Should a lawmaker be able to sponsor and pass legislation that funnels money into his own company or a company he works for? Should a Council member be able to commit public money when it directly benefits himself?
If the public were aware of where the elected official earned his money it may change how many laws are created and how they affect the citizens they serve.
Recently in Greenville County when an “ethics” rule appeared to have been violated by appointees serving on Boards and Commissions, the County Council considered removing the ethics rule that prohibited appointed positions from directly benefiting from public money they spent. The reasoning behind the consideration was based on the fact that the ethics rule did not apply to elected members of County Council. I found this rather twisted as it applies to ethical standards of elected officials. It exposed the fact that Council members can currently benefit from contracts that they have the authority to approve.
Although I do not believe I have a right to know how much income elected officials receive from any private employment or consulting they may earn, I do believe citizens have a right to know where conflicts of interest may arise. It is my understanding that the issue of applying higher ethics requirements to those elected to office may be discussed in an upcoming meeting. I plan to address the issue and find out what the opposition to income source disclosure could be.
