GREENSBORO, NC -- It is not that small gifts might be enough to "bribe" an elected official, it is that they attempt to ingratiate; not to create a quid pro quo, but to engender chummy good feelings. With the exceptions of food served at banquets, honorariums and souvenirs of nominal value, state law prohibits an elected official from accepting gifts from anyone who has or may have business before the official's public body. Such a gift-giver would also be in violation of the law -- even if the gift is just a delicious ham.
So bravo to Mayor Bill Knight for keeping everything on the straight and narrow by refusing to accept a gifted ham from former city council person and project manager of CICO, Inc. Bob Mays. CICO is trying to win the City's trash disposal business. Last week, city council person Jim Kee nominated CICO partner Paul Gilmer to the Zoning Commission, a board that will have an influence on CICO's prospects. Council unanimously approved the appointment. Greensboro's business needs to be decided on what is best for the citizens of Greensboro, not by special influence. The attempts to maneuver CICO to an inside track must end.
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