Hopefully Lessons Have Been Learned: January 26, 2005
The circumstances that led to the allegations and investigation of our Attorney General are unfortunate. I think the investigation by Mr. Bundy was appropriate. Hopefully, lessons have been learned by all concerned.
The matter of trust of public officials is more important than the technicalities and wording of ethics statutes. While no statute can make a person ethical, properly constructed laws can – and should – make officials accountable.
Based on the Bundy investigation, I will support legislation that specifically sets a dollar amount of an investment above which would be a “significant” conflict of interest. Several states use minimum dollar amounts ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. I would recommend $10,000.
Additionally, I would recommend that any person who violates a conflict of interest law that spurs an investigation, be required to reimburse the state for the cost of the investigation, in addition to any other fines imposed by an administrative or judicial process.
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