Alderman To Indicted State Rep: Go To Work Or Resign

By Chuck Sudo in News on Apr 10, 2012 8:20PM

28th Ward Ald. Jason Ervin (left) and State Rep. Derrick Smith

The piling on indicted State Rep. Derrick Smith continues as another influential politician has called for him to resign, at least temporarily, if he can't do his job as a result of the charges levied against him.

The office of Ald. Jason Ervin (28th) sent a press release to media asking for Smith to get back to work or resign on a temporary basis, saying that Smith has missed nearly 150 votes since he was arrested and charged in March with accepting a bribe.

From the press release:

"This conduct deprives residents of the 28th Ward, who live in the 10th District, of a voice in the House of Representatives when the State of Illinois is contemplating cuts of billions of dollars. These cuts, as proposed, will have a detrimental impact on the residents of the 28th Ward, who live in the District, and to not be represented is a travesty. While I understand Rep. Smith has a right to due process and to defend himself, he does not have a right to stay home, not represent the 10th District, and collect a paycheck. It is a disservice to the residents of the 28th Ward, who live in the District."

Ervin, by the way, is one of the Democratic committeemen who can help nominate a replacement for Smith, should he resign from the Illinois House. Ervin told the Sun-Times he isn't trying to pressure Smith to resign. "It’s not about him stepping down. It’s about him going to work. Do one or the other. But to stay at home, collect a check and do nothing is not acceptable.”