Norris calls for special session about ethics

By Greg Little, Managing Editor, The Covington Leader Online
July 6, 2005

Sen. Mark Norris says the time has come to call for a special legislative session to deal with the ethics issue in state government.

And even though it will cost taxpayer funds, Norris said the issue needs addressed.

“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,” said Norris, R-Collierville.

Norris has delivered two speeches about the subject and was in Nashville last week trying to make his case.

“I think we are gaining some tread,” said Norris during a phone interview last Wednesday.

Norris said a special session is needed — but not to look at legislation.

“... the purpose should be to create an independent ethics commission to oversee all branches of Tennessee government,” said Norris. “The citizens of Tennessee want change and expect us to develop a system of accountability.”

Last month, four legislators were arrested for their involvement in “Tennessee Waltz,” an undercover FBI investigation in which the lawmakers allegedly took bribes and favored certain bills.

Norris said 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,” said Norris. “But we can utilize safeguards against that which threatens to pervert morality and common decency.”

Norris said the commission could be established to look at a plethora of issues, including legislation he says is needed to address ethics in government. Among those issues is lobbyists, said Norris, who added there was some legislation last session directed at lobbyists but it failed, although some legislation did pass and has been signed into law. He said more steps are needed to insure integrity when it comes to lobbyists and their dealings with lawmakers and other government officials.

Campaign contributions, too, must be examined, said Norris.

In calling for the special session, Norris joins Sen. Randy McNally, R-Oak Ridge, in his request for the session and ethics commission formation. McNally first proposed a commission in 1998 following the “Rocky Top” scandal.

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

Norris said he hopes the governor will consider the session. He said Gov. Phil Bredesen has been “non-committal” when discussing the possibility of a session.

“We need to have the session,” said Norris. “I don’t want to have to go back to Nashville either, but this is critical. This is important and the people deserve to have a resolution to this problem.”