Down The Sewer Pipe – Politically Speaking

When holding elected office, you will hear a bit about something called The Public Trust. When mentioned it is usually in hushed tones, taking on a reverence all of it own.  Yet it appears that few elected persons know what, exactly, the public trust is.

The Public Trust is the view the general public has, in regard to your own integrity. Do you lie, cheat, steal, fail to carry through on your promises.  In short, do you conduct the public’s business in a professional, honest, straightforward manner?

If, after you take office, you tell the reporter one thing and then do another.  You have violated the public trust.  These violations happen at an ever-increasing rate. Until, these days, all persons holding public office are seen by the public to be crooks.

Telling the public, through whatever venue, that you stand for or will do a thing.  And then cutting some back room deal that does the opposite.  Is a clear violation of The Public Trust and will in time cost you the office you hold.

The number one method to insure that The Public Trust is never violated is to hold all decisions in the glare of the public process.  Make back room wheeling and dealing a thing of the past and your reward will be as many days in office as you desire.

Sherman