With such huge amounts of money being spent by "The Government" at all levels; it raises the question of motives for those who vote for, or against a project or a proposal. As Suffolk moves into even higher levels of growth and spending than seen in the past, it begs the question of just how these decisions are made and for who's benefit? Other communities have noted problems, and Suffolk has heard many local rumors, but what are the facts? Who is paying for what and is it having any influence? The following is of some interest on the subject and may even be of some application to our own situation here in Suffolk:
Dallas City Council Approves Ethics Measures To Increase Transparency.
The Dallas Morning News (11/10, Bush) reports, "The Dallas City Council passed its most sweeping ethics changes in nearly a decade Monday in an attempt to clear a cloud that spread over City Hall with the corruption conviction of former Mayor Pro Tem Don Hill." The four measures, which "passed with little opposition," are "intended to bring more transparency to City Hall, particularly in development deals and the big money that comes with them." The ethics package would require "people who make or spend more than $200 to influence city officials...to register as lobbyists," with some exceptions, along with a number of other lobbying rules. The package will also require two council members "to second any motion on a significant zoning case before it can be brought for a vote of the full council," and require all council members to "disclose all gifts greater than $50 and any gifts with a total worth of more than $100 from a single source."
With a strong interest in accountability, transparency, and Open Government defined by our first ever "Elected Mayor"; now is the time to look at how confidence can be maintained in what is done on Market Street by both the Administration and our Elected Officials. There is a council code of ethics, but does it go far enough? I believe it does not, and should be strengthened. More disclosure must be demanded and I strongly support a reporting standard similar to that adopted by Dallas. Specifically, those who give money and gifts beyond a certain level to Suffolk decision makers, must register as lobbyists, which is what they are... Then we all know what is what and who is who... What do you think? Any problems going on under the present system?
Roger A. Leonard, MPA
Suffolk...
4 comments:
IS had a chance to address the clear, transparent side of gubmit at the local level and chose to ignore the same issues with Sheriff Issacs.Some where in Suffolk an idiot is missing the point.Isnt hypocricy just grand?
Interesting idea, but who will vote for it? Surely not the group we have in charge now. When the party is going full blast and you are getting your share, why stop the party?
Could we expect to see a statesman step forward?
City leaders have ignored and defeated the city charter.
This means that they will do whatever they want, without the slightest regard for the city charter,the tax payers or ethics.
Look up ethics and you will find no mention of Suffolk in the dictionary at all. Suffolk has become about making money with your public service, no serving the community. Just look at who makes the big deals and who pads their own pockets and you will find the answer to how Suffolk works, or better yet how Suffolk works for those in control. There is no amount to small not to seel you all out for! Ethical service is dead in Suffolk, at least at the top of our government! Just look to see and all will be shown.
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