FILIBUSTERING - Alderman Irene Smith charged with public urination

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Alderman Irene Smith charged with urinating in a public place

08/14/2001 05:00 PM

Alderman Irene Smith today was charged with urinating in a public place for an incident that occurred last month during a meeting of the Board of Aldermen.

City Counselor Patricia A. Hageman issued the charge, a violation of the city code that carries a maximum fine of $500 and the possibility of up to 90 days in jail.

The incident took place July 17 as Smith filibustered against a redistricting bill.

The presiding officer ruled that Smith would yield the floor if she left to use a restroom. Friends of Smith surrounded her with a quilt, sheet and tablecloth as she appeared to urinate. Smith has refused to say whether she actually did.

The incident drew nationwide attention. Smith, D-1st Ward, initially was issued a citation until Hageman could determine whether to carry the issue further. Now that the charge has been issued, Smith will be arraigned in city court, where she once served as chief judge, and a trial date will be set, Hageman said.

Calling the misdemeanor ``very bogus,'' Smith said she was eager to see how the city satisfies its burden of proving she did anything wrong -- when no one knows specifically whether she actually urinated.

``I don't know what they're charging me with since no one knows what I did,'' she said, refusing to clarify her actions the day in question. ``Why would I say what happened? I'm entitled to a trial, and we will have our day in court.''

In her statement, Hageman said: "I can only emphasize that, at this stage of the proceeding, this was a routine determination of whether probable cause exists to issue the charge. While the alleged actions of Ms. Smith unfortunately have commanded widespread media attention, I cannot comment further regarding a pending matter."

The Associated Press contributed information for this story.

-- Anonymous, August 14, 2001

Answers

I can see it now...

From the same company that brought you "I Just Crapped In My Pants", we now have "FillerBusters!", a revolutionary new bladder-control brief for the busy politician on the go--or the politician too busy to go. No inconvenient potty breaks--no embare-assing trashcan episodes--just smile, relax and fill 'er up.

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001


she sure got someone pissed...

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

I'm picturing a June Allyson commercial now--no longer is she at an easel with a paintbrush in her hand, nor hugging children or relatives. No, she's making a political speech, a beatific smile on her face. And, of course, Big K's slogans on the voiceover!

-- Anonymous, August 15, 2001

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