Politics & Government

Letter: North Point Center Belongs to Dundalk Citizens

Dundalk resident Linda Gossman explores the many definitions and types of political corruption; begs for better decisions from elected leaders.

Dundalk Patch received the following letter from Dundalk resident Linda Gossman:

Dear Citizens of Dundalk,

On Monday, 4/15/2013, I attended the Baltimore County Council meeting. I went to speak out against two topics: the sale of the North Point Government Center and Bill 20-13, storm water remediation fee or better known
as the “Rain Tax.” Unfortunately, the BCC voted to approve this new tax. Before the final vote was taken, Councilman John Olszewski, Sr., who represents the 7th District, asked a question of Vince Gardina who presented this bill to the council. He asked, “Isn’t it true, 9 other counties have adopted this bill?” Also, “Isn’t it true if we do not adopt this bill, Baltimore County will not receive state funding for our roads?” Mr. Gardina’s reply to both questions, “Yes.” Doesn’t this sound like robbery without a gun or taxation without representation? Could this, in any way, be a connected to the definition of political corruption? Frequently, throughout our lives, we have heard this phrase, but do we really understand the meaning? I decide to so some sleuthing and looked into the definition.

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First, let’s start with the definition of political corruption. (This is cut and pasted from Wikipedia. I am not giving you the complete definition. Just the juicer parts.)

“Political corruption is the use of power by government officials for illegitimate private gain. An illegal act by an officeholder constitutes political corruption only if the act is directly related to their official duties, is done under color of law or involves trading in influence. Forms of corruption vary, but include: bribery, extortion, cronyism, nepotism, patronage, graft, and embezzlement. Some forms of corruption—now called, “institutional corruption”—are distinguished from bribery and other kinds of obvious personal gain. Campaign contributions
are the prime example. Even when they are legal, and do not constitute a quid pro quo, they have a tendency to bias the process in favor of special interests, and undermine public confidence in political institution.”

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Whew, what a mouth full and it is not the entire definition! After looking up the definition, I decided to look up the meaning of some of the forms of corruption. (Here again through Wikipedia.) I think you will find them very interesting.

Color of in the U.S. law, the term denotes the “mere semblance of legal right”, the “pretense or appearance of” right; hence, an action done under color of law colors (adjusts) the law to the circumstance, yet said apparently legal action contravenes the law.

Under color of authority is a legal phrase used in the United States indicating a person is claiming or implying the acts he or she is committing are related to and legitimized by his or her role as an agent of governmental power, especially if the acts are unlawful.

Influence peddling is the illegal practice of using one's influence in government or connections with persons in authority to obtain favors or preferential treatment for another, usually in return for payment. Also called traffic of influence or trading in influence. In fact, influence peddling is not necessarily illegal as OECD (Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) has often used the term "undue influence peddling" to refer to illegal acts of lobbying. However, influence peddling bears the stench of corruption that may de-legitimize democratic politics with the general public.

Cronyism is partiality to long-standing friends, especially by appointing them to positions of authority, regardless of their qualifications. Hence, cronyism is contrary in practice and principle to meritocracy. (1. A system in which
the talented are chosen and moved ahead on the basis of their achievement. 2. Leadership selected on the basis of intellectual criteria. Per the Merriam-Webster Dictionary)

Cronyism exists when the appointer and the beneficiary are in social contact; often, the appointer is inadequate to hold his or her own job or position of authority, and for this reason the appointer appoints individuals who will not
try to weaken him or her, or express views contrary to those of the appointer. Politically, “cronyism” is derogatorily used.

Nepotism is favoritism granted to relatives regardless of merit. (This is pretty self-explanatory).

Patronage is the support, encouragement, privilege, or financial aid that an organization or individual bestows to another. As well, the term may refer to a type of corruption or favoritism in which a party in power rewards groups, families, ethnicities for their electoral support using illegal gifts or fraudulently awarded appointments or government contacts.

Graft, a form of political corruption, is the unscrupulous use of a politician’s authority for personal gain. Most governmental systems have laws in place to prevent graft although this does not always halt political corruption.

Embezzlement is the act of dishonestly withholding assets for the purpose of conversion (theft) of such assets by one or more individuals to whom such assets have been entrusted, to be held and/or used for other purposes. In America, embezzlement is a statutory offense so the definition of the crime varies from statute to statute. Typical elements are (1) the fraudulent (2) conversion (3) of the property (4) of another (5) by a person who has lawful
possession of the property.

Embezzlement is a kind of financial fraud. More often than not, embezzlement is performed in a manner that is premeditated, systematic and/or methodical, with the explicit intent to conceal the activities from other individuals, usually because it is being done (by the perpetrator) without the other individuals’ knowledge or consent.

Quid pro quo (“this for that” in Latin) means an exchange of goods or services, where one transfer is contingent upon the other. English speakers often use the term to mean “a favor for a favor”; phrases with similar meaning include: ‘give and take”, “tit for tat”, and “you scratch my back, and I’ll scratch yours.”

In legal usage, quid pro quo indicates that an item or a service has been traded in return for something of value, usually when the propriety or equity of the transaction is in question. For example, under the common law, a binding contract must involve consideration: that is, the exchange of something of value for something else of economic value. In the United States, if the exchange appears excessively one sided, courts in some jurisdictions may question whether a quid pro quo did actually exist and the contract may be void by law.

Wow, this is a lot to take in, isn’t it? Is it anything new? No. Corruption in the political arena has been around from the very beginning. Has it been as bad as it is now? I doubt it. I am sure our Founding Fathers are rolling in their graves over the political mess this country has gotten itself in to over the last few decades. I would like to close with one final thought.

I do not know if political corruption is involved with the sale of the North Point Government center property or the “Rain Tax.” But, considering the state-of-affairs of this country, state, and county, and how both of these issues were
handled, I can’t help but wonder. I am praying the members of the Baltimore County Council will vote "no" against the sale of the North Point Government Center and park.

This property belongs to the citizens of Dundalk and to future generations. We do not want it sold at any price.

Respectfully Submitted,
Linda Gossman

“Experience has shown, that even under the best forms of government those entrusted with power have, in time, and by slow operations, perverted it into tyranny.”
― Thomas Jefferson

“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.”
― Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome

“To oppose corruption in government is the highest obligation of patriotism.”
― G. Edward Griffin

“Among a people generally corrupt, liberty cannot long exist.”
―Edmund Burke


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