thedailytimes.com : Your 24/7 news source

Dear Editor:

I am responding to recent letters concerning the integrity of political contributions.

No one knows what is in the mind or heart of the person making political contributions. I am sure that most contributions are made in good faith because the contributor is passionate about an issue, or because they like and respect the person to whom the contribution is given. And then we have those who give hoping to receive something in return.

Recent letters to the editor from admitted supporters of Judge Duggan have wanted to bash Judge Meares for taking the side of caution in receiving contributions. These two supporters are reaching to state that Judge Meares inferred that Judge Duggan was less than honorable or that all attorneys hope to receive favors from the judge to whom they have made contributions. Judge Meares has publicly stated that Judge Duggan is an honorable man of integrity.

Judge Meares, being the honorable man he is, has stated that he would not accept contributions from attorneys lest there later appear to be some impropriety involved based on one of his decisions. He did not say that attorneys should not contribute to others running for public office, whether it be for judge or other public service positions.

Too often we learn from the media that candidates have had to return contributions because of conflicts of interest and such. In his letter printed March 10, Mr. Taylor stated that the "public is wiser than all the critics" with which I am inclined to agree. He seems to have forgotten that the public is also fickle when the appearance of impropriety raises its ugly head and our elected officials are involved.

God forbid that attorney Snyder should ever argue a controversial case before a judge to whom he has made a political contribution and that controversial decision is in his favor. Once it is learned that he made a political contribution to that judge, both the media and the public will be quick to ask questions. It will not mean that it was not the right decision or that Attorney Snyder was receiving special consideration. It's just public perception. The trouble with perception is that the person doing the perceiving believes it to be true.

I am not forgetting that members of the public standing before a judge also contribute, but they are not the one arguing the case.

Judge Meares' decision to avoid the appearance of impropriety shows just how wise and deserving he is to serve the citizens of Blount County.

Herman Fleming

430 Lager Drive

Maryville, TN 37801