Democratic Party Ninth District
Elvin Hilyer

"Ethics in governing"- not an issue that comes to mind before breakfast every morning. But doesn't it affect our lives, in large and small ways, all during the day? What can be said about ethics in 500 words worth reading? It would be easy to lambast those who have violated our trust - but worthwhile? I think not - we know about the Abramoff's Neys, and Cunninghams. It is more worthwhile to raise issues that help us, of all political persuasions, think objectively about ways we have thought up to now.

A serious question for each: Is anybody in government - city, county, state, national - really representing ME and MY needs and interests, including those of my family?! Think about it. Sadly, many answer "no," or find the question hard to answer. Some may be too busy making a living to keep up with the issues and to ferret out "truth of the issues." A few answer "yes' - generally those with enough money or influence to buy attention to their interests.

Another question: Is anybody representing the best interests of my town, county, state, or nation? Again, sadly, many answer "no;" those who find it hard to answer may not have information on which to decide; many who answer "yes" benefit personally (such as from development) or respond on the basis of poor information sources.

Another: Are leaders at all levels spending time on and making decisions that resolve issues my family and I face and that are the most important and useful in establishing conditions for happier, safer, and healthier living?

These are basic questions of ethics in government. There is controversy in having good laws to ensure that those whom we elect actually serve us - the mainstream of American people. All too frequently we lose out to the influence of those who can provide funds, plane rides, behindthe scenes benefits, promise of votes of special groups, or who would financially benefit.

Samples of other serious questions: Is hypocrisy OK with me? Is it ethically acceptable for leaders/ legislators to preach one position and live another? Is it acceptable for them to be dishonest and "spin," or deliberately provide misleading information? Is it OK for the rich to be getting richer while I am struggling to keep from falling further behind?

Pondering these questions leaves me with an unpleasant feeling, and I bet many readers share the feeling. This is not a partisan issue.

Agood sign: The Democrat-led House and Senate did pass a law this summer that places more restrictions on lobbying and campaign financing. The law should help leaders and legislators at the national level focus more on issues important to our lives in small town

It is up to us to let elected and appointed officials - of all parties - know we are aware that they do not always act in the interest of those of us with limited or moderate incomes, but respond to special or self-interests and highmoney influence. It is up to us to let them know our concerns and needs and demand that they respond to them in an ethical manner. It is up to us, regardless of political affiliation, to face our responses to questions such as those raised above, and to shift our thinking, actions, and allegiances, accordingly.

Elvin Hilyer is the former Associate Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in Atlanta and Representative of The Carter Center in three African countries for disease control/eradication programs. He is a resident of Dahlonega and continues to serve as a consultant to CDC.