From Mark's Desk:
June 28, 2005

The First Step

by Senator Mark Norris

There has been talk of what kind of ethics reform we should adopt.  Some feel that the situation will cure itself, however, I disagree.  It’s time to restore integrity and the public’s confidence in our government.  

Where do we go from here?   The current debate is whether we need to call a special session of the legislature to address ethics reform. Let me tell you: we do.  We know what needs to be done.  

Some say a special session will be too expensive. I can assure you it will be much more expensive to do nothing but wait. The cost of getting the foxes out of the henhouse on Capitol Hill should not be viewed as an expense, but as an investment in our future. 

A special session is needed, and the purpose should be to create an independent ethics commission to oversee all branches of Tennessee government.  

Obviously, allegations of public corruption have undermined your trust. Unless we take decisive action without further delay, recent events will continue to overshadow, indeed obstruct, our efforts to move Tennessee forward by addressing so many vital issues which require our attention and your support. 

Unemployment is the highest it has been in this state in 13 years. Within weeks, thousands of Tennesseans without health insurance will strain our ability to provide access to affordable health care.  Tax relief, tort reform and inroads against illegal immigration remain to be addressed. Every one of these initiatives affects your business, your families and your future. And every one of these initiatives is threatened by the clouds of uncertainty which shroud our state capital in the storm we call Tennessee Waltz. 

We have three main objectives to accomplish during a special session: 

1.  To develop an independent entity with the authority to recommend reprimand, suspension or removal of anyone in any branch of state government found to be in violation of policies, standards, rules, the laws of the State of Tennessee, or the laws of the United States of America. 

2. To remove the double-standard whereby lawmakers abuse their elected position while maintaining pay, insurance and other benefits. 

3.  To restore trust in Tennessee and faith that elected, as well as appointed, officials adhere to standards of ethical conduct that are beyond reproach.   

I think it is time to restore your faith in our state government.  And, clearly, the creation of an independent ethics commission is the key to providing that solution.  I will continue to push for the calling of a special session so that we may address this issue soon.   

The time has come for us to change the system.