Mario,

Ethics commissions around the country save state governments money, help to institutionalize ethical behavior and give citizens a critical outlet to hold power accountable.

Unfortunately, my friend, you would have folks believe just the opposite.

Educating public officials, state employees and government contractors at the front-end about legal prohibitions, as well as ethical gray areas, would spare New Mexicans the cost of investigations on the back-end. But, if a complaint were to warrant an investigation, the commission would have the power to subpoena both witnesses and records.

Yes, Mario, a cost savings and a mechanism (the commission would readily accept public complaints) to get citizens involved.

Finally, I believe the people of Ohio would beg to differ with your “crutch” characterization.

A few years ago, the Ohio Ethics Commission played an integral role in unraveling the infamous coingate case. The scandal, which implicated then Governor Bob Taft, marked the first time a sitting Ohio governor was charged with a crime while still in office.

I just cannot imagine an ethics commission being anything but a net good for New Mexico.
Matt Brix | 05.07.08 - 11:08 am | #

We can shine a spot light on them?
We can even demand justice?

Are you kidding?
ched macquigg | 05.08.08 - 10:23 pm | #