 House of Delegates Speaker Bob Kiss has removed Education Committee Chairman Jerry Mezzatesta (left) from his powerful position in the West Virginia Legislature.
Kiss says ongoing investigations into Mezzatesta's conduct are having an impact on Mezzatesta and the education committee staff.
There are currently four investigations taking place into Mezzatesta's conduct as education committee chairman and his work for the Hampshire County school system.
The state Ethics Commission has re-opened a probe; House Speaker Bob Kiss has asked legislative attorneys to investigate a controversial letter written by Mezzatesta.
The legislature's Committee on Special Investigations has obtained computer hard drives from Mezzatesta's office and the Kanawha County prosecutor is looking into an allegation of false swearing.
Mezzatesta was taken to a Hampshire County hospital last weekend suffering from chest pains. He says he needs time to heal, going into "seclusion" for at least 30 days, out of state.
The Lincoln County Board of Education voted unanimously Monday night to send Kiss a letter asking him to remove Mezzatesta.
The Fayette County school board voted 3-2 Monday not to send a letter. School boards in Braxton, Monroe and Kanawha counties have already sent letters.
SPEAKER BOB KISS' STATEMENT:
Delegate Jerry Mezzatesta will no longer serve as House Education Chairman, House Speaker Bob Kiss announced today.
This action is based upon an evaluation of the effects of the events of the last several months upon the operations of the Education Committee and staff in the performance of their functions, a review of the ongoing House investigation, and the effects upon Delegate Mezzatesta and the time he requires to defend himself from the allegations, Kiss said.
"The current investigation undertaken by the House of Delegates is going to be time consuming," he added. "This action is necessary to allow for the expeditious, thorough and focused completion of the investigation; to allow the Education Committee staff members to concentrate on their important duties and functions; and to allow Delegate Mezzatesta the necessary time to concentrate on defending himself against the allegations.
"Since the Legislature is not currently in session and the Education Committee will not meet until January 2005, I will consult with members of the House leadership as to whether it is necessary to appoint a new chair or merely allow the vice chairman and Education Committee staff to see to the administration of committee functions between now and next January, when a new Legislature is seated," the speaker said.
Speaker Kiss previously initiated the House investigation, which is being conducted by House Finance and Judiciary attorneys and aided by internal and external personnel. Once the investigation is complete some time in September, the findings will be made public.
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