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Jeffrey Wood (born September 12, 1969 in Juneau, Wisconsin) Is an American Independent and former Republican politician. He was a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly representing the 67th district from 2003 to 2011.[1] He was first elected as a Republican and later was elected as an Independent.
Jeffrey Wood | |
|---|---|
| Member of the Wisconsin State Assembly from the 67th district | |
| In office January 6, 2003 – January 3, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Tom Sykora |
| Succeeded by | Tom Larson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | September 12, 1969 Juneau, Wisconsin, U.S. |
| Political party | Republican (until 2008), Independent (2008–2013) |
| Children | 2 |
| Alma mater | University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire |
| Occupation | Businessman, politician |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Branch/service | United States Navy, United States Navy Reserve |
| Years of service | 1986-1994 |
Wood attended University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire in Eau Claire, Wisconsin. He is married and has two children.
State Assembly
Wood was first elected to the state assembly in 2002, to succeed retiring representative Tom Sykora in the 67th district. In 2008, Wood became the first Independent elected to the Wisconsin legislature since 1932.[2]
Legal troubles
In December 2008 Wood was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving. Following an accident in which his car reportedly became airborne, and marijuana was found in his vehicle, his blood alcohol content was more than double the legal limit.[3]
In September 2009, Wood was arrested again for suspicion of operating while intoxicated (OWI) which was his fourth arrest for driving while intoxicated.[4]
In October 2009, Wood was arrested again in Tomah, Wisconsin for operating while intoxicated and charged with bail jumping.[5] He was convicted on April 19, 2010 of operating while intoxicated and possession of drug paraphernalia and sentenced to 45 days in jail with over $1,600 in fines.[6]
On January 12, 2011, Wood pleaded no contest to a fifth-offense operation charge, a felony, and a misdemeanor bail jumping charge (which was later dropped). He was sentenced to spend nine months in jail, with three years' probation.[7]
Legislative disciplinary votes
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 46 | 4 | 2 | |
| Republican | 2 | 44 | — | |
| Independent | 1 | — | — | |
| Percentage | 50.5% | 49.5% | — | |
| Total votes |  49 |
48 | 2 | |
Following his fourth arrest, State Representative Steve Nass proposed a resolution to expel Wood from the Assembly if he did not resign. Wood responded that he would seek treatment for his substance abuse problem.
Due to Wood's various legal troubles, a special committee was created in October to address and recommend any possible disciplinary measures against him. In deliberating, the committee deadlocked on a party line vote as, according to Democratic representative Mary Hubler, conduct which had occurred prior to the election of a member to the state legislature would not be considered in taking disciplinary actions against a member.[9] Due to the fact that expelling Wood would run contrary to the wishes of his constituents, the amendment to expel him narrowly failed, garnering 49 votes in favor of tabling it, and 48 votes against.[10]
| Party | Yes | No | Not voting | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Democratic | 41 | 9 | 2 | |
| Republican | 32 | 14 | — | |
| Independent | — | 1 | — | |
| Percentage | 75.3% | 24.7% | — | |
| Total votes | 73 |
24 | 2 | |
In response, a new amendment was put forward to censure Wood, instead of expelling him, and the vote passed by a wide margin of 73 votes to 24.[10]
Due to his various DUI offenses, Wood announced he would not seek re-election.[12]
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