Terminated
When Arnold Schwartzenegger became the Governator of California, he proudly told everyone that he would not accept any salary for the position. Because the state's finances were in such bad shape, many citizens uttered a loud "Huzzah!" Here was a citizen-official who was determined to be above mean political gain. Or so they thought.
It turns out that Governor Schwarzenegger had a contract with the publishing company that puts out body building magazines. Arnold was a world class body-builder, so that does make sense. Furthermore, nothing in California state law precludes a state official from holding outside employment. So what's the current brouhaha about, anyways?
Well, to begin with, the contract in question is drafted to pay the governor 1% of ad revenues to the magazine for the next several years. The current estimate is that Schwartzenegger could make upwards of $8,ooo,ooo over the life of the contract. Why is this such a bad thing? Well, the primary advertisers in Muscle and Fitness and Flex magazines are food supplement manufacturers who promise bulk and cut physiques.
As the Star Tribune points out:
Last year, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have regulated the use of performance-enhancing substances in high school sports. That move led some lawmakers to accuse the governor of having a conflict of interest because he acted on legislation that could hurt the nutritional supplements industry while taking millions of dollars from magazines that rely on the industry's advertising for profits.
The Governor's excuse? The bill was poorly drafted. He will consider a new bill.
Hello? That's a clear conflict of interest, and Schwartzenegger should have known better. Whether the supplements are good or bad, effective or ineffective is not the issue. What is important is that he has a financial interest in food supplements selling.
The STrib article leads with the news that the governor has terminated the contract, apparently surprised at the hubbub.
Given his current poll numbers, the timing is rich. Yes, Arnold, you got caught.
Moron.
It turns out that Governor Schwarzenegger had a contract with the publishing company that puts out body building magazines. Arnold was a world class body-builder, so that does make sense. Furthermore, nothing in California state law precludes a state official from holding outside employment. So what's the current brouhaha about, anyways?
Well, to begin with, the contract in question is drafted to pay the governor 1% of ad revenues to the magazine for the next several years. The current estimate is that Schwartzenegger could make upwards of $8,ooo,ooo over the life of the contract. Why is this such a bad thing? Well, the primary advertisers in Muscle and Fitness and Flex magazines are food supplement manufacturers who promise bulk and cut physiques.
As the Star Tribune points out:
Last year, Schwarzenegger vetoed a bill that would have regulated the use of performance-enhancing substances in high school sports. That move led some lawmakers to accuse the governor of having a conflict of interest because he acted on legislation that could hurt the nutritional supplements industry while taking millions of dollars from magazines that rely on the industry's advertising for profits.
The Governor's excuse? The bill was poorly drafted. He will consider a new bill.
Hello? That's a clear conflict of interest, and Schwartzenegger should have known better. Whether the supplements are good or bad, effective or ineffective is not the issue. What is important is that he has a financial interest in food supplements selling.
The STrib article leads with the news that the governor has terminated the contract, apparently surprised at the hubbub.
Given his current poll numbers, the timing is rich. Yes, Arnold, you got caught.
Moron.
posted by Diane at 9:58 AM
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