This week the Public Affairs Research Council of Louisiana put out a commentary on state ethics policies.
PAR President Robert Travis Scott says tweaks are needed to require officials to disclose their reasons when they recuse themselves from a debate or vote. And he says the state needs to be careful not to create an environment ripe for corruption by allowing even modest gifts worth up to $25, as is being considered by the legislature this session.
The discussion comes in light of formerGov. Edwin Edwards, who was convicted of racketeering, announcing a Congressional runand Gov. Bobby Jindal touting his record on ethics reform.