Louisiana Legisslature: Gov JIndal Must Lead By Example

When Bobby Jindal first unveiled his multi-part “Ethics” plan to the media a few Friday’s ago it came with a glow of hope. He had taken his thirty-plus list of ideas from his platform, melded the thoughts of members of his Ethics Advisory Board and then went barnstorming around the state showing that he had the support of the very local officials whose own veins would be cut by the legislation.

It was a brilliant maneuver for a first-time Governor.

However, something has happened on the way to the end of the legislative session.

He became embroiled in those personal controversies which have become albatrosses around the necks of his ethics packages. Obviously, legislators who were being told to behave did not like an administration who they perceived as had problems shooting straight.

Previous to the special session, in fielding questions from the media, he always said there would be people who would want to undermine in agenda. I assumed then, he was referring to those individuals who were adamantly opposed to Jindal as Governor and those who felt their own financial interests were at stake. I did not consider the opposition would include a group of individuals who wanted to read the fine details to make sure the rules would apply across the board, be fair and not create mechanisms more harmful than helpful.

Today, HB 1 is being discussed in committee again after being amended over 28 times so far. This legislature is very comprehensive bill and requires certain public servants and candidates for certain offices to disclose certain financial information. The financial information is indeed substantial and stringent. The original bill did include the Governor, but, it was unclear to whom else in his office the law would apply.

Whether drafting errors were done out of haste or not, they underscore the now frustrated view that many in the legislature and the public now have about this special session.

Within reason and logic, this legislation and all other legislation that prohibits elected officials should and must include the Governor and all of his entire staff and there should be no ambiguity, whatsoever..

As I have mentioned the “devil is in the details” and the Legislature and the people are going to feel goosed unless all of the ganders are included.

Jindal has plenty time do well this session and many of us are rooting for him that we take care of the nuances and complete legislation that doesn’t just look pretty but will be tight and comprehensive enough to do what the people want, which is the Gold Standard for Ethics, campaign fundraising and government official conduct. More than anything, the public wants equal treatment. They are demanding their leadership sets by example.

Let us remember one thing. If we fail to get what we want in the special session, we have the general session which will not be restricted by the Governor’s call. It took two sessions for Governor Blanco to get levee reform right. In a tightly wound “special session call”, we can either pass what we have and go back and get it all right or we can just sit and hold tight, say “aye” to that legislation that makes sense and then wait for the general session when we are not limited by the “Governor’s call” .

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