Q. Your new post as Governor Ann Richards' special counsel on ethics is unique in this country, probably the world. What's the purpose of the job?
A. I am the ethics guru. I question the Governor's proposed appointees about matters that are ethically sensitive, help raise their sensitivity quotient. It's the things that are not blatant that get you into trouble. This is not just an initial push and then you forget about it, but a constant companion for the duration.
Q. Have you done any good yet?
A. In screening appointments, I counseled against the appointment of one individual, who did not get it. I've spoken at training sessions for appointees. I presented a hypothetical case and asked the audience how they would respond. I presented the case of an appointee who needs to attend a meeting and is offered the use of a corporate aircraft by a person interested in a contract with his agency. Do you compromise yourself and accept this apparently innocent invitation? Do you issue a disclaimer that it will not affect any future contracts? My advice: Buy your own ticket.
Q. Sounds as if John Sununu and others could use some of your advice in Washington.
A. There are any number of people in Washington who strain credulity to state the rationale to justify their actions. But Sununu was too greedy; he should not have become the frequent flyer he did. If you are going to be ethically insensitive, at least be insensitive in moderation.
Q. What about the Congressmen and their wives flying on a military plane to Paris for the air show -- all their expenses taxpayer-paid?
A. It is not right; it is not correct; it should not occur. These things may not be illegal, but it is so important for a public servant to sort out what is legal from what is ethical. I tell appointees, "You must not engage in any fine-line drawing." Ed Meese as Attorney General did that many times. It is not enough for the Attorney General to say, "I have not violated the law."
Q. How did your job come into being?
A. Governor Richards made ethics a primary focus of her campaign, because there have been so many allegations of lobbyists' influence peddling, vote buying, bribery, that sort of thing. In 1989 we were treated to the spectacle of a lobbyist going onto the floor of the Texas Senate and handing out $10,000 checks. There was some legislation in which he was interested, so he just said, "We have a gift for you." It was that blatant.
Q. But don't most people think, cynically, that politics is a crooked business?
A. I am very disheartened by the public perception of politicians not having the public welfare at heart because I absolutely believe politics is an honorable profession. I wish more people would see politicians as public servants, because that's what they are.
Q. Yet in almost every session of Congress some ethical scandal arises. How do you explain that?
A. When ethical problems arise, the base is usually some act of greed or self- interest or money. I believe only a very small percentage of people who are in public office are guilty of wrongdoing, of abusing their public trust. But then I look at those people in public office who run against government -- and that, I think, is one reason why the role of the politician is so diminished in the eyes of the public.