Ethics is not about politics

With only five residents there and our PB Post reporter, this was one of the better workshops. The Mayor covered excellent points to either consider or incorporate into Commissioner Jennings' (who was in Maine with 3 feet of snow and joined the meeting via phone) original proposal, giving http://cityethics.org as a reference. Reducing corporate contributions to $200 was discussed along with the reduction of cash to $25.

I remember the first two meetings on Ethics in 2008--one in June and the other in September. Back then it was like pulling teeth for the majority Commission to admit that we even needed an ethics policy. There were a few citizens in the chamber accusing Commissioner Jennings of pushing forward on a policy only because she could not garner enough contributions to beat her opponent. If you recall, Commissioner Jennings raised more money than any candidate in any race in Lake Worth this past November.

In September I stood before the Commission and said that an Ethics Policy was a no brainer—vote it in. They didn’t. The same three said no" to ethics. I went home that night wondering what I had missed.

Some of the things on my mind are--

It is essential that we bring back trust in government. For Palm Beach County to be known as the most corrupt county in the nation, is a distinction for which we all should feel shame. Lake Worth can rise above the rest.

Staff must listen to their bosses, ultimately the Commission, and not continue to place stumbling blocks to progress by following what they believe to be the right course and undermining Commissioners and the will of the people who elected them.

Board members need to remember that they represent the best interests of the residents and should be reprimanded for public outbursts as well as negative commentary against citizens. Good behavior and courtesy is essential. They should not be working against elected officials. Even a housewife's opinion is important.

We need to stop the “City Secrets” privilege that has permeated throughout City Hall. All information must be disclosed, other than attorney client privilege, and in a timely fashion.

We need to end the abuse of no-bid contracts.

Ban the free lunch. No political gifts or donations allowed from lobbyists, contractors or those doing business or want to do business with our City. Lobbyists must register. Full disclosure is imperative.

Elected officials should be cognizant that they are in place to promote the will of the people and not their own special interests.

Follow the laws of the land and ordinances of this City. Stop political favors. Stop giving variances to everyone who is a special friend.

Give government back to the people. Lake Worth can and must raise the bar.

Ethics is not about politics. It’s all about what’s right and what’s wrong and applies to all.