AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2008 > August > 12
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Public officials and freebies
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The city has put a cap on the value of gifts that police officers can accept after a recent incident that culminated in the resignation of Police Chief Gene Wilson. Story
As best I can tell this was more about a lapse of common sense by some in the police department than a far-ranging scandal that will rock the city to its foundation. But it also points to the fact that perception can override reality when it comes to certain jobs and items with high price tags.
Where does being a booster of the city stop and impropriety start? If I buy the police department 25 bullet-proof vests am I being a friend to the police department or am I trying buy some influence should I ever get pulled over?
If I host a dinner for the mayor and city council at a high-ticket restaurant in Buckhead am I showing gratitude for all their hard work or laying the foundation for something a little less altruistic down the line if I need zoning variance?
When I was hired to write this column I first had to agree to abide by the company’s rules on the acceptance of gifts, which is essentially one word - don’t. Understandably they don’t even want to deal with the appearance of impropriety. And neither do I.
But no one should have to wait until someone higher up in the food chain scripts an ethics policy. Whether you write a newspaper column, run a police force or hold elected office it doesn’t take a genius to know that your career can zero out with just the appearance of something suspicious. If there is a grey area, declining is the safe answer, if for no other reason than preserving present and future employment.
A former editor of mine gave the newsroom a good rule to follow that I would pass along to anyone in public office anywhere. If you’re offered something and you’re not sure accepting is a good idea where your reputation is concerned, think about how it would look if it was splashed across the front page of tomorrow’s newspaper.
If that makes you cringe, well, just say no.
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