However, simply handing them the baton in the race for potable water and well-managed sewer systems seems to be a mistake. It may turn out that they are the better choice - but it may not. Which brings to mind the ethical considerations of what a couple of City Council members did on their own. They still maintain that their whole purpose was to save the city money, when they flew to Atlanta to meet in private with an independent water and sewer company. One insisted to us, as late as the last city meeting, that we citizens were foolish and silly to challenge them on that little escapade.
Ethics are simple.
Sure, their intentions and ideas were sincere and well-meaning. Even the whisper of impropriety, even the tremor of that fine dividing line between integrity and subtle persuasion, can cause people to doubt even the most honest person's motives. The fleas of suggested corruption can be found on even the cleanest of business dogs - and no elected official needs to have those fleas around him or her. It really is a very simple concept. It's why, when you are an elected representative with, say, a job in home financing, you bow out of any discussion or vote which might affect your profit or loss.