My letter did address law enforcement and other city employees who might have severe financial problems as evidenced by their real property being foreclosed on as advertised in the legal notices of The News. It seems to me that if financial problems did not exist, they would pay their liabilities. My letter, and the letter printed next to mine written by Mr. Chris Jueschke, both coincidently pertained to ethics relating to the city of Covington.

My letter questioned whether or not the city of Covington had standard of conduct regulations incorporated into their personnel manual. Such standards are prevalent in all federal, all states and most counties and cities’ personnel manuals. These regulations pertain more to law enforcement personnel and departments because this is where public trust is necessary for their function. The regulations cover topics such as political activity, gambling, the use of intoxicants, indebtedness, lending and borrowing money between employees, the use of government cars, falsifying records, conduct prejudicial to government (moral turpitude) and misuse of official authority.

New employees’ orientation includes the explanation of these requirements and that the requirements are a condition of employment. Any deviation would result in various punishments up to dismissal and even prosecution. Many government entities require their career employees to review periodically these regulations and sign a statement that they understand them.

I am a private citizen. I do not make laws, regulations or policy. Mr. Laird seems to imply that people’s actions or intent should somehow exempt them from what is commonly called the rule of law. I wholeheartedly disagree with him.