Cecil L. Simmons
Cecil L. Simmons | |
|---|---|
Simmons in 1988 | |
| 1st Speaker pro tempore of the Mississippi House of Representatives | |
| In office January 14, 1987 – January 1992 | |
| Preceded by | Buddie Newman (non-permanent) |
| Succeeded by | Robert G. Clark Jr. |
| Member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from the 37th (1984–1992) district 39th (1980–1984) 23rd (1972–1980) | |
| In office January 1972 – September 30, 1998 | |
| Succeeded by | Rob Roberson |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 25, 1946 Macon, Mississippi, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Children | 4 |
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.