The editorial of Jan. 8 indicated that some state legislators have taken thousands and even millions of dollars in payment from public tax money. The money was paid by the state for services to corporations or other entities from which the lawmakers benefited. Sometimes the lawmakers even helped enact the specific legislation that allowed that to happen.

Can we expect legislators to enact legislation that goes against their personal interests?

When cuts were being made by the Legislature, I asked if the governor and legislators also were willing to share the misery. The governor, in print, said he was willing to take cuts in his salary and benefits. I haven’t heard that it has happened. I checked the bills being considered and found that the Legislature turned down a bill to look into cost savings for that body. Doesn’t sound like they were even interested in looking at themselves, does it?

Every so often an email goes around stating that Congress should make no laws that do not apply to itself and enjoy no exemptions from the laws to which the rest of us are subject.

Who would pass a law saying that? If you think Congress and the Legislature, you have more faith in their altruistic nature than I do.

How can we make laws fairer when many of those who are violating the public trust make the laws?

I thank the Sun Journal for its diligence in bringing these issues to the public’s attention.

Marilyn Burgess, Leeds

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