June 7, 2005                                         

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From Mark’s Desk 

The first session of the 104th General Assembly has come to a close.  While we made progress on a number of important issues, many of our achievements have been overshadowed by allegations of misconduct by other members of the legislature. 

By now, you have read the accounts of the tumultuous events at session’s end. There is no need to recount all of that here other than to share my initial reaction: Is this an end or a beginning? 

The indictment of four legislators and allegations of other questionable behavior that week brought an end to so much more. 

It brought an end to the restoration of trust in Tennessee government. 

It brought an end to the progress we hoped to make enacting ethics reform this year. 

It brought an end to an age of innocence for countless youngsters who visit the historic State Capitol each year, observe our sessions, and leave with a sense that, one day, they could grow up to be a Senator. 

Will it bring an end to corruption in government? Only if we redouble our efforts to see to it that elected officials live up to, and enforce, the Oath we swear to uphold when we take office. 

If we do that, it may be the beginning rather than the end. The beginning to the end of our nightmare. And, once again, we will celebrate a government which places public service above self.  

During the last few days of session, we enacted legislation establishing a new committee charged with responsibility for investigating additional reforms designed to protect against illegal activity and promote good government.  I have asked to be named to this committee.  

During the coming weeks, I will send more detailed information about the positive accomplishments of this session.  Until then, I leave you with an excerpt from my remarks on the floor of the Senate: 

“(W)e endeavor to restore trust in Tennessee that this “citizen legislature” might once again be embraced by the citizenry from whence we come to do the people’s business. 

For it is the people’s business, not personal reward, which must always be our first priority.  Not until the people are satisfied that each of those who toil in this Chamber put service before self will the sacrifice we make here be deemed worthy of our office and our oath.”