Leadership

Last week I read in the St Paul Pioneer Press that Governor Dayton released his income tax returns. There are no requirements that he do this. It may not be politically advantageous. It is potentially embarrassing, if any tiny detail in the return is found to be worth criticizing. His political opponents are certain to pick apart his return to search for weaknesses and errors to exploit. There are loads of intimate details in the average income tax return. The average political consultant would tell him not to do it.

So why did he release his tax returns?

Governor Dayton says he did it to encourage transparency. Leaders, and especially high officials, should be transparent. They should not keep secrets from their constituents. They should earn the trust of the voters by being open and honest. They should set a good example.

Some say that the law should require candidates to release more information about their finances. I respond that the voters already have the power to induce candidates to release more information. All they have to do is make it clear that they will not vote for anyone who refuses.

Governor Dayton’s release is leadership. Leadership is not forcing others to do what he thinks they should. Leadership is doing it himself. Leadership is setting an example, and upholding a vision of good behavior and explaining why it is important. Leadership is setting an example not when others go along, but when you may have to act alone, and pay a price for acting.

I commend Governor Dayton for this action.

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