|
grows; should
be mandatory
The fiasco surrounding the lobbying efforts of mostly out-of-state lottery companies as they sought the favor of North Carolina legislators was so unsavory it may cause wholesale changes in the way lobbying is conducted.
Let’s hope so.
A small but growing number of legislators are becoming members of what they’re calling the “no gifts club.” Members of the “no-gifts club” declare that they’ll no longer accept dinners, trips, basketball tickets, etc., from lobbyists who clamber to spend time and money with legislators hoping to secure favors in the General Assembly.
House Speaker Jim Black recently became a member of the club, even though he’s been under scrutiny for his role in the lottery episode.
We’d like to see other legislators, including members of our local legislative delegation, join this unofficial club.
Lobbying isn’t all bad and is part of the political process. It’s how many legislators stay informed and how many voices are heard -- often for good causes that benefit the public greatly.
When gifts are attached, however, legislators may feel pressure to side with the biggest gift givers. That’s when legislators fail the public.
The General Assembly is expected to tackle ethics and lobbying issues when it gets back in session. Making the “no gifts club” mandatory would be an excellent place to start.