LOCAL OFFICIALS ATTEMPT TO OBEY STATE ETHICS LAW

An ethics-in-government measure approved in 1990 by the Missouri General Assembly has not borne fruit in haste. Fine. It is better to get this right the first time than construct a measure that falls short of expectations or is unworkable. The Cape Girardeau City Council is now addressing requirements of the law and has until mid-September to approve an ordinance that complies with the statute without saddling local officials with excessive requirements. The council is on the right track in drafting this ordinance.

The legislative action was launched with statewide concern for financial disclosure of public officials. It was a well-intended bit of lawmaking, seeking to buttress the forthrightness of those who serve us. The good intentions faltered when the ultimate product emerged; the law was a mess that defied clear interpretation. An attorney general's opinion, which took a broad view of the statute, said even school cooks and swimming pool lifeguards might have to reveal their financial holdings. Efforts were made in the 1991 legislative session to temper some of the law's potential excesses.

The City Council has discussed and will probably act later this month to approve a "short form" disclosure statement that will bypass the formidable "long form" that state office holders must complete. The abbreviated version, the minimum required by law, will mandate disclosure of personal financial information such as income sources, corporate interests, names of relatives who are city employees, property ownership and stock holdings.

Is this information necessary? It is a step toward bringing government more out in the open, and that is a good thing. On the current City Council, questions have arisen about corporate affiliations and ownerships; this law would shed light on those subjects. Is more disclosure information necessary? We are comfortable with a "short form" disclosure for local officials; a more thorough examination of personal finances might border on the intrusive. Those serving on municipal governing boards should not be held to the extensive demands the law makes of state senators. Will some people balk at public service because of the disclosure form? Inevitably, that will be the case for some who might seek office. Still, we're unsure the bad overrides the good in this requirement.

The council is acting properly to abide by the statute while not burdening city officials with needless paperwork and obtrusive forays into personal affairs. A desirable attempt is being made to meet the spirit and letter of this law.