As we're dealing with ethics in this week's reading, public administrators in California, such as your instructor, are required to submit annually what is known as a "Form 700." The Form 700 reports all gifts, outside income, and honoraria received by the public administrator. Under the law, a public administrator is permitted to accept gifts as long as the cumulative value is under $500. In my personal case, I received tickets to a Padres game from a member of the public who does business with the City of El Cajon. The seats were excellent, right behind home plate, and valued at $190 ea. I reported the gift on my Form 700 as required. Even though the gift was perfectly legal and correctly reported, do you think gifts of that nature bias the recipient in favor of the gift-giver? Or should we trust that public administrators will treat everyone equally regardless of receiving gifts? Support your answer with solid arguments.

P.S. - It is perfectly ok to criticize your instructor for accepting the gift - you will not be graded down for taking that position.