Ethics: The Foundation of Judgment and Behavior

Since October 25, 2007, a lot has been written in our local newspaper, The Fayetteville Observer, about the controversial involvement of Mayor Tony Chavonne, City Manager Dale Iman, and Police Chief Tom Bergamine, in the police investigation of a traffic accident involving Dana Knight, the wife of a retired Fort Bragg General.

According to almost daily newspaper accounts, Knight was involved in a three-vehicle accident. At the scene, the investigating Police officer interviewed several witnesses, but obtained conflicting statements. Fearful that his wife might receive an unwarranted traffic citation, Knight's husband contacted Chavonne. Chavonne met with Dana Knight and her husband at the hospital. Thereafter, Chavonne contacted Iman, who also came to the hospital and met with the Knights.

While at the hospital, Iman spoke to the investigating Police officer and learned of the conflicting witness statements. However, the officer reportedly told Iman that her Supervisor ordered that a citation be issued to the driver most implicated by the conflicting statements, which apparently was Knight. Iman then contacted Bergamine to confirm whether it was proper to issue citations in accidents involving conflicting witness statements. Apparently, Iman considered issuing a citation under such circumstances as a possible "rush to judgment." Subsequently, the citation issued for Knight was voided. However, a citation was issued later to one of the other drivers, who was seriously injured and hospitalized as a result of the accident.

Once this story broke, local newspaper columnists blasted the Mayor, City Manager, and Chief of Police for allegedly violating the public trust, and for allegedly using the power of their positions unfairly. The chorus of accusations and complaints intensified when Iman, in explaining his involvement, said that he did nothing more than he would have done for any other citizen. Immediately, this brought howls and public outcries from the citizenry.

At the first City Council meeting following this incident, a motion was made to censure Mayor Chavonne. But rather than recuse himself from voting, Chavonne voted against the motion resulting in a tie vote, effectively quashing any official censure. But, the Council did manage to pass a motion authorizing the City Attorney to request an independent investigation by the State Bureau of Invesigation (SBI) or another competent outside agency. However, despite efforts to expand the investigation to include the actions of Chavonne, Iman, and Bergamine, the adopted motion allowed only for a factual investigation of the disputed accident.

Days later, Chavonne issued a written apology published by the the Fayetteville Observer. Without simply admitting his actions were wrong, however, Chavonne appeared to only apologize to those who were offended by his actions. Rather than help, Chavonne's written apology caused additional public outcries, and may have further tarnished his otherwise sterling reputation.

Then, today in the November 28 issue of the Fayetteville Observer, we learned that both the SBI and the NC State Highway Patrol declined the city's request to conduct an investigation, leaving the city to consider, "hiring a consultant or just letting the court system decide the traffic citations stemming from the wreck."

Obviously, it appears that many of those involved in this matter used very poor judgment. Public trust is very precious and requires vigilante protection, especially where there could be a perception of unfair influence and abuse of power. Sadly, such activities probably occur every day in every town and city in America. However, every time it occurs, regardless of the circumstances, a part of the fabric of public trust is torn away unnecessarily.

Clearly, all the officials involved in this matter are honorable and decent citizens; and all sought to offer help, even if such help might have been misguided. But what is important now is how this matter might effect the ability of local government to function properly, especially with the specter of favoritism lurching in the background. Moreover, what will become the ethical standard for those holding public office, and wielding significant positions of power. Indeed, there is nothing more frightful to the public than officials who appear to abuse their power and wound the public trust.

Regrettably, the wounds and scars of this issue will not fade soon. Nor will rebuilding the public trust occur overnight. But if those involved will take the high road, admit their actions were wrong, and show by their future actions that such mistakes will not occur again, then maybe some good can come from all of this. Indeed, even though some might consider ethical behavior an endangered species, truly it's alive and well; and perhaps its presence has never been needed more than now. Therefore, let's remember that ethics is the foundation of judgment and behavior, and a sure cornerstone of a healthy and free society.