There is no greater good than good government
Thursday, December 20th, 2007
By Chris Fitzsimon
By Tom Campbell December 20, 2007 12:15 am
2007 is ending much as it began, with stories of corruption, abuse of power, unethical dealings and indictments from within our legislature. The lack of disdain and disgust from within the ranks of both members and leaders of the legislature leads one to question whether or not that body really understands the severity of the problems within their ranks or the huge loss of confidence among those whom they serve. The public needs to know lawmakers both understand and disapprove of the things that have been revealed.
To his credit, Speaker Joe Hackney is showing signs of recognition, even though coming late to the party. The 2006 ethics reforms passed by the legislature were a good first step, but weren’t followed by other significant steps. In fact, we were told legislators were weary of all the fuss over ethics and had no appetite to do more.
Representative Thomas Wright’s six-count indictment is clear proof more reforms are needed. There is some evidence that more indictments of present and former members will be forthcoming, resulting in even more disgrace to our state and our legislature.
There are lessons to be learned from these sad revelations. The first is that we must set clear and high standards for what is acceptable conduct from those who would serve the public. Perhaps we have all thought these standards of conduct understood by all. We now know that isn’t the case. So if we are to judge right and wrong we must spell out clearly what is and isn’t allowable and tolerable. (more…)
Last 5 posts in Daily News
- For College-Bound, New Barriers to Entry - December 3rd, 2008
- Where’s Mike? Easley’s ’business trip’ is a mystery - December 3rd, 2008
- Taylor hosting annual Christmas dinner - December 3rd, 2008
- Rookies get their General Assembly bearings - December 3rd, 2008
- Mental hospital deemed unsafe - December 3rd, 2008
Email This Post
Print This Post
