EDITORIAL: Ethics - WTVM.com-Columbus, GA News Weather & Sports

EDITORIAL: Ethics

EDITORIAL:  With all the talk about the ethical behavior of our elected officials, you'd think that Georgia would have some limitations on lobbying but there aren't any.

In fact, Georgia is only one of three states in the entire country with no such limitations on lobbying.  That's why a proposed new law would be a great start to rid politics of real and perceived payoffs.

The proposed bill by Republican Representative Tommy Smith and a companion bill from Republican Senator Josh McKoon from Columbus would severely limit how much legislators could accept from lobbyists. 

It'd be $100 for a single occasion and $750 for out-of-town events including travel, meals and accommodations.

 This legislation has the support of many divergent groups including the Georgia Tea Party and common cause. 

We support it too as any effort at ethics reform is a step forward.

General Manager Lee Brantley brings two editorials a week to WTVM. If you would like to respond to an editorial, e-mail your response to WTVM Editorial Committee or write to:

WTVM Editorial Committee
1909 Wynnton Road
Columbus, GA 31906

Copyright 2012 WTVM. All Rights Reserved. 

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