      */
     public function set columnWidth(value:Number):void
     {
-        explicitColumnWidth = value;
-
-        if (_columnWidth != value)
-        {
-            setColumnWidth(value);
- 		   	var layoutTarget:GroupBase = target;
-        	if (layoutTarget != null) 
-        	{
-            	layoutTarget.invalidateSize();
-	            layoutTarget.invalidateDisplayList();
-        	}
-        }
-    }
-
-    /**
-     *  Sets the <code>columnWidth</code> property without causing invalidation or 
-     *  setting of <code>explicitColumnWidth</code> which
-     *  permanently locks in the width of the columns.
-     *
-     *  @param value The column width, in pixels.
-     */
-    protected function setColumnWidth(value:Number):void
-    {
+        if (_columnWidth == value)
+            return;
+            
         _columnWidth = value;
-    }    
-
+        invalidateTargetSizeAndDisplayList();
+    }
 
     //----------------------------------
     //  variableColumnWidth

        var maxY:Number = 0;     
        var firstColInView:int = -1;
        var lastColInView:int = -1;
        
        for (var index:int = 0; index < count; index++)
        {

            layoutItem.setActualPosition(x, y);
            var dy:Number = layoutItem.actualSize.y;
            if (!variableColumnWidth)
                layoutItem.setActualSize(cw, dy);

            // Update maxX,Y, first,lastVisibleIndex, and x
            var dx:Number = layoutItem.actualSize.x;
