Bad Pols Make Bad Politics

U.S. District Judge Milton L. Schwartz sent an unmistakable signal from the judicial branch of government to the legislative branch Thursday when he sentenced former state Sen. Joseph B. Montoya of Whittier to 6 1/2 years in federal prison for selling his vote to special-interest groups. Schwartz said that maybe the American system can live with incompetence or laziness among its public officials, but that it cannot survive corruption.

Yes, this was a stiff sentence. But it was an appropriate sentence. Such crimes undermine a basic trust: that of elected officials to serve the public that chose them. The evidence of late is that far too many legislators--while still comprising a decided minority, we hope--have subverted their oaths by grasping for every personal advantage or campaign edge that will perpetuate themselves in office.

The electorate, it’s clear, knows what it wants here. People will not, and should not, tolerate such behavior from their elected officials. This is why they should back up Judge Schwartz’ signal with one of their own on June 5 when they vote on Proposition 112, which is on the primary ballot. The measure would enact a strong new ethics and conflict-of-interest law governing legislators and other public officials.

The Montoya conviction and approval of Proposition 112 should mark a start on the road back to a state government in which the people can have real trust and confidence.