Written by: Jim Hansen
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

In the private sector, when a company invests in developing skills and relationships for its top employees, it routinely requires them to sign "non-compete clauses in their contracts. These key employees should not be able to take the assets their former employer paid for and immediately go to work for another company in the same market. (Ask weatherman Scott Dorval how long he had to be off the air when he left KBCI and went to work for the competition at KIVI in the Treasure Valley.)

Other states require top elected and appointed public officials to wait a year or more before going to work for a company that lobbies the agency they used to work for. The public paid to develop their skills and relationships and is entitled not to have that investment immediately go to benefit a private company. Sen. Kate Kelly figures this standard practice ought to apply to Idahos public officials too and has introduced Senate Bill 1303. But, alas, Senate Majority Leader Bart Davis said opposes the change. He sees no problem in the speed at which the revolving door currently swings. You should contact Sen. Davis and all your legislators and let them know if you think there is a problem.

Trackback Print

Location: Blogs Jim Hansen