“This is not the Speaker’s house. This is not his property. Anyone who falls below the belt, it behooves members of this house to remove him or ask him to step aside,” Hon. Anthony F. Williams, Representative, District #2, Maryland County
Representative Anthony F. Williams of Maryland County has weighed in on the growing debate surrounding the leadership of House Speaker Richard N. Koon, cautioning him against personalizing the legislature while underscoring accountability and due process within the House.
Speaking to reporters, Rep. Williams emphasized that the Legislature belongs to the people, not to any single individual, and that members have a collective responsibility to act if a presiding officer violates legislative norms or ethical standards.
He further stated: “Anybody who falls below the belt in terms of legislative proceedings or requirements obviously it behoove the members to ask him to step aside,” Rep. Williams noted, pointing to established procedures that guide the conduct of lawmakers and leaders alike.
However, Williams was quick to clarify that calls for the Speaker’s removal must be grounded in clear and convincing evidence, not speculation or political maneuvering.
“No, no, the speaker is performing. I don’t want him out. Until it is providing beyond a reason doubt that this speaker has fallen below the belt we will remove him,” Rep. Williams asserted, signaling that he currently sees no sufficient basis for ousting the Speaker.
Addressing demands from some quarters for the Speaker to recuse himself, Williams acknowledged their concerns but stressed that confidence in the Speaker’s leadership still exists among a segment of the House.
“Those who are asking the speaker to recuse himself have their justification. As we speak, the speaker still enjoys the confidence of some of us,” he indicated.
The comments come amid heightened political tension within the House of Representatives, as lawmakers grapple with questions of leadership, ethics, and institutional integrity.
While the debate continues, Rep. Williams’ remarks suggest that any move to remove the Speaker will depend not on rhetoric, but on verifiable proof and adherence to legislative process.
