‘Appearance of impropriety’ for some
What a bitter disappointment it is to note the number of elected officials who toss aside the tenet “appearance of impropriety” as they engage in actions which call into question their integrity and their judgment.
Gov. Tom Corbett served as the chief law enforcement officer of the commonwealth for eight years as attorney general, building a sterling reputation in every respect. He brought to justice legislative kingpins who were found to have stepped over the line into unethical, unlawful conduct which was engaged in to garner unfair advantage over opponents and potential opponents in future elections.
It has been revealed that the governor and his wife accepted $11,000 in gifts in 2010 and 2011 from lobbyists and businesses with interests in state policy, leaving me and many others that have believed in him dumbfounded. How could he possibly believe that this would not raise eyebrows and cast an unfavorable light upon him and the first lady from the media and the citizenry of the commonwealth? Why in heaven’s name would someone of his stature and reputation not err on the side of caution and decline to accept anything from others in positions of influence? Was the $11,000 take worth sullying his reputation and inviting an ethics investigation?
The unfortunate situation involving the governor comes on the heels of another such imbroglio. We have learned that the wife of State Supreme Court Justice Seamus McCaffrey, who also serves as his chief judicial aide, has received enormous referral fees for connecting law firms with clients. Her most recent take was $821,000 pursuant to a settlement in a medical malpractice case. Legal experts have questioned the propriety of the wife of a Supreme Court Justice serving in this role as presenting potential conflicts of interest and again, that fabled phrase, “appearance of impropriety” is called into play.
One of those who has been critical of McCaffrey is his colleague, Chief Justice Ronald Castille. Castille is in no position to throw stones from his own glass house for potential ethical breaches. He has stated, to the shock of many in the legal world, that it is acceptable for a Supreme Court justice to receive gifts from individuals and entities that come before the court so long as the gifts are disclosed.
Incredible.
The rank-and-file state employee knows that he or she is not to accept even a cup of coffee from anyone with whom the individual comes into contact through their work. How can it be that those at the highest echelon of power and authority do not understand the concept?
The late Helmsley Hotel queen Leona Helmsley is said to have stated, “Only the little people pay taxes.” In Pennsylvania state government, it appears that only “the little people” are required to exert good judgment and avoid the appearance of impropriety.
Oren Spiegler
Upper St. Clair