Norris Asks Governor to Call Special Session to Address Ethics Commission Need 

June 28, 2005

NASHVILLE, Tenn.  --- In a speech Saturday to the Ducks Unlimited State Convention, Senator Mark Norris (R-Collierville) called on Governor Bredesen to have a special legislative session for the development of an ethics commission. 

“I’m here to tell you that a special session is needed, and the purpose should be to create an independent ethics commission to oversee all branches of Tennessee government,” Norris said.  “The citizens of Tennessee want change and expect us to develop a system of accountability.”   

Norris said that in establishing an independent ethics commission, Tennessee would join the ranks of 39 other states which have already taken similar steps to maintain confidence in the institutions of government.  

“At the end of the day, we cannot legislate morality or common decency,” Norris said. “But we can utilize safeguards against that which threatens to pervert morality and common decency.” 

Norris joins Senator Randy McNally (R-Oak Ridge) in his call for a special session and ethics commission formation.  Senator McNally first proposed a commission in 1988 following the “Rocky Top” scandal.   

“If it had been done then, we might have never seen the likes of Tennessee Waltz today,” Norris said.  “The time for change is now.”

Norris said the arguments against the special session due to its expense should instead be viewed as an investment in the future integrity of our government. 

 “The cost of getting the foxes out of the henhouse on Capitol Hill is not to be looked at as mere expense; it is an investment in our future,” Norris said. 

Norris was elected to his second term last year.  He represents Shelby, Tipton, Lauderdale and Dyer counties.  

# # #