Election system needs safeguards

BY HIGHLIGHTING observers' reactions to the State Ethics Commission's newly tightened rules on political activity by public officials, your article (Page A1, April 19) failed to cite the most important consequence of ethics violations: the erosion of the public's confidence in government. The commission's ruling came after a complaint. Why not enact safeguards before a problem gives voters reason to question the political system's integrity?

Massachusetts is fortunate to have election officials, including the secretary of the Commonwealth and town and city clerks, who perform their duties with integrity and fairness. But there are no safeguards to guarantee that Massachusetts will not suffer, as other states have, from the reckless conduct of election offi- cials who take high-profile roles in others' political campaigns.

Legislation before the House would let Massachusetts get out in front on a code of ethics for election officials. It would prohibit them from holding a leadership role in a campaign other than their own. This legislation would bolster voters' confidence in election results and avoid any chance for a conflict of interest in the management of elections.

MADHU SRIDHAR
President
League of Women Voters of Massachusetts Boston