair or justice," for the House to expell him.
He further argued that expulsion disenfranchises voters in Wright's district.
Rep. Rick Glaizer, chairman of the ethics, disagrees.
"I don't know how we argue...how we tell the public that $180,000 is censure. You've got to do $250,000 before we expell you," Glaizer said, referring to the amount on money that Wright is said to have pocketed but not reported to the Board of Elections.
Jones came back to debate a second time.
"We shouldn't just be expelling members without a higher standard than clear and convincing evidence," Jones said. He continued later, "Beyond a reasonable doubt, is that too much to ask."
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