In court this week, Assistant U.S. Attorney Dennis Duffy made a point of connecting the dots between campaign fundraisers, political appointments and personal profiteering. He described how major donors to former Gov. Mike Easley bonded with his aide Ruffin Poole, gained appointments and special access to state officials, and traded their fundraising skills for enormous personal gain. "These guys were falling all over each other because of the value of these appointments," Duffy said. He could have added: If you want less corruption, shrink the importance of campaign fundraising in politics.
The current system of year-round private fundraising for high public office is killing our society. The money chase nurtures a sinister, pay-to-play mentality that is contagious. Good politicians and donors with a genuine interest in social policy are again and again tainted by the rotten apples that keep turning up in a toxic mix of campaign cash, access and special privileges. The public responds by hating government.
We urgently need political leaders who will enact a dramatically different approach to campaign financing: Create a "voter-owned," public funding option for those candidates who abandon the private money chase, abide by strict public-trust conditions, and demonstrate support from voters. North Carolina already offers this option for some judicial and executive branch candidates. It's reducing special interest influence and being adopted by other states.
We can throw Poole and/or Easley in jail, but that won't change the system in which they thrived. For that, we need more voter-owned elections.
BOB HALL
Durham
Hall is the executive director of Democracy North Carolina.
No good excuse
I read with horror and disgust the April 17 account (Letter to the editor "Great cruelty but little consequence") of a good Samaritan trying to stop a neighbor's pit bulls from fighting and the subsequent response from Animal Control. The dogs were badly injured and one was left in the pen to lie in pain and misery for days. Despite multiple attempts to have Animal Control help this dog, Animal Control did nothing but stonewall. The responding officer clearly should have recognized this dog's welfare was in danger and should have followed up sooner, particularly when Animal Control was informed daily of this dog's condition. There is simply no excuse for Animal Control's pathetic response to this situation and their inaction makes them equally responsible in this cruelty case.
PHYLLIS NUNN
Raleigh
Sutton is prepared
Kerry Sutton will make an outstanding district court judge.
She has dedicated her professional life to protecting people's rights, in court and in other public forums. She has extensive experience representing parties in district court and is well aware of the significance of the issues that will come before her. She has a keen intellect and a thorough knowledge of the law. She also possesses the appropriate judicial temperament.
I have no doubt that every person who appears in her court will be treated fairly and with respect.
DAVID PISHKO
Winston-Salem
Pishko is president of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.
Support Sutton
I write in support of Kerry Sutton for Durham County District Court Judge, prompted by the letter written by Rebecca Miller. Ms. Miller appears concerned that Ms. Sutton openly acknowledges having gotten a DWI more than than 20 years ago and that this hasn't been used to disqualify her candidacy. I value honesty in a judicial candidate. I am pleased at the prospect of having a judge who has been in the shoes of those who appear before her, and who is a living example that what they are facing can be overcome. I also want a judge who questions the technology used to convict, rather than blindly accepting what she is told. It is interesting to note that the technology referred to by Ms. Miller was, in fact, ultimately replaced. Kerry Sutton is determined, thoughtful, open-minded and intelligent. She has a demonstrated commitment to the citizens of North Carolina and Durham County, and has the character necessary to bring professionalism, fairness and control to the courtroom. I can think of no greater benefit to the citizens of Durham County, to our justice system, and to defendants and victims than Kerry Sutton serving them as a district court judge.
CHERI PATRICK
Durham
