Lawmakers are dealing with control issues this session.
We're not talking about an alley fistfight or an extra-marital affair; instead, we refer to a bill to increase the Legislature's control of the Capitol Complex.
Some legislators, however, have not demonstrated they deserve this added control because they place self-interest above responsible stewardship of the statehouse. We refer, specifically, to the House Republicans who continue to exempt the offices they occupy from a smoking ban in state facilities.
A proposal by Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, would transfer oversight of the Capitol Complex from the Board of Public Buildings to a newly created Capitol Complex Committee.
The Board of Public Buildings now is authorized to make decisions - use of space, renovations, security, etc. - for all state facilities. The voting members of the board are three executive office-holders - governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general. The House speaker and Senate president pro tem are non-voting members.
Fitzpatrick's bill would create a new group of three voting members - the governor and the leaders of each legislative chamber - to oversee the Capitol Complex.
Among the 50 states, capitol floor plans are not created equally, relegating lawmakers in some states to occupy office buildings outside the statehouse.
Although Missouri's Capitol is both majestic and expansive, it does not comfortably accommodate the executive and legislative offices now housed within.
Two repeated complaints are insufficient hearing room space and loft offices that do not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
Fitzpatrick has told the News Tribune a motivation for the bill is to relocate some executive branch staff members. He added: "I think it makes a lot of sense to give the two largest tenants of this building a say in how the space is allocated."
If this proposal focused on creating more efficient or effective government, we would be supportive.
But this bill is all about building greater legislative control built on a foundation of arrogance instead of public service. Lawmakers do not own Capitol offices; they simply occupy them during the time they are elected by the people.
As long as they continue to put self above stewardship and service, they have not earned the right to wield additional authority.