We need openness with all our legislators, it’s conflicts like this that have an appearance of impropriety that is wrong. If there is a question about conflicts then severe ties, set the example, don’t try to cover things up. That goes for all of them. Full time legislators? No, I don’t think so they do enough damage as part timers.

Bruno cuts ties to firm

Senate majority leader quits consulting work for investment company amid questions about conflict of interest

ALBANY — Almost exactly a year after revealing the FBI was looking into some of his “outside business interests,” Senate Majority Leader Joseph L. Bruno severed one of those relationships this week.

Bruno also recommended a serious debate about lawmakers’ becoming full-time employees of the state.

The Brunswick Republican said Friday he parted ways with Wright Investors’ Service, of Milford, Conn., one of several of his outside sources of income. The firm’s clients include labor unions that have had business before the Senate.

Bruno said he is ending his 10-year association with the investment firm. He served as some sort of business development agent for its affiliate, Winthrop Corp., but has refused to disclose details.

He said he cut ties with the firm because people have been focusing on his employment with Wright, and that “has taken attention away from more pressing issues such as our efforts to address the critical needs of our state going forward.”

Federal investigators have been looking into Bruno’s outside activities and some of his business associates for about two years. The status of the broad probe is unclear.

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