news-record.com

The timing couldn't have been better. On the day Gov. Bev Perdue was unveiling her ethics reform wish list, a former aide to her predecessor was pleading not guilty to dozens of federal corruption charges.

Whether by luck or design, the stark contrast underscores the pressing need for a state government ethics rewrite. The string of embarrassing influence-peddling scandals on Mike Easley's watch prompted this governor to act.

Her proposals, some of which will require legislative action, call for more accountability, set higher standards of conduct for state workers and raise penalties for misbehavior.

While skeptics say tougher measures are necessary to change the "pay to play" mentality that permeates some state government departments and agencies, Perdue's suggested changes are a commendable start.

Some smack of common sense. For example, she wants the General Assembly to OK the removal of government appointees under felony indictment or who refuse to cooperate with investigators in criminal investigations. And she would require that, for members of state boards and commissions to keep their jobs, they attend at least 75 percent of the meetings.

To address influence-peddling, Perdue proposes tougher guidelines on relationships between holders of state contracts and state employees. Contractors no longer could contribute to officeholders overseeing those contracts. The governor's gift ban would be extended to all state employees.

Also in the package are full-disclosure updates requiring that applicants for state jobs reveal complete criminal histories. There would be a "cooling-off period" for state employees taking lobbyist jobs in the private sector.

In announcing her proposed reforms, Perdue observed rightly that North Carolinians "deserve integrity from their public servants." Legislators now should take them to the next level.