Ethics is not the rule – ethics is only a tool in Tompkins County. When the overwhelming belief of Tompkins County residents is that their government is corrupt and that they have no meaningful participation or oversight in that government’s policy and decision making process — there is something Wrong with that government. And when that same government proclaims that they have made every effort to involve the public, and refuse change or do anything to address that belief – that belief is corroborated.
A legal definition of ethics states: “law and ethics are far from co-extensive. . . In much that the law does it is not simply codifying ethical norms.” And when the laws can’t be bent to serve the rich and powerful . . . Well, you know what the residents believe.