Galef Promotes Ethics Reform

Assemblywoman Sandy Galef believes ethics reform legislation approved by her colleagues in Albany last week couldn’t have come at a better time.

“A growing number of unethical behaviors by members of the State Legislature prompted legislation to protect the public from the misuse of taxpayer dollars,” Galef told the Courier last Friday during an interview.

Galef, who represents Kent, Putnam Valley, and Philipstown, as well as Cortlandt, Peekskill, and Ossining said the legislation promotes greater compliance with campaign finance laws while “increasing the disclosure of financial interests by not only elected officials but by government offices, state employees, and lobbyists alike. While the framework has been established with the new legislation, more must be done. This landmark legislation will reduce the influence that lobbyists have on government while increasing campaign finance requirements all towards creating a new level of public confidence in government today.”

Galef stressed that the new legislation would also put an end to potential conflicts of interest: “It is very difficult to work productively in an environment where ethics violations regularly occur. The bill includes several major steps to correct such shameful behavior.”

Under the legislation, those failing to file campaign disclosure forms will be fined $1,000, while a new $10,000 penalty will be imposed on those who fail to file required campaign statements three or more times in an election cycle.

The law also calls for the creation of an Executive Ethics and Compliance Commission consisting of six members, as well as a Legislative Office of Ethics Investigations, which will be responsible for conducting inquiries and creating enforcement policies.

A Legislative Commission on Ethics Standards will also be formed to train candidates and others regarding the Public Officers Law while acting as an oversight for filing financial disclosure forms.

Galef said elected officials can no longer stray from the law: “We all must realize that the rules of the game must be followed regardless of the elected office held. If you don’t want to obey the rules, get out of elected office.”

The legislation takes effect on July 31.