Policy

Voter apathy lets “connected” voters maintain unethical status quo

Lite gov, or gov lite, is what the Capitol crowd calls the lieutenant governor, and that’s being charitable.

Some of the best reflections on the human condition come from Shakespeare, Benjamin Franklin or the Bible, so let’s tap one of those reservoirs of reason — Scripture — to describe the apparent conflict of interest that arises when public officials who control our tax dollars also conduct private business that involves those same tax dollars.

Most reform groups and editorial page writers are strong proponents of government consolidation, and for obvious reasons: When it’s done right it saves money and improves efficiency.

Government is in chaos at so many levels these days.

They called Larry Hoover “Chairman,” but he wasn’t your traditional business executive.

In 2008, the year of Barack Obama’s historic election, 6 million Americans wanted to vote but couldn’t because they weren’t registered, according to the U.S. Census. Some missed a registration deadline; others didn’t know they had to register, or how to do it.

It’s Gov Lite time. But we’re not talking about beer, diet soda, or lo-cal meals.

We invite you to share your thoughts and tips because, as local residents, you know state government better than we do.

One of the vexing dilemmas that confront full service watchdog organizations like the Better Government Association — where we investigate public officials, analyze public policy and then propose reform legislation — is that many of the people we criticize are also part of the legislative process that determines the outcome of our proposals.