Pine Knot News - A hometown newspaper with a local office, local owners & lots of local news

I took a bribe the other day.

And I’ve been a little uneasy about it ever since.

For politicians, there are some pretty strict laws against bribery, and for good reason. A small bribe can be pretty effective in swaying politicians’ positions on issues, and because there is so much power in leadership, those trying to get their way may sometimes resort to the unseemly world of bribery.

So, Minnesota passed a law, first applicable to state officials, then amended to include local officials, such as city councilors, building inspectors, and the like.

“An interested person may not give a gift or r...