Anyone who does not believe North Carolina ranks among the least ethical states in the nation simply is not paying attention. The level of graft and corruption I’ve seen in my 11 years here is astounding. This is only the latest, and hardly the most egregious, offense.
Editorial: Higher ground — Ethics doubts claim another lawmaker
Supporters had high hopes for N.C. Rep. Ty Harrell when he won election to the General Assembly from District 41, near Cary, in 2006. Those are gone following his resignation from the Legislature on Sunday, ending a growing probe into his use of campaign funds.
North Carolina may be no stranger to the behavior of which the Democrat is accused, but it is still a disappointment to see such potential wasted. The state needs talented lawmakers, but it needs those men and women to uphold the highest standards of conduct while serving, without exception.
Harrell issued his resignation on Sunday as expenditures from his campaign funds received increased attention from the Legislative Ethics Committee and the state Board of Elections. He cited the distraction of that investigation, as well as a need to protect his sons during a divorce, as reason for his decision.
North Carolina lawmakers work under tightened ethics rules because of repeated violations that are now well known to citizens. Even those in the highest offices have shown a remarkable inability to uphold the trust of their constituents. And their punishment — public embarrassment, removal from office and, in some cases, prison — is deserved reward for compromising the integrity of government.
It is a shame that Harrell is the latest to succumb, especially given his potential as a legislative leader. But it serves further notice that those who serve must adhere to a higher standard of conduct.
