Idaho Republican Sen. Curt McKenzie has to return at least $2,402 he essentially stole from taxpayers after the Associated Press discovered the financial blunder while reporting on a different story.
Senators can bill taxpayers $122 per day while the legislature is in session to pay for a second residence in Boise. Otherwise they receive $49 per day plus mileage reimbursements for driving to and from the capitol.
McKenzie claimed a second residence, the couch in his law office, and received $122 to pay for the rent of this residence. He also received mileage reimbursement, which senators who claim a second residence are not eligible for.
Mary Sue Jones, a Senate secretary, said the extra payments were the result of a “clerical error,” which prompted McKenzie to claim he did not realize he was receiving extra funds. This statement was made despite the fact that he was abusing the housing stipend by claiming his couch as a second residence. His false claim earned him an extra $6,400 for the 2011 session. McKenzie’s blunder is not the first time a politician has done this.
In 1985, Sen. David Durenberger of Minnesota signed a deal with Piranha Press and received $100,000 in stipend payments during a two-year period for promotional appearances he did not make.
Last August, six lawmakers were investigated for abusing travel stipends. They used the stipends for overseas travels not approved by the House of Representatives, or kept the extra money allotted for food, housing and travel expenses which are usually paid for by the companies or representatives they are visiting.
Abusing funds is a recurring theme. Politicians think they can keep extra money here and there because no one will notice, or no one will care. But this is taxpayer money, and abusing the system only lessens the trust citizens have in their representatives — trust that was wavering to begin with.
This does not mean all politicians can’t be trusted. There is not a test we can issue to ensure they will not become tempted to steal or push money around to give themselves a bonus. It happens because they get too comfortable. When politicians are first elected, there is pressure to perform in the new spotlight. But after a while in office, public accountability decreases and their morals slide.
There is a simple remedy. When politicians get too comfortable, the people have become complacent with their representatives. We need to push them. We need to let them know we are still paying attention, and that abusing power is not acceptable. This may be one of the only situations where being comfortable is undesirable for everyone involved.
Accountability must be maintained.