Norfolk council again loses voice

Elephants crowded into Norfolk's City Council chambers last week, vying to be noticed.

One, the no-show worker at the Community Services Board, basked in long overdue attention as council members received their first briefing on the scandal since it came to light in July 2010.

Another, the allegation that Councilman Paul Riddick owes $240,000 in federal taxes, waited in vain for a word of acknowledgement.

Not one council member addressed Riddick's tax troubles. There was not one word about the fact that Riddick also owes thousands in taxes to the city he was elected to serve, according to the city's Commissioner of Revenue.

Not one citizen raised the issue during public comments. No one asked a question.

Riddick should step down. His pattern of failing to pay his taxes shows that his dedication to good government does not extend to his own obligations.

But the City Council should not wait silently to see if that happens. In a letter to fellow council members, Tommy Smigiel said the citizens he represents have demanded a council response to Riddick's situation.

Smigiel argued that Riddick has violated his oath of office by ignoring Virginia's constitution: "all citizens... have duties as well as rights... such rights cannot be enjoyed save in a society where law is respected and due process is observed."

Smigiel asked council members to work with legislators to design a code of ethics for local elected and appointed officials. That's a start.

Norfolk's City Council cannot force Riddick to resign. It cannot fire him; voters alone have that power.

But council members can, and should, give voice to the public's outrage.

Norfolk has worked over the past two years to improve its tax collection system. It has garnished the wages of school teachers and city employees to collect on overdue taxes.

By Riddick's own admission, he owes at least $120,000 to the federal government. It presents a paradox.

A member of Norfolk's governing body continues to serve under the shadow of federal action with not one voice raised to criticize or even question his ability to do so.

That's not just ignoring the elephant in the room. It's giving silent approval to its presence.