Editorial: The lessons of Mark Rozzi's short-lived speakership

Mark Rozzi says he accomplished what he wanted as Pennsylvania’s speaker of the House of Representatives.

That would be the two votes he oversaw last week, getting the House to pass its half of legislation that could lead to child sex abuse victims — like Rozzi — having a window of legal opportunity during which they could hold individuals or organizations responsible.

One of those bills passed could go to the voters to change the constitution. The other would sunset after two years, covering the period before that constitutional change could occur.

Let’s be clear: So far, the vote is a piece moved on a game board. It is not law yet. It needs to get passed by the Senate before that happens, and there’s never any guarantee something will happen when you throw it in front of more politicians.

That means what Rozzi said was his “top priority” and the one thing he wanted to get done as speaker is not done.

Still, on Tuesday, with just these twin bills moved along in the process, not even two months after being elected as a Republican-endorsed Democrat with hope of bringing the House together, Rozzi bowed out. The Berks County legislator resigned, paving the way for Rep. Joanna McClinton, D-Philadelphia, to become the first woman to hold the gavel.

Rozzi’s tenure outlasted that of Gerardus Wynkoop, who served just four days as speaker in 1786. He didn’t hold on as long as Robert Smith of Franklin County, who was elected Dec.  7, 1813, and resigned Feb. 14, 1814.

It is unfortunate that after being elected six times, Rozzi had only one thing that mattered enough to him to hold onto the gavel. His resignation came shortly after he told Spotlight PA he hoped his legacy would be an effort to give more lawmakers an opportunity to really participate in shaping legislation regardless of party or rank.

This is the kind of thing that could change how legislators representing people from every corner of Pennsylvania could have influence, whether their party is in charge or not or whether their representative has power or not.

But Rozzi resigned.

This is no indictment of McClinton, who is a force in her party and was advanced as its choice for leader before three Allegheny County special elections cemented the Democratic majority. That crucial month when the GOP held its power made a middle-ground candidate like Rozzi necessary.

The lack of accomplishment over two months until last week, however, does show why he stepped down. Having a single priority is good focus for one issue. It is not, however, how to govern.

But if McClinton can take a lesson from Rozzi’s stint, it should be about the importance of both sides working together and letting everyone participate in the process.