Reform In Louisiana

I read this editorial in today's T-P and it mentioned some interesting points regarding Jindal's reform package. Here is an excerpt:


The public ought to know the financial interests of officials who shape public policy and spend public resources. That includes local officials, who determine matters ranging from zoning issues to property tax rates and who spend billions of taxpayers' dollars. Judges also should be included, as the governor proposes, since the public should know if judges handle cases in which they have a financial interest.

Just as important is to prevent real or perceived conflicts of interest. Gov. Jindal is appropriately proposing that legislators, their families and businesses be banned from getting state contracts -- whether negotiated or bid -- while in office and for one year after. Not surprisingly, some legislators are grumbling, saying that would discourage some people from seeking public service.

But avoiding conflicts of interests is more important than preserving the livelihood of some current or potential public officials. After all, no one is obligated to run for office. Opponents of reform always claim change is going to scare away candidates -- and it just isn't true.

In order to attract new businesses and restore public trust, Louisiana has to clean up house.