Public Officials - Under Scrutiny
Public officers are governed by the highest duty known in the law. In State v. Sowards, 82 P.2d 324 (Okla. Crim. App. 1938), our Court of Criminal Appeals stated that "it is fundamental that public offices are a public trust." Id. at 330.
The Oklahoma Supreme Court has more recently strongly stated that public officers should avoid even the appearance of impropriety.
In, Westinghouse Electric Corporation v. Grand River Dam Authority, 720 P.2d 713 (Okla. 1986), the Court issued a strong admonition to public officials - as follows:
"Government agencies are uniquely endowed with the power to implement the public will, and as such, are subject to the highest levels of scrutiny by the people whom they serve. Government officials and employees must exercise great care to avoid even the appearance of impropriety in their duties; for they, like Caesar's wife, must be above reproach."
Something to think about...
Our next article will cover public office and responsibilities. What are we to expect from our elected?
