San Diego elected officials take on the ethics commission

A wise man once said, “You stay classy, San Diego.” That familiar film friend from “Anchorman” was Ron Burgundy. Within a 10 minute radius of our campus kingdom, USD dignitaries hold the Pacific Coast, go-to bars, an international airport, the Little Apple of Downtown and très magnifique shopping in their surrounding view. Seemingly ideal, it is easily envisioned to project class. But do not be fooled canny comrades.
 Although not a fair reflection of its class, a city’s government is what maintains basic security and public order, ultimately representing its people on important issues. This would be the case in San Diego, where a negative portrait has been painted in recent years by a series of financial scandals involving political elites. Now, these same political elites are removing their support for the San Diego Ethics Commission.
The Ethics Commission is a body of moral principles and values in local government. To neither endorse nor cherish such an institution, one must wonder what San Diego’s administrators see in themselves. How can they not hold themselves accountable to their constituents?
Perhaps the commission’s investigation into Councilwoman Marti Emerald is one case that can better represent the general attitude towards the Ethics Commission and its non-existent support from local officials.
 Emerald was accused of failing to record $50,000 in bonuses due to her campaign consultant and fundraisers following her victorious November 2008 election. After being notified of the discrepancy by the commission, she still did not report the bonuses for another eight months. Emerald then became the first elected city official to openly challenge the Ethics Commission over an enforcement action.
 Unfortunately, I don’t think it counts if you follow the law after you’ve already been caught. What has the comission done wrong in enforcing the rules on Emerald? She never denied she was guilty, but only expressed hope in having “an ethics commission that can be more effective.” Does this mean effectiveness in not enforcing laws against illegal actions? If so, I guess I wouldn’t care for an investigation into my devious devised schemes either.
This is just one instance of unethical activity by a city official who once stressed the necessity of such a commission. Founded in 2001, the commision found its impetus in a scandal involving then-Councilwoman Valerie Stallings, who pleaded guilty in federal court to two misdemeanors for failing to report campaign gifts.
 The naughty list does go on. A number of the city’s most influential politicians have received fines, including Council President Ben Hueso and Dick Murphy, the old mayor.
 Should it be such a task for city officials to learn how to play by the rules? I recall learning, at an elementary level, not only how to share and read, but also to follow the rules or face the consequences.
So far, I have witnessed nothing but class from San Diego’s people, places and environment. But its unethical government appears to be missing that class and wisdom of our dear anchorman, Ron Burgundy.