Ethics and Corruption

From Pete Ashdown Campaign Collaboration Wiki

Transparency in government is the cure for "lapses" in ethics and government corruption. These affairs happen behind closed doors and in secret meetings. Certainly there is a fraction of government which requires privacy for national security and protecting individual privacy, but more often than not, I see no reason why it shouldn't be wide open.

The people have a need, not just a right, to know more of what is going on in their government. I will fight to make the government more open and beholden to the people. I would also support stronger penalties for those convicted of corruption and censured by the Senate Ethics committee.

Specifically, no one should be able to lobby any branch of government if they are related to, either by blood or marriage, a member of Congress, or any other officer of the United States (including members of the Judiciary). When members of Congress and executive officers retire or leave their positions, they should not be hired by group(s) seeking to lobby the government of the United States, including Congress or the Courts. Exceptions would be made for Federal officeholders or officials that move to state government elected or appointed office to lobby on behalf of their state.

Current polls indicate that the public sees corruption as "widespread;" to me that means both parties. Therefore, both parties must take steps to restore confidence in government. The Democratic caucus of the Utah legislature has made it a point to keep their caucus meetings open to the public, while the Republicans have closed theirs. I would advocate adopting this approach with the Democratic US Senate caucus. Regardless of acceptance, I would apply transparency to my own office except in cases of constituent privacy and genuine national security.