It's Time For Espy To Go
Ken Krizner, senior Editor
"The American people are sick and tired of leaders who place personal comfort above public service."
-Mike Espy, Feb. 11, 1993
It's too bad USDA Secretary Espy forgot that quote when he accepted items from several companies regulated by his department, including Tyson Foods Inc.
He traveled twice on Don Tyson's private jet, stayed at the Tyson Foods Management Center in Russellville, Ark., and attended a Dallas Cowboys football game as Tyson's guest.
At the same time, USDA was considering tougher poultry inspection rules.
Donald C. Smaltz, an independent counsel, is investigating whether Espy's relationship with Tyson influenced USDA's decision to delay writing the rules. Espy and Tyson both deny the charge.
New poultry inspection rules were unveiled in July-only after pressure from consumer advocates.
"This can be explained," Espy said.
In separate statements, Tyson and Espy attorney Evan T. Barr noted the secretary's official and personal travel and entertainment expenses have been properly accounted for and reimbursed.
Reimbursement is not the point.
The point is the Meat Inspection Act of 1906 forbids officials to receive any thing of value from a company or person regulated by the law.
A Justice Department investigation concluded that Espy's acceptance of the items constituted a technical violation of the Meat Inspection Act of 1906.
That's why Espy should resign. If he does not, then President Clinton should fire him.
A threat to inspection reform
The investigation threatens to impede a process that will ultimately benefit the meat and poultry industries.
After years of research by government and industry, USDA sits on the brink of the most revolutionary change in inspection in nearly 90 years-transforming it from visual-based to science-based.
One of Michael R. Taylor's first priorities as FSIS administrator is to unveil a proposed rule mandating a Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point program.
But Espy's actions have refueled an old argument among critics: A conflict of interest exists at USDA because it simultaneously inspects and markets meat products. When USDA delays tougher poultry inspection rules as Espy accepts items from Tyson, there is at least the appearance of a conflict of interest.
If further alleged improprieties on Espy's part are found, the roof at USDA might collapse under the weight of congressional and critics' roars to remove inspection from the department.
The years of research will have been wasted, science-based inspection will be back at square one, and the meat and poultry industries' necks will be sticking out, awaiting another food-borne illness tragedy.
All because Espy abused his office.
The rhetoric; the reality
I interviewed Espy in March 1993 and was impressed with his commitment to inspection reform. I also visited several department employees and left believing he had their full confidence.
Today, employees consider Espy a lame duck. Several different employee groups-including FSIS workers-have written to the White House calling for his resignation.
Espy is an albatross, and it's time for him to go.
Near the end of our interview, I asked Espy to write his own epitaph: "How would you like to be remembered?"
He answered: "As someone who strove to be the most effective USDA secretary ever."
Right now, Espy's epitaph reads: "Putty in the hands of Don Tyson."
And he could be burying the meat and poultry industries with him.