Ethical Dilemmas
Unlike some of my colleagues in the political press corps, I’m not cynical when it comes to the Indiana General Assembly. I think the 150 men and women who serve in that body are mostly good and honorable people. However, part of me has to chuckle as some lawmakers give themselves rotator cuff injuries from patting themselves on the back for moving forward with ethics reform.
The latest version to come out of the State Senate would ban lawmakers from lobbying the legislature for a year after they leave office. It also lowers the gift reporting requirement from $100 to $50 and bans elected officials from advertising with money from the General Assembly.
No offense, but none of these measures will really make anyone in the Legislature more or less ethical. In fact, I really did laugh at the proposal to ban elected officials from advertising with state dollars, but lawmakers can still send out legislative surveys and district newsletters with their photos on them.
In addition, steak dinner doesn’t get you a vote. Years of relationships get you a vote. Knowing people, building trust, keeping your word, knowing your issue and never promising what you can’t deliver, those are the tools for successful lobbying.
And let’s look at the one-year limit on lobbying. Let’s say I’m State Senator Shabazz (what a scary thought) and I’m chairman of a major committee. I’ve got lots of contacts and friends in the Legislature and built up a lot of good will. I decide to retire. Do you really think I’m going to sit on my hands for a year. I don’t have to lobby the legislature directly to get rich. I can consult and get rich off of telling people who to talk to. And let’s say I’m having dinner with my former colleagues and they mention a client of mine called to set up a meeting. What do I say? If I say thanks, am I lobbying? Do I pay a penalty?
I understand the need for good government, but the best type of government is open government. And the best way to do that is with full, timely disclosure. But hey, if this makes everyone feel better and we can now say Indiana is a more ethical place, whatever.
