Bruning should focus on getting job done

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The agreement between Attorney General Jon Bruning and the Nebraska Equal Opportunity Commission seems to be missing an important provision.

The signed document should have included a stipulation that Bruning cease and desist from further grandstanding in NEOC cases.

Bruning’s behavior in the controversy won acclaim from immigration hardliners — and an appearance on the Lou Dobbs show on CNN — but it has thrown a monkey wrench into actual governing.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development suspended its contract with Nebraska in April because of inadequate performance on cases of housing discrimination.

While Bruning was milking the controversy, the NEOC had to turn over 27 discrimination cases to the federal government and lost $127,200 in federal funding that it normally would have received.

That lapse in public service followed a long stretch in which the NEOC complained that Bruning’s office was not filing civil suits in cases turned over by NEOC officials.

Last year, at a meeting of officials from the two offices, Bruning raised his voice and made personal comments about NEOC Director Anne Hobbs, according to others present.

The two agencies for months couldn’t even agree on the number of cases involved in the dispute. Finally, earlier this month, in an agreement that Bruning said was facilitated by the governor’s office, the two sides agreed that since 2003 Bruning had declined to file suits in eight of 14 housing discrimination cases referred by the NEOC.

Bruning talked as though his refusal to file suits was based only on his refusal to spend tax dollars helping illegal immigrants.

It turned out, however, that only one of the cases involved an illegal immigrant. The remainder involved U.S. citizens, including disabled people and single parents.

Under the agreement, if Bruning’s office declines to pursue cases, Bruning will have to explain why to both the NEOC and HUD.

If another case involving an illegal immigrant arises, the agreement allows for the case to be handled by an attorney working for free for the NEOC who will be deputized by Bruning’s office.

“HUD will look closely to make sure cases are brought forward that are supposed to be … under the Fair Housing Act,” said HUD official Kate Varney. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in the sale or rental of housing on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, familial status or handicap.

The prospect of Nebraska officials getting back to work is welcome.

But it’s too bad that the dispute interfered with enforcement of the law. Bruning would better serve the public by focusing less on attracting attention and more on getting the job done.