Ethics Reform 3/11/04
Local media has been reporting on the attempt of various governments to reform ethics laws. New Jersey has long been the butt of jokes on this subject, and we have the names to support many a punch line. People at all levels of government have been accused and convicted of everything from accepting bribes to sexual misconduct.
In their eagerness to curb the abuse of civil service positions, several politicians have initiated ideas and proposed legislation intended to minimize the opportunity for corruption.
Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Handlin is attempting to tighten controls on travel spending at the county level by freezing the current travel budget. Ms. Handlin wants the county administrator to be ultimately accountable for the approval of all travel expenses. Logic dictates that by monitoring this budget more closely, Monmouth County will save tax dollars.
Other municipalities, such as Holmdel, have enacted laws to limit campaign contributions from professionals seeking contracts from the township. While this may seem like a good idea on the surface, it limits Holmdel to a two party system.
In order to mount a successful run for office, a candidate must budget at least ten thousand dollars to cover expenses related to the campaign. Newspaper ads, bumper stickers, signs, fliers, pizza parties for the volunteers, and an election-night party all add up to big bucks, win or lose. Republicans and Democrats can usually count on support from their respective party. Where does that leave an independent candidate?
Without the ability to solicit financial support from those most willing to donate, not many people would be able to spend that much of their own money. A third party candidate does not stand much of a chance.
Holmdel Committeeman Terrance Wall is offering a plan to utilize a bidding process for professional services to the township. Mr. Wall is watching out for his community, and I applaud his efforts to minimize the opportunity for “pay-for-play”. However, I believe the plan needs further consideration and debate, before it becomes law.
Bidding is fine for a tangible project like construction or road repair. Professional services, which include legal, financial and engineering, are an entirely different matter.
Mr. Wall’s proposed ordinance might stop the highest campaign contributor from securing a professional contract. It might stop a committeeperson’s tennis partner from even wanting a professional contract. The proposal stops short of legally binding the township committee to hire only professionals that are willing to take the least amount of compensation for his or her services.
An important function of a township committee is to hire professionals that offer the most experience, backed by the most appropriate resources, at the most reasonable and competitive price. What is the point of legislating an already established responsibility?
Mr. Wall and Ms. Handlin are advancing ideas that value honesty and accountability. Unfortunately, there will always be government officials who corrupt the power bestowed upon them by his or her constituents.
Voters are responsible for exposing politicians who take advantage of public resources to serve their own interests. Voters are also responsible for electing politicians who take advantage of public resources to serve the community.
Local political parties are responsible for supporting candidates who exhibit accountability, as well as elect-ability.
World history has shown us that it is futile and impossible to legislate every aspect of human behavior. It is constructive and practical for taxpayers to monitor and question our governments. It is essential for us to demand honesty and accountability from our politicians, regardless of what the law allows.
Just as gun laws fail to stop criminals from using illegal firearms, if no one is watching the store, thieves make out like bandits.
In their eagerness to curb the abuse of civil service positions, several politicians have initiated ideas and proposed legislation intended to minimize the opportunity for corruption.
Monmouth County Freeholder Amy Handlin is attempting to tighten controls on travel spending at the county level by freezing the current travel budget. Ms. Handlin wants the county administrator to be ultimately accountable for the approval of all travel expenses. Logic dictates that by monitoring this budget more closely, Monmouth County will save tax dollars.
Other municipalities, such as Holmdel, have enacted laws to limit campaign contributions from professionals seeking contracts from the township. While this may seem like a good idea on the surface, it limits Holmdel to a two party system.
In order to mount a successful run for office, a candidate must budget at least ten thousand dollars to cover expenses related to the campaign. Newspaper ads, bumper stickers, signs, fliers, pizza parties for the volunteers, and an election-night party all add up to big bucks, win or lose. Republicans and Democrats can usually count on support from their respective party. Where does that leave an independent candidate?
Without the ability to solicit financial support from those most willing to donate, not many people would be able to spend that much of their own money. A third party candidate does not stand much of a chance.
Holmdel Committeeman Terrance Wall is offering a plan to utilize a bidding process for professional services to the township. Mr. Wall is watching out for his community, and I applaud his efforts to minimize the opportunity for “pay-for-play”. However, I believe the plan needs further consideration and debate, before it becomes law.
Bidding is fine for a tangible project like construction or road repair. Professional services, which include legal, financial and engineering, are an entirely different matter.
Mr. Wall’s proposed ordinance might stop the highest campaign contributor from securing a professional contract. It might stop a committeeperson’s tennis partner from even wanting a professional contract. The proposal stops short of legally binding the township committee to hire only professionals that are willing to take the least amount of compensation for his or her services.
An important function of a township committee is to hire professionals that offer the most experience, backed by the most appropriate resources, at the most reasonable and competitive price. What is the point of legislating an already established responsibility?
Mr. Wall and Ms. Handlin are advancing ideas that value honesty and accountability. Unfortunately, there will always be government officials who corrupt the power bestowed upon them by his or her constituents.
Voters are responsible for exposing politicians who take advantage of public resources to serve their own interests. Voters are also responsible for electing politicians who take advantage of public resources to serve the community.
Local political parties are responsible for supporting candidates who exhibit accountability, as well as elect-ability.
World history has shown us that it is futile and impossible to legislate every aspect of human behavior. It is constructive and practical for taxpayers to monitor and question our governments. It is essential for us to demand honesty and accountability from our politicians, regardless of what the law allows.
Just as gun laws fail to stop criminals from using illegal firearms, if no one is watching the store, thieves make out like bandits.
posted by Rich Kohler at 7:47 AM
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