Proposition 50's Arguments Against Corruption

Proposition 50 was the only California state proposition on the primary ballot last June. Due in part to current law, while the suspension of public officials can occur, the consequences of loss of salary and/or benefits are non-existent, allowing for corruption to pervade their position without consequence. Corruption in the service of the public should never be acceptable practice and no public servant should be allowed to get away with a lack of ethics. Proposition 50 addresses the issue of ethical corruption derived from actions involving suspensions without financial consequences being imposed. Congressman Ian Calderon, along with a few other California State legislators, designed the proposition to refuse legislative members’ salaries, …show more content…
Yet, as time passes the proposition will become an effective law in eliminating public corruption within California. On the contrary, relying on public officials to punish their own may need more transparency and additional power to the voters to eradicate corruption. But what is government without controversial corruption? As Lord Baron’s saying goes, “power corrupts—absolute power corrupts absolutely.” Time will move on. new laws will form, people will vote whether or not they want amendments to each law, they may recall a governor, propose a referendum or even post an initiative, and, over time, the fear is Proposition 50 will be a forgotten law. It may not occur right away. Most voters are not focused on State Legislators. Corruption is part of a norm in the public’s eye and while Proposition 50 addresses the issue and imparts consequences, an unintended consequence may present itself in the near future that cancels out this proposition and allows morally and ethically challenged actors to remain in public service or, at a minimum, receiving salaries and benefits in perpetuity after suspension. It is truly incumbent on the voting public to hold its public servants