Tuesday, Jul. 27, 2010

Improving responsibility, accountability in government

Mike Sanders, Guest Columnist

One of the major themes of the current campaign season is the responsibility and accountability of government to the people.

Polls around the country continue to show that government entities simply are not trusted. It is the job of elected officials to restore that trust.

On Aug. 3, Jackson County voters can permanently change our county government so that it will be more ethical, efficient and accountable.

In March, I ordered a full review of the Jackson County Charter by naming a seven person Charter Task Force led by former Kansas City Mayor Kay Barnes.

The charter is the County’s Constitution. With the help of the public, the task force undertook the most comprehensive review of our charter since its original passage in 1970.

In less than two months the task force was able to recommend necessary changes and present them to the County Legislature.

These important reforms will lift the veil of secrecy which has shrouded the Jackson County Courthouse in the past. Here is a brief summary of just two of the proposed changes.

Under the current charter, a County Executive can issue contracts for any amount of money, for anything and without any oversight.

This is simply too much power to vest in any elected official. That is why, upon taking office in 2007, I voluntarily ended this practice.

However, this reform can be undone with the simple stroke of a pen by any future executive. The proposed charter will make this important reform permanent, ensuring all county contracts over $5,000 are open to competitive bid and that all county tax dollars are spent fairly and openly.

The proposed reforms also strengthen and simplify the process for ethics complaints against county officials.

The new panel that hears all complaints will be given a full staff and budget to investigate allegations of wrongdoing. The panel is also required to conduct its business in open before the public, thus increasing public confidence in their deliberations.

In an effort to double check the panel’s work, all complaints against elected officials will automatically be filed with the Missouri Ethics Commission in Jefferson City.

A “yes” vote on Aug. 3 is a vote for government accountability and responsibility.

It’s a vote for county government that puts the needs of the taxpayer front and center.

Since taking office in 2007, it has been the goal of my office to restore pride and trust in Jackson County government. These reforms help make that a permanent reality. Mike Sanders is the Jackson County Executive and a guest columnist for the Journal. To respond to today’s commentary, call 816-282-7001 or e-mail editor@bluespringsjournal.com.