More disclosure to allay suspicion

The news coming after the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission turned down Cedar Rapids' casino license bid last month has not diminished. The most recent has centered around a charity.

Commission Chairman Jeff Lamberti chairs the board for Battleship Iowa, a non-profit entity raising money to preserve the World War II-vintage ship, now an anchored museum off San Pedro, Calif. Riverside Casino & Golf Resort owner Dan Kehl, who adamantly and publicly opposed a Cedar Rapids casino, gave money to the battleship cause. Both men attended a USS Iowa reception at the governor's residence 10 days before the commission rejected the Cedar Rapids proposal 4-1, with Lamberti voting no.

As that story surfaced, there were cries about possible undue influence from the Cedar Rapids casino camp. Steve Gray, leader of the investor group, said the circumstances raised concerns that need to be addressed. Mayor Ron Corbett said 'it just doesn't give the best appearance.” Justin Shields, Cedar Rapids council member, called for a state investigation. Earlier this week, Corbett said the state should not allow casinos or prospective casinos and owners to donate to any causes in which commission members are involved.

We certainly agree with the mayor that avoiding conflicts of interest is important for officials on public boards. But let's not be too quick to add another layer of regulations. A state ethics board already exists. And how likely are donations to unrelated charitable causes that don't personally enrich commission members likely to sway their decisions?

We suggest that more transparency might be a better option. Commission members could be required to routinely disclose their involvement in causes and organizations, which could be cross-checked with casino donations. That could be a simpler deterrent to any party considering unethical influence peddling.

Meanwhile, in this case, to date, there's no evidence of such behavior.

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