THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, May 5, 1995 TAG: 9505040157
SECTION: CHESAPEAKE CLIPPER PAGE: 06 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Editorial
LENGTH: Short : 43 lines
The city's unusual generosity toward Mr. Lewis began on Valentine's Day in a closed-door session of the City Council. Last week's decision to withdraw it was also made out of public view.
The council members who originally agreed to pay for Mr. Lewis' insurance have offered no public explanation for their change of heart.
Former Vice Mayor Arthur L. Dwyer boasted in taped telephone conversations with Mr. Lewis' wife that he had the power to get his colleages' approval of the benefits package through arm-twisting and behind-the-scenes manipulation. Apparently, he was not exaggerating; the majority on council dutifully did his bidding.
Nothing about Mr. Lewis' case has changed. If he is not entitled to the benefits now, he was not entitled to them then. That being the case, why did council members approve it?
The only conclusion that reasonable minds can reach is that the council's decision in February had little to do with the merits of Mr. Lewis' case. It had to do with the arrogance of power.
Mr. Dwyer, thankfully, is no longer in a position to wield such a dangerous and corrupting influence over his colleagues. But those who played along with him are still with us.
Their performance in this sorry incident says a great deal about they way the business of this this city is conducted.
Withdrawing Mr. Lewis' undeserved benefits now does not undo the damage that has been done, nor does it give citizens any confidence that future City Council decisions are less likely, as a result of this experience, to be based on backroom finagling rather than merit. by CNB