From Mark's Desk:
February 10, 2006

Actions Speak Louder than Words – Ethics Session Ends and Real Work Begins 

This week marked the end of the Special Session on Ethics and the beginning of the second Regular Session of the 104th General Assembly. 

The Comprehensive Governmental Ethics Reform Act of 2006, passed by all but a handful of dissenters in both houses, begins to address a number of concerns: the influence of lobbyists and money, disclosure and the need for openness in government, and improved enforcement.  Of particular importance is the creation of an independent ethics commission similar to what I first advocated last year and passage of provisions mandating forfeiture of public officials’ pensions if convicted of abusing the public trust. 

The full impact of this legislation, discussed in more detail below, remains to be seen.  While it seemed almost surreal at times to debate ethics with others in the Senate under indictment who refused requests to sit out the session, it was equally difficult to proceed with another who was “provisionally seated” pending investigation of fraud and voting irregularities in the Senate District 29 election.  

The political road ahead is unclear.  Unfortunately, partisan wrangling will likely increase as elections draw near. The defection from Democrat ranks of State Senator Don McLeary, who became a Republican from Humboldt last week, has raised the stakes as Republicans have moved from a numeric majority to a working majority in the Tennessee Senate.  

Reaction to the announcement that “the Dean of the Republican Senate,” Curtis Person, will retire after 40 years of service, was mixed. The Senior Senator from Shelby County, Person is lauded for his unselfish service and admired by all who know him. While we commend him for bowing out while at the top of his game, he will be sorely missed and impossible to replace in the Senate.  

With an 18-15 Republican majority, we are hopeful that we can move Tennessee forward in meaningful ways. Property tax relief for senior citizens, illegal immigration enforcement, medical liability reform and protection against frivolous lawsuits are goals within our grasp.