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ALBANY’S REFORM "TO DO" LIST
After unprecedented turmoil and a drawn out budget process, lawmakers must begin to grapple with changes that are necessary to bolster public confidence in state government. Never in New York history has the state been hit with so many scandals. The resignations of the governor and the comptroller, as well as the convictions of two assemblymen, are just the most recent examples of Albany’s ethical dysfunctions and blindspots. On these points there can be little disagreement. So what should be done? New York lawmakers should pledge to enact measures that reduce conflicts of interest and bolster public oversight before standing for reelection this November. In addition to the overwhelming need for campaign finance and redistricting reforms, ethics changes must be taken, including actions that: 1) Establish an independent ethics commission. The current Commission on Public Integrity should be made more independent by removing the governor’s control of the majority of appointments to its board. Right now the governor chooses 7 of the 13 picks, the remaining 6 are chosen by the comptroller, the attorney general and the four legislative leaders. A more independent balance can be struck by eliminating 4 of the governor’s picks. In addition, new restrictions should be enacted that eliminate conflicts for the appointees themselves. It has been reported that some of the current members are involved in lobbying firms. Such financial relationships should be prohibited. 2) Require independent oversight of the legislature's ethics as well. The legislative ethics commission has 9 members, 4 legislators and 5 non-members -- all of whom are appointed by the legislative leaders. The 5 non-members must be more independent -- one option could be that the governor chooses the fifth non-legislative member. 3) Mandate greater disclosure of lawmakers’ financial dealings. Currently, little is made public of elected officials’ financial backgrounds. Reforms must require that much greater detail be given on the entities and individuals with whom lawmakers have business dealings. In addition, lawmakers must be required to report all business dealings with lobbyists and those receiving government contracts. 4) Ban “pay to play.” Legislation must be enacted that strictly limits the campaign finance activities of lobbyists and those receiving government contracts. 5) Ban on the “personal use” of campaign contributions. Allowing the "personal use" of campaign contributions essentially allows donors -- who are typically lobbyists and other with business before government -- to subsidize the lifestyles of elected officials. This practice creates a serious conflict and it is one that must be prohibited. The 2006 gubernatorial election was about reforming Albany. Yet for over a year, New Yorkers have heard the loud rhetoric of reform only to have witnessed unprecedented scandals. There can be no substitute for action, talk is not enough. So what will lawmakers do? It hinges on whether they fear the public's reaction to the past year and a half's scandal sheet. That's where you come in. It is important that lawmakers hear from their constituents. No one will expect you to be an expert. What will matter is that you care and that you are demanding action. Just let them know that you are fed up and want things to change for the better. Make sure that they feel the heat over the next few months, the time leading up to the scheduled end of session in late June. (You can contact your legislators by either going to www.senate.state.ny.us or www.assembly.state.ny.us.) If they fail to act, just remember that they will be asking you for support this November. That's all for now. I’ll be keeping an eye on the Capitol and will talk to you again next week.
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