JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Phillip Britt resigned his seat in the House of Representatives last month to become a drug court commissioner for Dunklin and Stoddard counties.

Britt's resignation was effective Aug. 1, the day he started his new job. He informed Gov. Bob Holden of his decision to leave early in a letter dated July 22. However, Britt, D-Kennett, made no public announcement of his departure. Staffers in the House communications office were unaware Britt had resigned when contacted late Thursday afternoon.

Didn't want publicity

Britt was appointed drug court commissioner by the judges of the 35th Judicial Circuit, which covers Dunklin and Stoddard counties. He said he didn't make his resignation from the legislature widely known out of a desire to avoid publicity.

Drug courts have been established in some Missouri circuits as an alternative for dealing with nonviolent drug offenders. Such courts allow participants to avoid prison time by seeking treatment and submitting to strict judicial supervision.

"As far I am concerned, it is the only thing that works for some of these folks that keep coming in and out of the legal system," Britt said.

Drug court proponents say studies show participants are much less likely to offend again after successfully completing the program.

While not technically judges, commissioners wield the same authority as a circuit judges, though such judges must sign off on the decisions of commissioners. Commissioners earn $96,000 a year, the same as associate circuit court judges. Britt earned $31,351 annually as a state representative.

Britt, 32, was an assistant prosecuting attorney in Dunklin County prior to being elected to his first two-year House term in 1998. He was re-elected in 2000. Britt decided in March not to seek a third term.

The 163rd District, which includes portions of Butler, Dunklin and Stoddard counties, will likely remain without representation until January, when Britt's term would have expired. The governor could call a special election to pick a replacement, but there would be little point since the winner would serve only a few weeks at a time when the legislature is not in session.

Democrat Brent Robinson of Kennett and Republican Otto Bean of Holcomb are seeking to replace Britt.

mpowers@semissourian.com

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