Letter: Ethics violations so prevalent they can’t be punished

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Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004 | 9:12 a.m.

So Controller Kathy Augustine feels vindicated, after knowingly abusing her power in office.

But it seems fitting that she should receive just a slap on the hands by the Nevada Senate. To penalize her any more harshly would make many of her peers guilty of hypocrisy.

Can anyone explain what purpose it serves to have rules, guidelines and oversight committees if the people who are responsible for enforcement of these policies are sometimes guilty of the same infractions?

Why does holding office preclude someone from maintaining accountability? You can bet your bottom dollar that if I abused my company's time, manpower, money and my authority on something personal, I would be on the street and probably charged with embezzlement.

This state needs significantly more qualified and ethical people running for office.

KELLY EDMISTON