Ethics…. There is no ethics in Albany…….

Democrat & Chronicle: Editorials
Incoming governor must also make ethics reform a priority

(December 24, 2006) — Though most New Yorkers already know that all isn’t well in Albany, developments last week in scandals involving state Comptroller Alan Hevesi and Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno were particularly troubling.

Because they are among the state’s top elected leaders, the ethics issues they face stand out. What’s more, they cry out — for reform.

Hevesi resigned Friday after pleading guilty to felony charges that resulted from the so-called “Driving Mrs. Hevesi” scandal. He admitted using state workers to drive his disabled wife, was booked and fingerprinted, then later released on his own recognizance.

True, no charges have been filed against Bruno. But in the wake of a recently disclosed federal investigation into his private business interests, it’s telling that already influential fellow Senate Republicans, no doubt fearful they could be tainted, are calling on Bruno to step down.

Bruno and Hevesi aren’t alone among state officials whose ethical conduct has been questioned. Over the past several years alone, at least 10 public officials have been at the center of ethics investigations.

These probes underscore the need for Gov.-elect Spitzer to include ethics reform among his top priorities for 2007.

For starters, he should insist that the state Legislature create an independent ethics watchdog. Currently, the legislative panels charged with that responsibility are more of a lap dog. Bruno, for instance, appoints the Senate Legislative Ethics Committee.

Spitzer also should demand greater openness in the filing of ethics information by public officials. And he should push hard to restrict public officials’ outside business interests.

No question, Spitzer’s vow to usher in a new era on “Day One” of his administration must include substantive ethics reform.