Way back in 1974, before I lived in Idaho, the people here gathered signatures and brought an initiative to the vote of the citizens. It was called the “Sunshine Law”, which was designed to open up disclosures in campaign financing and it successfully passed with a big majority. Now there is a move to add personal financial disclosures to the law. Here’s what Besty Russel, of the Eye on Boise blog, reports:
BOISE – An Idaho Senate committee has voted unanimously in favor of legislation to end Idaho’s distinction as one of just three states with no personal financial disclosure requirements for elected officials or candidates. The bill, SB 1156, would require elected officials and candidates to disclose their sources – though not amounts – of income, and their major Idaho assets, including real estate.
You can read her full report here: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/mar/30/idaho-senators-favor-financial-disclosure/
Here is a link to S 1156 – Sunshine Law.
Comment by Bill — March 31, 2009 @ 8:55 am
If public officials are to be held to a higher standard, then something like this is necessary. I’m certain the that the “rules don’t apply to us” crowd will oppose it.
Comment by Dan — March 31, 2009 @ 11:55 am
I’m certain the that the “rules don’t apply to us” crowd– dan
that is very funny, but i guess you do not see the irony in your statement, do you?
Comment by reagan — March 31, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
No irony, but you obviously don’t get it. Public officials, reagan. You know, your buddies in government, the people you apologize for constantly. Them.
Comment by Dan — March 31, 2009 @ 2:20 pm
I think this is a good step. It will provide some helpful background information for those who want to do even a little home work about candiates and serving public officials. I suppose it was quite a job just to include state level offices for now but I think it would be just as relevent if not more so to include local officials. I’m thinking particularly at the county level where elected officials serve on a full time basis and are much closer to the lives of people than in Boise. Hopefully that can be the next step in the future.
Comment by Dan English — March 31, 2009 @ 6:55 pm
Public officials,–dan
yep, double standard, thought so.
Comment by reagan — March 31, 2009 @ 7:03 pm
snarky and clueless strikes again
Comment by TheWiz — March 31, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
Dan English, I agree with you and would love to see not only county and local officials held to his standard, but I would also like to see the county and city checkbooks go online!
Comment by mary — March 31, 2009 @ 8:06 pm