The reason this is even necessary is the abuse of gifts of every sort by politicians across the country.

However, we have no reason to believe that any member of the BOC has abused the system.

We agree with Commissioner Simmons that $50 could be arbitrary, we disagree with his reasoning.

Commisioner Earnest Simmons was concerned that taking him and his wife out to dinner would cost more than $50.We are sure it would unless they enjoyed fast food.

If someone is taking him to dinner because he is a member of the BOC, he should pay for his accompanying family member himself.

Commissioner Tim Fleming's idea that all such gifts should be reported makes perfect sense, and we would like to see that stipulation put into any future rules governing the ethics of the commission.