Politicians must put principles first

There seems to be something clichéd about a bag full of cash changing hands in a back alley that reminds us of the terrifying power that our elected representatives have.

Many of us have become immune to new stories that show up on the front pages, having given up on any semblance of honorable or ethical behavior still in existence.

In Mexico they have a term for this,

or the culture of the bribe.

For generations it has been expected that anyone with authority such as a policeman or politician monetizes that position by getting their cut.

This is the case in a good part of the world and also applies to any bureaucrat whose stamp of approval someone needs.

Another group of us think that our leaders are genuinely good and do the best they can.

After all, we have laws in this country and those that break them will go to jail.

Polls consistently show that there is a general distrust of our electeds, but nevertheless we keep on putting them right back in office. So are the majority good or bad?

I believe the truth lies in the gray area between the two.

“Man’s appetite for power is insatiable.”

This simple sentence explains so many actions we observe in the political world. Most people who get into office do it for noble reasons. Maybe a stop sign at a dangerous intersection or more money spent on homelessness could be that “thing.”

But after a certain number of times that you are introduced at an event along with other dignitaries and everyone applauds, the power becomes palpable.

You have just peeked around the corner into the alley. You settle into your office and realize that most of the people you come in contact with are successful businessmen, other elected officials and even celebrities. In your mind you are now on their level merely by right of association. The empty bag is now in your hand.

An agenda item that is controversial comes before you. Your values tell you to vote one way, especially if it seems to benefit the majority without stepping on the rights of the minority. But you are told that if you vote that way your largest donor will make sure that you don’t get reelected.

Principles vs. personal power.

Everyone around you tells you how important you are and the people need you for another term.

Your job is not finished and, besides, going along on the vote with the powerful donor is the price the public has to pay for a leader as great as you.

The money’s in the bag.

In my term as a Riverside County supervisor I was exposed to every manner of constituent.

From wealthy developers and contractors of the county to social and economic justice activists.

Nonprofits of every type intermingled with NIMBYs and animal lovers. The one thing they had in common was that each had a voice that must be heard. Groups that opposed me because of party affiliation or ideology got my attention and many times my vote as often as ones that had supported me.

However in the end it was one category, public sector unions, that went all-in to oust me.

After all, I refused their donations and voted no on contracts that I felt we could not afford. I would not corrupt my principles and allow them to corrupt county government through me.

I don’t like alleys, mostly because the sunlight isn’t around to expose what’s really going on.