Evil of Political Gifts
The Lanie Jones news story, “Murphy Top Recipient Among City Officials/Mayor Accepted $4,400 in Gifts, $110,000 in Loans” (Times, April 4), deserves comment.
When city officials accept gifts and loans from special interests, it’s obvious these interests expect something in return for their generosity. From the beginning of time, this has been considered a universal fact.
It’s ironic that the public votes a candidate into office, but the elected official serves the special interests that provide gifts, campaign funds, loans, etc.
Being only human, elected officials are compromised by accepting gifts. And, regrettably, this supports the view of many people “that all politicians can be influenced.”
Most elected officials’ salaries and fringe benefits are more than adequate, so gifts are really unnecessary. Such officials, however, could improve their public image by only accepting gifts similar to those the general public receives--such as discounted theater tickets and passes.
Finally, coupled with campaign reform, there’s a real need for gift reform.
HUGH C. HYDE
Chula Vista
More to Read
Start your day right
Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
