Jun 25 2008
Disclosure can be SOOOOO Bothersome
State Sen. Clark Jenkins, the primary sponsor of a bill that would allow wider boats and longer, heavier trucks on North Carolina highways, is an owner of a marina near Nags Head that claims on its Web site to be the fastest-growing new fishing marina in the state.
Jenkins, a Tarboro Democrat, said he didn’t disclose his interest in Broad Creek Fishing Center & Marina when he shepherded his bill through two Senate committees because it wasn’t necessary.
“I don’t have a conflict of interest, in my opinion,” Jenkins said in an interview Tuesday. He said that’s because the entire sportfishing industry would benefit from his bill, not just his marina.
In your opinion, huh? Well, in my opinion, your constituents would do well to kick your lying butt to the curb this November, senator. The link between your bill and the possibility of increased profits for your business may be tenuous, but it exists, and that means you need to be upfront with the people who pay your salary.Â
State law says that no legislator shall participate in a legislative action if they conclude “that an actual economic interest does exist which would impair the legislator’s independence of judgment.” It also says that it’s OK if the benefit to that legislator is no greater than the benefit to owners of other similar businesses.
State Highway Patrol officials say that longer trucks and wider boats on the highways would endanger other motorists.
