Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Political sagas are nothing new

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, May 22, 2003 | 8:20 a.m.

What makes an elected official stray?

Sometimes it's greed. Sometimes it's stupidity. Sometimes a combination of both. But always it is devastating to a career and disappointing to constituents.

The current FBI investigations of Las Vegas Councilman Michael McDonald, ex-County Commissioners Erin Kenny and Dario Herrera and current commission chair Mary Kincaid-Chauncey inevitably will turn up some interesting tidbits, if not downright chicanery, both planned and accidental.

Herrera is an example of a bright, articulate young man who seemingly blew a brilliant political future.

Erin Kenny is, well, Erin Kenny.

Mary Kincaid-Chauncey has always been a squeaky-clean politician. Her involvement in the latest FBI caper is difficult to understand.

McDonald is no newcomer to ethics investigations. His political life has been plagued with accusations of wrongdoing, real and imagined.

Lurking in the background of the current drama is former Commissioner Lance Malone. He is the mystery man with the answers, and the FBI isn't revealing his whereabouts.

The entire scenario has the makings of a made-for-TV movie including tainted public officials, the heavy arm of the law and owners of adult entertainment centers or sexy sleaze joints.

Likely as not, the entire scandal eventually will blow over and become a memory, as have other breaches of the public trust.

Years back a sheriff and a county commissioner were caught taking bribes in a scam involving a house of prostitution. A lieutenant governor and a governor were scapegoats in a licensing probe involving mob figures and a prominent attorney.

The FBI netted a state senator and others in another bribery case. A mayor, city engineer and other city officials were accused of using inside information on land deals to further their own interests.

A well-known lawyer was sought after whenever zoning changes came before the officials, because he was said to have "juice."

The current to-do over possible violations of ethical standards is nothing new. Human nature, being what it is, people will continue to take advantage of situations and positions.

It's refreshing, however, when some of them get caught.

Smokers, who insist on puffing on coffin nails, have been banned from smoking in almost every place but in their homes. Some apartment houses have posted "no smoking" signs.

My sympathy is not wasted on frustrated smokers, possibly because I watched the agonizing and painful death of a loved one suffering from lung cancer. He was a two- and three-pack-a-day smoker.

But today I bring joy to smokers. At last, there's something just for you. A big tobacco company showing appreciation.

Incongruous though it might seem, the company is sponsoring a sweepstakes just for smokers. Prizes include a log cabin, his and her bowling balls, recliners, American flags, gas grills and entertainment centers.

The catch is you must sign a statement, "I certify that I am a smoker 21 years of age or older ..."

Smokers are not banned from Readers Digest sweepstakes and other big giveaways, but I can't participate in the Basic 2003 sweepstakes sponsored by a tobacco product.

Now that's discrimination.