Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Admits He Lied Under Oath
Nothing is more disappointing than when a public official believes they are above the law and abuses the public trust. That is exactly what happened with Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. His decision to lie under oath and to continue to deny it has cost the taxpayers of Detroit thousands of dollars and brought shame upon every elected official in Michigan. I hope the stiff penalties that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is facing will serve as a warning to other elected officials that it is better to tell the truth than lie to the American people.
If you would like more information about this item I have posted an article about the subject.
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who will lose his job because he lied while under oath at a police whistle-blower trial, has just pledged to tell the truth as he prepares to admit his guilt as part of a plea deal he just struck with the Wayne County Prosecutor.
AdvertisementThe deal calls for Kilpatrick to plead guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice by committing perjury, agreeing to serve four months in jail, pay up to $1 million in restitution, and serve five years’ probation. He also agreed not to run for office during that five-year span.
The mayor will turn over his state pension to the City of Detroit, which paid $8.4 million to settle two whistle-blower lawsuits three former cops filed against the city. The mayor was charged with eight felony counts ranging from conspiracy to perjury to misconduct in office to obstruction of justice after the Free Press revealed that the mayor lied on the witness stand during a police whistle-blower trial and gave misleading testimony about whether he intended to fire a deputy police chief investigating allegations of wrongdoing by members of his inner circle.
In a rushed monotone, Kilpatrick told the court: “I lied under oath in the case of Gary Brown and Harold Nelthrope versus the city of Detroit … I did so with the intent to mislead the court and jury, to impede and obstruct the disposition of justice.”
Click here to read the rest of the story.
NDPC Podcast Hits the Information Superhighway
Filed under: No Taxation Without Information, Sunshine Review
As a part of its “No Taxation Without Information” National Campaign, the Sam Adams Alliance recently conducted an interview with Brett Narloch, Executive Director of the North Dakota Policy Council (NDPC). The NDPC has been at the forefront of government transparency with the development of its Sunshine on Schools website that was discussed on this site.
The North Dakota Policy Council (NDPC) is a liberty-based think tank focused on North Dakota solutions to North Dakota’s problems. They provide credible nonpartisan expertise and research to help North Dakotans advocate policies that are based on individual liberty, individual responsibility, and limited government.
The NDPC seeks to broaden policy debates beyond the belief that government intervention should be the avenue of first, rather than last, resort. They believe that:
* Government can only give to one person what it takes away from another, and that the power to give presumes the power to take.
* Policies intended to affect one person or one group can affect all people and all groups, and that these unintended consequences often cause more harm to the many than any good done for the one.
* Freedom requires responsibility: where government largesse replaces individual foresight it destroys responsibility and, therefore, freedom.
* All times matter. Long-term consequences are as or more important than short-term impacts. Emotional reactions are not suitable substitutes for rational solutions.
Empower Texans Asks the Tough Q’s on Education Funding
I wanted to take this opportunity to highlight “Empower Texans” and their campaign to bring accountability and transparency to all levels of government in Texas.
Recently, Empower Texans, posted the first in what the organization promises to be a series of hard hitting videos and public statements asking the tough questions about what exactly are the taxpayers of Texas are getting for their dollars in education and other government services.
This video is about 8 minutes in length and I encourage you to take a look even if you do not live in Texas because every taxpayer should be asking these types of questions from their elected officials.
In case you do not know much about Empower Texans, their website states Empower Texans exists “to create and sustain a system of strong fiscal stewardship within all levels of Texas government, ensuring the greatest amounts of economic and personal liberty, and promoting public policies that provide individuals with the freedom to use their strengths and talents in pursuit of greater opportunities.”
They accomplish this goal by informing “voters, taxpayers and elected officials about policy solutions that are consistent with the principles of individual liberty and free markets, while working to build support for those policies among key constituencies.”
It is great to see citizens and organizations fighting for liberty and free-market principles.
PA Legislative Candidates Answer Questions on Reform & Ethics
In the wake of continued scandalous in the Pennsylvania State Legislature, the Patriot-News asked Legislative Candidates a series of questions on ethics and reform.
Here were the questions asked by the paper:
It’s certainly on the minds of people running for the Legislature. In a follow-up to conversations with state officials on legislative reforms, The Patriot-News asked their challengers their thoughts on the matter. What specific reforms do you support? Do you agree with state Attorney General Tom Corbett that a culture of corruption exists in Harrisburg? Do you support a special legislative session on ethics reform? Should House Majority Leader William DeWeese, D-Greene, should resign from leadership.
It is good to see the mainstream media ask candidates for office their opinions on issues facing the voters.
Here are their answers:
JUDY HIRSCH, a Democrat seeking the 15th state senatorial seat held by Republican Jeffrey Piccola Reforms: “Make budget negotiation transcripts public; impose limits on campaign contributions of $2,500 for individuals and $10,000 per candidate for political action committees; require lobbyists to disclose all expenditures; put a nonpartisan body in charge of redistricting; and increase funding for the State Ethics Commission to ensure they have the resources to investigate complaints.” Culture: “I can’t speak to the ‘culture’ of the Legislature. The appearance is that there’s too many people that think they’re above the law. I think it’s time we have new blood and new energy.” Special session: “I’m not sure what would be accomplished in a special legislative reform session that couldn’t have been accomplished over the last term, where bills were sitting in [Piccola's State Government] committee.” DeWeese: “I think he probably has a tough sell as to why he should remain in the leadership post. It will be dependent upon his caucus and what his caucus decides.”
SUSAN KISKIS, a Democrat seeking the 31st state senatorial seat held by Republican Patricia Vance Reforms: “I don’t know anything right now that’s currently being drafted. Over the past several years, 51 reform bills have been stalled on issues ranging from posting government salaries online to preventing state agencies from hiring lobbyists with tax dollars. I support those bills.” Culture: “It is a cultural matter. I think it’s very widespread.” Special session: “Yes. It’s a fortunate moment to have it because it should have been done years ago.” DeWeese: “I’m not prepared to answer that. I’m not familiar with the specifics of individuals. I’ve been trying more or less to run my campaign focusing on reform overall and not trying to be bogged down by the politics that is happening right now.”
MARGIE STUSKI, a Democrat seeking the open 88th state House seat Reforms: “A complete a review of leadership accountability; open all legislative accounts for complete disclosure; expand the Freedom of Information Act; create a stronger barrier between government and campaign work for state employees who are also on campaign payrolls; mandate that the legislature work 12 months a year; and rotate leadership positions and committee chairs every few years.” Culture: “From the time I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, I’ve said it’s not a culture. It’s individuals who are trying to get their own power and putting their own preferences above everyone else’s.” Special session: “No. I would have very serious caucus meetings during this downtime, reorganize every caucus and have the caucuses become the models for how to do things. They’ve got to sit down and figure out how to operate the Capitol. Special sessions are a press stunt.” DeWeese: “Two years ago, I said he is not my choice for House leader. I certainly would not vote for him. It’s in the best interest for him to step aside and handle the allegations, similar to what Sen. [Vincent] Fumo just did.”
SHERYL DELOZIER, a Republican seeking the open 88th state House seat Reforms: “Consider reducing the size of the Legislature, consider implementing ideas from the Speaker’s Commission on Legislative Reform, possibly limit the amount of time someone can serve as committee chair, and make sure bills that need to get out of committee, get out of committee, and let legislators debate them.” Culture: “I hate to cast a wide brush because I don’t think it’s the entire culture. It’s the few that didn’t abide by the rules.” Special session: “Yes, there are changes that are needed, and I think we have to take that first step.”
PATRICIA GARCIA, a Democrat seeking the 104th state House seat held by Republican Sue Helm Reforms: “Remove influence of special interest lobbyists; eliminate the perk lifestyle; … reduce legislators’ monthly allowance; eliminate bonuses; provide full transparency of all caucus accounts.” Culture: “Yes, but a lot of things are hearsay, so we don’t know until people are really brought to justice.” Special session: “Yes. Also, there are a number of things that could be addressed just among the members themselves. For instance, the people need to be present when they’re voting. I think there are a lot of rules that are in place, but no one’s really policed them.” DeWeese: “I would wait until I had all the facts. Nothing against your paper, but I don’t count the paper all the time as my resource for all the facts.”
GREG SCUDDER, a Democrat seeking the 199th state House District seat held by Republican Will Gabig Reforms: “I would support stepped-up enforcement of existing measures. As a candidate, I don’t know inside the Legislature what the rules are in terms of financial reporting requirements, but we should really audit those records and take a look at where the money is coming from and to watch for inconsistencies or patterns that would indicate some form of abuse.” Culture: “It’s isolated to a few powerful individuals. I mean that in the broadest sense, across the federal, state and local governments.” Special session: “I don’t know the specifics enough to really say yes or no. I support anything that is going to improve the ethics of our Legislature, but I think it’s a matter of enforcing the current laws that are related to campaign finance.” DeWeese: “If a court found that there were crimes committed and he was one of the people that was looking the other way, then yes, under those circumstances. But until it’s all shown and proven, I don’t have a statement one way or the other.” Some responses were edited for space.
Two candidates did not return three calls from The Patriot-News for this report: Phyllis Bennett, a Democrat running for the 106th state House seat held by Republican John Payne; and Daniel Stephenson, a Democrat running for the 98th state House seat held by Republican David Hickernell.
Click Here to read the original story.
Pornographic Pictures Bring Down New Jersey Lawmaker
Today, New Jersey State Assemblyman Neil Cohen (D) submitted his resignation effective immediately following pornographic material being found his official, taxpayer paid for computer.
According to PolitickerNj.com, “Cohen checked himself into an undisclosed mental institution last week after the Attorney General’s office seized computers from his legislative office. A staffer in the office found what are alleged to be pornographic pictures of minors on Cohen’s computer.”
This is another example of government corruption where an elected official believes that he is not required to follow the same laws as the everyday citizen.
It was reported that Republican and Democrat leaders of the New Jersey Legislature immediately ordered all legislative computers be equipped with the most advanced internet filtering software.
The question all taxpayers should be asking themselves is why wasn’t this software already installed?
It is sad that another elected official has betrayed the trust of the people that elected them to office.
Shame on you!
Sam Adams Alliance Launches New Gov’t Transparency Site
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 17, 2008
New Website Offers Information on Government Transparency
Sunshine Review Website Helps Citizens and Journalists
CHICAGO, IL–Today, the Sam Adams Alliance launched a new website, SunshineReview.org, to over 600 conservative participants and bloggers at the Americans for Prosperity state summit in Austin, Texas. Sunshine Review analyzes government secrecy by evaluating whether if government websites effectively disclose information to the public and media.
“Sunshine Review is a goldmine as it removes the information iron curtain between government and the public,” said John Tsarpalas, president of the Sam Adams Alliance. “Whether you’re a concerned citizen or a journalist on a deadline, Sunshine Review lets you know if government agencies want to share information with you.”
Sunshine Review determines government’s commitment to transparency by identifying if the following items are published online:
• Yearly budgets;
• Open meeting schedules and minutes;
• Contact information for elected and administrative officials;
• Audit reports;
• Bids and contracts for purchases over $10,000; and
• Taxpayer-funded lobbying information.
“By creating a new web 2.0 tool for citizens, we are bringing information online that otherwise would have been kept in dusty government storage rooms,” said Tsarpalas.
The Sunshine Review website is part of the Sam Adams Alliance’s “No Taxation Without Information” campaign to promote greater transparency at the state and local level. Currently, http://sunshinereview.org/index.php/Main_Page has 85,550 page views and over 95 contributors.
About Sunshine Review
Sunshine Review is a wiki website designed to call attention to the information gap between citizens and their government, promote the importance of government transparency and openness, and compile existing government information in one easy-to-access resource. Sunshine Review is a project of the Sam Adams Alliance, a new media non-profit based in Chicago.
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Liberal Minnesota Media Source Promotes Sunshine Review
I am sorry that it has been so long since my last post. Do not fear I am back and ready to fight once again for liberty.
A friend of mine forwarded me this recent post from the Minnesota Independent promoting the Sam Adams Alliance’s Sunshine Review Wiki.
The Minnesota Independent is a liberal on-line media source and it was quite shocking to see it highlight and promote Sunshine Review.
I visit Sunshine Review frequently to get updates on open government transparency issues from every state in the nation.
I hope you will click here to read the original post in the Minnesota Independent or click here to visit the Sunshine Review wiki.
Keep up the good work Sam Adams Alliance!!
US Senate Budget Chair Caught Up in Sub-Prime Mortgage Scandal
This scandal is getting scant attention by the mainstream media but it appears that Chairman of the US Senate Budget Committee U.S. Senator Kent Conrad (D-ND) got a sweetheart deal from the mortgage firm Countrywide. This scandal comes as a blow to Conrad who has always campaigned on his ethics and honesty. I guess Kent Conrad is just like every other Washington politician!
According to news reports Conrad, appears to have changed his story numerous times about his ties to the CEO of Countrywide and the kickbacks he received on his mortgage.
Fellow Democrats Byron Dorgan (D-ND) and Chris Dodd (D-CT) are caught up in the same scandal.
North Dakota’s finest political blog, sayanythingblog, has been on top of this scandal since it broke. I encourage you to read each of these posts and become informed.
The Case for Kent Conrad’s Resignation
Conrad Doesn’t Even Beleive His Own Story About How He Got His Mortgage
Kent Conrad Friend of Angelo
Kent Conrad Changes His Story on the Mortgage Scandal AGAIN
Did Kent Conrad’s VIP Loan Violate Senate Ethics Rules?
Senators as Confused, Victimized Borrowers?
Kent Conrad’s Countrywide Mortgage Deceptions Making National News
More on Kent Conrad’s VIP Loan from Countrywide Mortgage CEO Angelo Mozilo
Kent Conrad Lies About Never having Met Angelo Mozilo
Kent Conrad Benefits from Unethical “Sweatheart” Loan Deal From Subprime Lender
The story has gotten some attention on Fox News. This clip is courtesy of sevenload.com
Link: sevenload.com
This just proves that you do not need to be from a big state to have politicians with ethical lapses in judgment.
AZ Government Employee fired for Misuse of Resources
This should be a lesson to every government employee that wants to use government resources for partisan politics.
Cross posted from Sonoran Alliance
Maricopa County Spokesman, Al Macias, has lost his job after being discovered of using his work computer to conduct personal business. According to the Arizona Republic, Macias, “violated ethics policies by ‘disclosing potentially negative information’ about Brock to his District 1 political opponent, Ed Hermes.”
Macias was also discovered of using his County computer to surf the internet, shop for personal items and for sending emails to local television stations containing, ”potentially negative information about Sheriff Joe Arpaio.”
Macias responded to his termination with the following letter which addresses the charges against him.
Al Macias was on the County payroll at $90,000/year.
Lesson learned – Do not use taxpayer funded resources for partisan purposes!
Top Education Official Admits to Using Sunshine on Schools
I have been tracking the progress of the North Dakota Policy Council (NDPC) and their battle to bring transparency to government in North Dakota. One of the highlights of their transparency program has been the development of a website called Sunshine on Schools which is designed to track the spending and budgets of every school district in North Dakota.
Over the past few months I have posted extensively on their website and its progress. If you want to read these posts just visit Sunshine on Schools Garners More Support; Elected Official Praises SOS Transparency Website; and Spotlight on Sunshine … North Dakota.
Well now the main stream media has begun to pay attention to the transparency revolution being led by the NDPC. This past weekend the Grand Forks Herald, North Dakota’s 3rd largest newspaper did a great story about the Sunshine on Schools website. I encourage you to read the story (New Web site lists district information for all N.D. school districts) and see the impact that just a few people have been making on the issue of transparency.
I got a chuckle from the quote by North Dakota State Superintendent of Public Instruction, the state’s highest education official, where he admits using the Sunshine on Schools website to look up information just that morning.
I am quoting from the Sunshine on Schools website, The data on this website is directly from the North Dakota Department of Instruction. I must ask myself the following question – Why did the Superintendent of Public Instruction have to go to Sunshine on Schools website to get information that should be available on his department’s website?