Running Aground T he ship of state is running aground again as elected officials in Congress allow the political distractions of President Clinton's sexual and legal transgressions capture their attention and activity. This is just the latest in a long line of excuses for not getting important work done on time. The federal government is great in setting deadlines for any number of things, some of which carry criminal or financial penalties for noncompliance. But Congress seems to be above it all. And so does the President, for that matter.
Congressional elections are right around the corner.
This is a good time for voters and the industry to analyze exactly what their elected officials have been doing during the last term. Partisan votes on narrow issues should not be the criteria for a thumbs up or down vote. A better assessment would be whether the candidate has acted with honesty, integrity and independence in exercising sound judgment. At the infamous Northridge Meadows apartment complex, the collapse of the first floor and tuck-under carport killed 16 tenants. That tragedy has spurred some action.