Legislators and the Law

It was recently a bad week for a couple of Arkansas legislators. It was a better week for the rule of law.

First came the publicity over a vehicle chase by a sheriff’s deputy of state Sen. Bruce Holland, R-Greenwood, who was accused of ignoring the deputy behind him and driving at speeds up to 110 miles per hour.

The Perry County sheriff’s deputy let Holland go with only a talking-to because the law officer mistakenly though state legislators had legal immunity during legislative sessions. This though the deputy said Holland not only drove too fast, he ignored the deputy and his flashing blue lights and passed cars illegally, endangering himself and others.

Holland, who did allow that he was driving too fast but denied fleeing, released a statement saying, “No one is above the law, and I take responsibility for my actions.” He later apologized to his fellow senators and received a standing ovation.

We don’t quite understand the standing ovation for doing the right thing, or at least coming close to doing the right thing long after the fact. But we appreciate the “no one is above the law” sentiment, though it remains to be seen just how sincere Holland is about getting right with the law now that he has been charged not only with careless driving but with fleeing and improper passing.

On the same day that the Perry County sheriff announced the charges against Holland, another state legislator resigned his post after being convicted of felony theft.

State Rep. Fred Smith, D-West Memphis, was found guilty by a circuit judge in Chicot County of theft of property delivered by mistake. The Division of Legislative Audit found that the Dermott School District had issued a duplicate payment of $29,250 to a nonprofit headed by Smith and that both payments were cashed.

Although Smith maintains he’s innocent, “respectfully” disagreed with the ruling and said he plans to appeal, he did his constituents and the state a favor by promptly submitting his resignation from the House.

Arkansans are as forgiving a people as any, but we don’t much care for those who think they’re “better than,” and we certainly don’t hold with anyone who considers himself above the law.