Mathias Named to House Panel to Determine Rep. Derrick Smith’s Punishment

State Rep. Sid Mathias (R-53rd) has been appointed to the bi-partisan House committee that will decide the fate of Chicago Representative Derrick Smith, who is facing federal bribery charges for allegedly trading official favors for campaign cash.

“My recent appointment to the Select Committee on Discipline is an honor and a privilege. The alleged actions of Rep. Smith are disturbing and question his commitment to uphold the oath of office in an ethical and honest manner,” Mathias said in a statement.

Last week, a Special House Investigative Committee leveled a charge against Smith, accusing him of abusing the power of his office for personal gain.  

Mathias, of Buffalo Grove, was named by House Republican Leader Tom Cross to serve as member on the Select Committee on Discipline that will determine what punishment, if any, the House should now impose.

“The allegations against Rep. Smith are yet another strike against Illinois’ already tarnished public image in the wake of Rod Blagojevich’s large-scale public corruption scandal,” Mathias said. “I look forward to serving as the voice of Illinois’ concerned citizens in the upcoming Committee hearings.”

On March 13, Rep. Derrick Smith (10th District) was arrested on a federal bribery charge following an undercover investigation by the FBI. According to the charge, Smith allegedly accepted a $7,000 cash bribe to write an official letter of support for a daycare center that he believed was seeking a state grant. 

According to Mathias, the House will need to be called back into session to vote on the Committee on Discipline’s recommendation.   

The Committee is responsible for recommending a reprimand, a censure, expulsion from the House, or that no penalty is invoked. A resolution finding a member at fault regarding a charge may be adopted by a vote of 71 or more members. An expulsion resolution requires a vote of 79 or more members.

— Submitted by the office of Sid Mathias