One of the things I have found most infurriating in New Jersey is the attitude that "corruption is a necessary part of politics". I'm not claiming that West Texas is a model of purity, but I've never understood how the most widespread reaction to corruption in politics can be a shrug and the explanation is, "Well, what do you expect?"
I expect public officials, regardless of political afffiliation, to uphold the basic minimum of public trust. That means they show up for their job and at least attempt to do it to the best of their ability. It means that they put personal honor and integrity above loyalty and ambition. It means they don't rip me off during the normal course of their workday.
I had hoped that change might be around the corner when Jon Corzine became Governor of New Jersey. "Hold me accountable" he said. I understand that there is a lot on his plate - our state is in horrible fiscal condition - but I'm of a mind that nothing takes higher precedence than ensuring the honesty and integrity of our governing structures. And that means that Jon Corzine's next action should be to fire Javier Inclan.
