Bryant improves ‘state of the state’

During his first State of the State Address to the Mississippi Legislature at 5:30 p.m. today, Gov. Phil Bryant may not take credit for already improving the political climate in the Magnolia State. But he could.

Bryant has done an admirable job of dealing with the pardon controversy departing Gov. Haley Barbour left on the doorsteps of the Governor’s Mansion.

Bryant’s first notable action was to ensure that all information requested by Attorney General Jim Hood, the only Democrat holding statewide elective office, pertaining to Barbour’s pardons was made available. Bryant could have stymied Hood’s efforts by deferring to Barbour, a fellow Republican. By not fueling partisan passions, Bryant placed the principle of transparency in government above the politics of obfuscation.

Then, to further distance the governor’s office from this ongoing controversy, Bryant has ended the antiquated practice of using state prison trusties to help run the Governor’s Mansion. Never again should a governor -- or anyone else at the mansion -- be served by trusties chosen by the state Department of Corrections to perform odd jobs in hope of being pardoned or paroled.

Since the mansion is undergoing structural repairs, Bryant will not be able to move in for a couple of months, giving him time to put a household staff in place.

And in another break with tradition, Bryant plans to deliver his first State of the State Address tonight on the south steps of the Capitol. Weather permitting, it will be the first time the speech has ever been delivered outdoors.

All in all, Bryant has done a commendable job of responding to public concerns and quickly putting his own stamp on the governor’s office.

This editorial represents the views of the Sun Herald editorial board, which consists of President-Publisher Glen Nardi, Vice President and Executive Editor Stan Tiner, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Flora S. Point, Circulation and Human Resources Director Wanda Howell, Marketing and Interactive Director John McFarland and Associate Editor Tony Biffle. Opinions expressed by columnists, cartoonists and letter writers are their own.