The question: “Ethical public officials are: easy to be, but hard to find—or—hard to be, but easy to find?” The answer was discussed at the Commonwealth North program on political ethics. Using hypothetical ethical scenarios, members explored what drives the ethical decision making process in public policy. The program was an interactive discussion on how public officials navigate the decision-making processes that are encountered in all areas of government. The audience first discussed scenarios and then an experienced panel offered insights and answers. Joining retired Judge Karen Hunt (moderator) were Commonwealth North members:

• Dr. James Liszka, author of Moral Competence, Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences and Professor of Philosophy, UAA
• Former Alaska Legislators Gail Philips and Ethan Berkowitz
• Former Commissioners Michele Brown and John Shively

The presentation spotlighted the inherent conflicts arising from the Legislators' need to compromise and negotiate and the Commissioners' need to rely upon industry’s expertise and funding to both promulgate regulations and obtain procurements.

Click on image for larger version