By Rob Moritz
Arkansas News Bureau
LITTLE ROCK — Long-time House Parliamentarian Tim Massanelli, who stepped down earlier this month for personal reasons, could be back on the job in time for next year’s fiscal session, the House speaker said Thursday.
Massanelli, 78, of Pine Bluff, joined the House staff in 1970 and has served as parliamentarian since 1975. He left his job Nov. 1 to attend to health-related issues that he and his wife face.
House Speaker Robert S. Moore Jr. said he talked with Massanelli Thursday and discussed the possibility of his return to work in time for the fiscal session, which begins Feb. 13.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
“He wants to come back and I want him to come back to be parliamentarian during the fiscal session,” Moore said. “We hope that’s what is going to happen, but he’s got health circumstances with family that he’s focusing on, as would be expected.”
Massanelli did not immediately return a telephone call seeking comment Thursday.
Moore said three other House staff members are filling the parliamentarian’s role in Massanelli’s absence — House Chief of Staff Bill Stovall; Buddy Johnson, who is coordinator of legislative services/assistant parliamentarian; and Kay Donham, assistant chief of staff and special assistant to the speaker.
“It’s a seasoned team that I’m very fortunate to have,” Moore said. “We certainly miss Tim’s expertise and great knowledge, but I’ve got fine folks there that have certainly stepped up and we feel like we’re continuing to take care of the business of the House of Representatives as they relate to the people of the great state of Arkansas.”
Moore said “the door is open” for Massanelli to return when he is ready.
“I want him to come back up here,” Moore said. “I think I speak generally for all the members of the House of Representatives. We all want him to come back up here and if he’s able to work out those family situations he will be here because I can tell you unequivocally he would like to be back up here.”