Rep. Skindell's Statement on the Arrest and Arraignment of Ohio House Speaker

COLUMBUS- Today, State Representative Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) issued the following statement on the federal corruptions charges brought against Speaker Larry Householder on July 21, 2020:

"Yesterday’s arrest and arraignment of Larry Householder, Speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives, on federal corruption charges is deeply disturbing.

While, in America, all persons are innocent until adjudicated guilty, the allegations of public corruption outlined in the federal indictment are serious and shakes the public’s trust in government institutions.  Our citizens expect that the public servants they elect will not use their office for political and individual gain, but will perform their duties in a manner which, as our preamble to our federal Constitution states, ‘to promote the general welfare.’ 

The detailed allegations of corruption, bribery and money laundering with the goal of benefiting a few individuals and corporations at the expense of everyone else undermine the principles upon which our nation was founded.  Whether the corruption is actual or perceived, the confidence and trust of our citizens have been subverted.  Trust can only be restored through our Judiciary by delivering justice in the criminal matter before the court and through our Executive and Legislature by reversing the outcome of the actual or perceived corruption and taking steps to prevent abuses in the future.

I, therefore, call upon Speaker Householder to resign immediately to begin the process of restoring trust and so that the Legislature can continue to conduct the people’s business without interruption."