Nix ex-governors' fund

Sentiment and personal feelings are clouding an issue that could be costly to the state.

A legislative bill that would make former governors "councilors" with annual salaries of $36,000 is being promoted, mainly to help former Gov. Guy Hunt. Hunt is suffering from cancer and apparently has little income other than a $8,700 pension from when he was Cullman County's probate judge.

A law is on the books now that allows a governor to appoint a former governor a councilor with a salary of $18,000. It was passed exclusively for George Wallace.

Gov. Bob Riley correctly observed that he has a problem with the position because it requires the recipient to do nothing to receive the pay.

The current law also allows a governor's widow to receive $7,200 annually. This bill would increase that to $14,400 and would also apply to a widow who wasn't married to a former governor when he was in office.

Guy Hunt remarried after his longtime wife, Helen, died several years ago. His current wife would be eligible for $14,400 annually if this law passes. That is even worse than giving $36,000 to a former governor.

Guy Hunt was removed from office for ethics violations in 1993. Despite that conviction, we think Hunt a good and honorable man. Still, we aren't sure the state is obligated to support him or other ex-governors unless, as Gov. Riley says, they can provide a service in exchange for the pay.

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