Earlier, today I posted this story from a Press Release and contacted Martin Daniel’s campaign for a response. I received the following statement from DaNoel this evening.
I have met and spoken with Gerald Spencer several times. It seems to me that Mr. Spencer is primarily seeking legal advice. I understand and sympathize with Mr. Spencer’s anger and frustration, but I cannot give him legal advice. I am a licensed attorney, but I do not practice law.
In an attempt to assist him, I referred Mr. Spencer to an attorney, who, for unknown reasons, could not take his case. I spoke with Mr.Spencer again today, and he said that he was simply frustrated and was looking for someone to help him.
I told Mr. Spencer that I understand he is facing a difficult situation and that we should try to alter the law next session. Toward that end, I suggested that we should meet this Fall to devise a plan, and that he would be welcome next year to speak to the relevant legislative committee in person.
I wish I could do more, and sooner, but the abilities of a state representative when out of session are limited. Mr. Spencer agreed to meet with me in the Fall to discuss what we can do in the legislature to provide Worker Compensation remedies to persons in a position similar to him.
In preparation for the 2017-2018 session, I look forward to working with Mr. Spencer.
Finally, I note that the changes to the Worker Compensation laws of which Mr. Spencer complains, primarily the limitation of attorney fees, occurred while my opponent, Mr. Hall, held the 18th District seat. He voted affirmatively for those changes.
