N&O: Ethics, even better

State Sen. Phil Berger of Rockingham County carries heavy burdens when it comes to getting things done in the General Assembly. He’s a Republican in a chamber under the control of Democrats in the persons of president pro tem Marc Basnight of Manteo and majority leader Martin Nesbitt of Asheville.

But as the articulate minority leader, Berger is sticking a worthy burr under the Democratic saddle. The state House passed some good ethics reforms more than a year ago. Democratic senators last week proposed their own lengthy reform menu, but the timing suggests they’re still shy about changing a system that works to their advantage.

What Berger wants to do is strengthen the ethics reform package now under Senate consideration with amendments that would 1) require disclosure of campaign fundraising by political appointees, 2) prohibit campaign donations by those who do contract business with the state, 3) require more transparency as to disciplinary actions taken against state and local employees, and 4) make available to the public letters of recommendation that have been submitted by elected officials on behalf of job-seekers. These are good-government provisions. …

The General Assembly – including Senate Democrats who have held to power for generations – ought to have taken these steps long ago. Are senators now for reform or against it? Let’s have a vote.

Click here for the full editorial from the News & Observer…

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