Transparency in government is at the heart of accountability, and is especially important when a prominent elected official is accused of influence peddling.
This brings us to the latest disquieting development in Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton’s legal woes, specifically ongoing settlement talks between attorneys for Paxton and three of four whistleblowers who have accused the attorney general of influence peddling and retaliation. Lawyers for the fourth whistleblower opposed the motion and urged the court to move forward toward trial.
Ideally, this case would stay in the public eye. Influence peddling is one of the worst allegations that can be made against a public official because it asserts serious and intentional violations of the public trust and oath of office. The cadre of people who were among Paxton’s closest aides left the AG’s office and filed a whistleblower complaint that alleged he was personally interfering in a federal investigation to benefit an Austin real estate developer and donor. Paxton has rejected calls for his resignation, repeatedly denied wrongdoing and claimed that the allegations, which sparked an FBI investigation, were politically motivated.
A settlement could block public airing of the allegations in open court. In all likelihood, any settlement agreement would include a clause that would keep all of the details secret. What a disaster that would be for the truth.
To add insult to injury, Texas taxpayers would foot the legal bill. ...
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