Cecil L. Simmons

Cecil Lamar Simmons (born August 25, 1946) is an American politician, lawyer, and entomologist. He served in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1972 to 1998 and was its first Speaker Pro tempore, serving from 1987 to 1992. Simmons became a leader in House reform and in 1987 led a coalition of House members to curtail the Speaker's powers, creating the position of Speaker pro tempore in the process. He then led opposition to the increasing power of the new speaker Tim Ford.

Early life and career Cecil Lamar Simmons was born on August 25, 1946, in Macon, Mississippi. He was the son of Cloyace Leon and Eula Simmons. He graduated from Noxubee County High School in Macon. He then worked as a beekeeper and entomology consultant. He then won the general election, defeating candidates C. T. Crabtree and L. C. Phillips. During his term, Simmons served on the following committees: Agriculture; Conservation of Water Resources; Game and Fish; and Judiciary "B". During the 1976-1980 term, Simmons served in the following committees: Appropriations; Game & Fish; Judiciary "A"; Public Buildings; and Grounds & Lands. In 1979, Simmons offered an amendment to allow for House members to elect committee members (rather than have them be chosen by the Speaker), but the amendment failed with a 25-88 vote. Also in 1979, Simmons proposed a bill that would end state funding for charity hospitals, referring to them as "fourth-class facilities" providing "fourth-class care".

1979–1984 In August 1979, Simmons ran in the Democratic Primary, this time to represent District 39 (Oktibbeha County). Simmons received 2774 votes, while opponents Joe Mosely and Allen Pugh received 2112 and 774 votes respectively. In the 1980-1984 session, Simmons served in the following committees: Agriculture; Appropriations; Judiciary "A"; Pensions; Social Welfare & Public Health; Public Buildings; and Grounds and Lands.

In February 1980, Simmons sponsored a bill to make the honeybee the state insect of Mississippi. The bill was passed by Governor William Winter on April 1, 1980. Simmons attempted to generate legislative attention towards ending charity hospitals in the state and, when unsuccessful, used his Appropriations Committee status to cut funding for some of them. However, the cutting of funds was ended in June when Speaker C. B. Newman instead created a seven-member committee to study charity hospitals and report back to the House.

In December 1983, at the tail end of the session, Simmons joined Eric Clark and other representatives in a group attempting to curtail the powers of the Speaker of the House. These members, of whom Simmons had served the longest, would propose new rules at the beginning of the 1984 session.

1983–1987 In August 1983, Simmons defeated James M. Ward in the Democratic primary for renomination. Simmons represented the 37th District in this term. On the first day of the 1984 session, Simmons and the legislators were not able to effect the changes in rules. In 1986, two camps began to oppose the extreme power of Speaker Newman: the "House 26" from before, and a group of veteran legislators (led by Ralph Doxey and Mike Nipper) who had originally supported Newman in 1984. This was passed on January 9, 1987 on a 75-45 vote.

1987–1991 Simmons was re-elected to the 37th District for this term. During this term, Simmons successfully endorsed Tim Ford for the position of Speaker, as a "consensus candidate" between the "old guard" and the reformers. Simmons was "almost automatically" elected to the office of Speaker pro tempore. The measures, which would have included the speaker reclaiming control over the Management committee, failed by one vote.

1991–1995 In the August 1991 primaries for this term, Simmons ran for Speaker pro tempore, and "openly endorsed" Ed Perry, who was running against Tim Ford for Speaker. Ford had chosen Robert Clark as his running mate for Speaker pro tempore. and Ford was elected Speaker. In November 1992, Simmons was re-elected for the 37th District for the 1993-1996 term.

In January 1993, the two-term limit on Speakership tenure installed by Simmons was removed by the House on a 76-43 vote. In 1995, Simmons responded by petitioning members to reinstate the term length of the Speaker, citing the Speaker's Expense Fund as an example of how they can be susceptible to corruption.

1996–1998 Simmons was re-elected for the 1996-2000 term, representing the 37th District. During this term, Simmons was the Vice Chairman of the Municipalities Committee. In 1998, Simmons led failed efforts to curtail the expansion of hog farming. In April 1998, Ford announced his candidacy for the office of chancery judge in order to be closer to his family. On November 17, he lost to attorney James "Jimmy" Gore in a runoff election for the position. He was replaced in the House by Republican bed and breakfast owner Rob Roberson.

1998–present After losing the judgeship election, Simmons announced that he would be practicing law and spending more time with his family. Simmons retired from his law practice in 2003.

In July 2003, Simmons announced his candidacy to represent the 15th District in the Mississippi State Senate.

In February 2014, Simmons was honored at a reception recognizing himself, Clark, and J. P. Compretta as the three living former Speakers pro tempore. Their portraits were hung in the House Management Committee meeting room. Once again, Jackson defeated Simmons, with Jackson receiving 60.7% of the vote, and Simmons getting 39.3%.

Personal life Simmons is a Baptist. Simmons married Winnie Sue Haley, a doctor, in 1974. They have four children.