BREAK THE CYCLE
Tired of political corruption? Here are some simple solutions
BY MARK WARDEN

Some would say that the term "corrupt politicians" is redundant. The news recently has been bloated with stories of alleged and proved political corruption. In Clark County, state assemblymen and senators, along with the county recorder, have been accused of questionable, if not illegal, campaign contributions, reporting violations and closed-door dealings dripping of conflict of interest. Former county commissioners (arguably the most politically powerful position in the entire state) are undergoing criminal court proceedings for a bribery scandal that brought in federal investigators. Local businessmen, including the owner of several strip joints and a Las Vegas developer, have pleaded guilty or been convicted of illegal contributions to elected officials.

Common sense tells us that relatively few actually get caught, so this tip of the bribery iceberg certainly runs much deeper.

The question is what can be done to stem the tide of widespread graft, patronage, deceit and unethical behavior by our elected officials? I'd like to offer several suggestions. 

If enough ethical voters and citizens become activists, we can help reverse the trend toward total moral breakdown in local governments, or at least slow the decline. In no particular order, here are some of the best ideas that would actually change the way our elected officials operate.

First, remove all limits to campaign contributions. If Station Casinos, MGM MIRAGE or The Venetian wants to go all out and support a candidate by funding his race to the tune of a hundred grand, why not allow it? If elected, that person would have to abstain on all votes regarding issues that affect his benefactor. At least you know where that person stands and what his motivations will be. Or if a rich uncle wants to underwrite the entire campaign of his bright, conservative nephew, why not? If he wins, he's not beholden to any special interests except his proud avuncular backer.

Vote for somebody other than a Republican or Democrat, and get your friends and neighbors to do the same. There are many excellent candidates from the Libertarian and Independent American parties who, unlike most politicians, actually stand on principle. For the most part, the representatives from those two parties in Nevada run because of heart-felt, consistent, intellectual approaches to governance, including a true understanding of and respect for the Constitution. They don't run for the ego rush or for the power trip that many politicians covet.

Another option - run yourself. If you believe you've got what it takes to be a principled, fair, not-for-sale type of lawmaker, get out there and be a candidate. Or find out who is the best candidate and help him or her win.

Ultimately, the best way to minimize political corruption is by reducing the power wielded by city, county and state governments. Take away their power to reward or punish businesses, industries and populations, and you remove incentives for special interests to buy their votes in council chambers. 

With less government interference and regulation, and more liberty, the free market will provide the best combination of services, products, variety, opportunity and economic expansion for our communities. LW