ETHICS COMMISSION: READY -- AND WAITING

Since its inception in June 1997, Cape Girardeau's Ethics Commission hasn't had a single case to consider.

The commission can act only on official complaints directed at the mayor, city council members, city manager, chief purchasing officer, city judge and advisory board members. No complaints have been filed, so the commission has met only to establish bylaws and elect officers.

Some may see this lack of action as comforting. In reality, the inactivity merely underscores the commission's uselessness. This commission is simply not needed.

First, the Missouri Ethics Commission has the authority to investigate any complaint against city officials. Someone with a beef might even feel more comfortable dealing with a state agency than lodging a complaint with the city clerk. Few people would have the gumption to put themselves on the line like that.

In a trial, people who know each other are disqualified from sitting in judgment. As the old saying goes, familiarity can breed contempt. The fact local people would have to pass judgment on any ethics complaint may not be so comforting. It may depend on the past dealings commission members have had with individuals they may one day investigate.

The standards set for commission members may also discourage many men and women from applying. As evidence, an open seat has remained vacant since June.

Applicants must file a financial interest statement with the city and cannot make any contribution in support or in opposition of any candidate or proposal. In short, they can't participate in any election except as a registered voter. Whatever happened to freedom of speech?

The Ethics Commission was created under an amendment to the City Charter approved by voters in April 1996. It was the most controversial of the dozen proposed charter amendments.

The lack of complaints no doubt reflects the high caliber of city officials. City government is running smoothly at present with capable leadership from the top. Let's hope the inactivity of the local Ethics Commission isn't the quiet before the storm.