THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, March 2, 1996 TAG: 9603020007
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A10 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 48 lines
Tucked away on Page 24 of the special grand jury's report on the Virginia Beach Public School Division is an intriguing suggestion.
Members of the panel urge the General Assembly to toughen the penalty for malfeasance in public office, currently punishable by a $250 fine and removal from office.
The special grand jury would like to see the fine upped to about $100,000 to ``reflect a policy of increased accountability for those to whom public funds are entrusted. In our judgment, a $250 fine, even when combined with removal from office, is grossly insufficient to deter this type of recklessness in the future.''
Obviously the 10 folks on the panel were chagrined that after all their findings of evidence of culpability on the part of the former superintendent, the former budget director and seven members of the School Board, a financial slap on the wrist was all the perpetrators could receive if convicted. Oh, yes, and the board members would be further punished by not having to attend endless School Board meetings on Tuesdays.
So weak is the punishment for malfeasance that the report urges no indictments be brought against former Superintendent Sidney L. Faucette and two of the board members who resigned last month, because the cost of the criminal proceedings would be much more than the $250 fine.
What an insightful observation by these grand-jury members. How can we hold public officials - particularly elected school boards - to high standards if we don't have serious penalties for those who violate the public trust?
There was a time in this country when the shame of being tossed out of office would have been punishment enough. No more.
Today Dan Rostenkowski is a popular guest on ``Larry King Live.'' And Richard Nixon, instead of spending his remaining years in disgrace, became a sort of elder statesman until he died. Michael Milken, fresh out of prison, advises business moguls.
An increased fine, of the magnitude recommended by the special grand jury, would put a serious dent in the pocketbooks of public officials who commit malfeasance in office. It's worth exploring by our legislators.
A heavier penalty would hit shameless public officials where it hurts. by CNB