Public officials should reject perk

Mayor Anderson's office correctly points out a significant difference between free airport parking for public officials and "Guzzlegate." The former does not involve any illegalities on anyone's part. But this distinction illustrates that most accountability issues in government involve legal behavior and honest, hard-working officials. City government plays an active role in approving the fiscal and operational activities of the airport. A city official who derives personal benefit from that relationship is potentially compromised in his or her decision-making capacity and risks losing credibility. Public officials should reject this perk.

Anthony Musci

chairman

Common Cause of Utah

Salt Lake City