The headline says it all:
"Trial gives glimpse of patronage cesspool"
THE FRAUD trial of state Rep. Sue Schmitz is unfolding as a tale of the powerful helping the powerful secure taxpayer-funded jobs and benefits.Read the whole thing from the Alabama Press-Register (August 28)
Federal authorities say Rep. Schmitz, D-Toney, ripped off the taxpayers by taking $177,000 in salary for what amounted to a no-work job in Alabama's two-year college system.
The jury in the case will have the ultimate say on whether Rep. Schmitz committed any crimes. She is entitled to the presumption of innocence until a jury decides otherwise.
But Alabamians are free to draw their own conclusions about the testimony of high-profile witnesses such as House Speaker Seth Hammett and former two-year system Chancellor Roy Johnson.
Rep. Hammett's testimony was as disappointing as it was enlightening. The veteran Democratic lawmaker generally is viewed as a responsible, evenhanded speaker. But judging by his own testimony in Rep. Schmitz' trial, he's also a behind-the-scenes patronage dispenser and an errand boy for Paul Hubbert.
The famously powerful Mr. Hubbert runs the Alabama Education Association. On issues related to education, he also runs the Legislature — with some assistance from the elected leaders, including Mr. Hammett.
They conclude that if the Speaker "wants to regain his former stature, he should use his power for a more public-spirited purpose than currying favor with Paul Hubbert. We suggest he start by backing long-stalled ethics reform legislation, including a ban on legislators holding government jobs. "
TT - entry for Sue Schmitz and the corruption in Alabama education.
