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 Lessons Learned from the Jim Black Saga
by Tom Campbell
December 13, 2006
The long rein of Jim Black as House Speaker is nearing an end. Black announced he would step down as Speaker at the end of this term, and would not seek re-election. Before we put the Black era behind us we need to recount lessons that can be learned.
First and foremost is the danger of allowing too few to rule for too long. Jim Black’s record four terms in office ties for the most ever served - at least two terms too many. House members need to learn the lesson that the Speaker has power only because they give it to him or her through election. They must not allow that power to be abused and should speak out when it is.
The “pay for play” reputation of the House disgraces the many who have served honorably in the past. People in power start believing they deserve to bend and break rules, make closed-door agreements, and close out leadership opportunities for newcomers. Arrogance grows around power that is allowed to reside too long in individuals.
Members should also recognize the danger of allowing the Speaker to become the major fundraiser for them. The money doled out by the Speaker may seem like manna to a candidate struggling to get elected, but the price paid is steep. Once elected, the representative is essentially bought and paid for, doing basically as the Speaker says, regardless of what they might think to the contrary.
The media can take a lesson from the Jim Black saga. Too much of the information uncovered against Black came from private individuals and research groups. The media is charged with being a vigilant watchdog, unwilling to accept everything at face value. The media came late to the Jim Black party. Granted, they showed up, and once on the case pursued it. But people close to the legislature knew of abuses long before the media took note.
Another deserving lesson is that we, the citizens, need to be more watchful, always mindful that our elected officials are public servants. We would be wrong to assume that all are self-serving or corrupt, but we must be vigilant, eager to ask tough questions, insisting on straight answers. We hold the ultimate power at the voting box.
Finally, we must recognize the growth of big money in our political system. PACs, lobbyists, and corporate contributors have every right to be heard, but no right to buy politicians or elections. The ethics and lobby laws passed in the last session are a good start to reigning in some of the abuses, but only a start.
Jim Black was first elected to the legislature in 1981. We are convinced he, like most all others, had nothing but the best of intentions to serve his constituency. As Speaker, Jim Black accomplished some good things for our state, but he will be remembered for tarnishing the reputation of the legislature. Let us all learn from this.
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