Ed Morrison · Remember the Vanik Rule

July 12th, 2009

Jimmy Dimora tries to muddy the water:

Jimmy Dimora’s claims in Cuyahoga County corruption investigation raise the question: When does a goodwill gesture become a bribe?

Other politicians like Cimperman, seem pained by the dilemma:

Cleveland City Councilman Joe Cimperman said that he can’t speak for other public officials but that he has been concerned and paranoid about such ethical issues since he took office in 1998.

I learned my politics U.S. Rep Charles Vanik where I worked as a legislative assistant after college.

Mr. Vanik imposed a clear rule on himself and his staff: You accept nothing of value from a lobbyist.

(A lobbyist is anyone who has an interest — current or potential — in your official acts as an elected official.)

That means you don’t accept a cup of coffee, let alone a meal.

You return all gifts or, alternatively, send them on to a charity.

You never accept anyone giving you anything. Period.

It’s that simple.

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One Response to “Remember the Vanik Rule”

  1. Betsey Merkel Says:
    July 12th, 2009 at 8:13 am

    This is all simple and pretty clear cut. If you’re in public office you’re a servant of the people and behave accordingly. I’ve got family in Maine. My Godfather, Arthur Stilphen, was appointed commissioner of public safety for the state of Maine under Gov. Joseph E. Brennan. Arthur’s office placed then rural Maine on the map by instituting the first DUI law in the U.S. I remember reading the article about it in TIME. Always considered family (if you’re born in Maine, you’re always a Mainer), I remember we’d summer at the beautiful Belgrade lakes for swimming, boating and to paint the never ending supply of campaign placards for the Governor. Sitting at the lake’s edge one evening several family members were enjoying the sights and a glass of wine. I offered Arthur a glass of wine and with a thanks he refused. He said he had a responsibility (of leadership) to uphold and someone might come by in a boat and snap a picture which would be misconstrued. I never ever did see Arthur drink. In Maine, it was always just straight shooting.