Governor Pitches Ethics Reforms to Press

TRENTON — Gov. Jon S. Corzine Sept. 29 held a teleconference for members of the press to answer their questions regarding his recent ethics reform package.
It was a busy day for the governor. The event started a little late as Corzine was running behind from an earlier press conference in which he announced additional reforms to the state pension and benefit plans.
In the telephone conference, representatives from half a dozen regional newspapers throughout the state – from as far Hudson County to down here in Cape May County – queried the governor on the finer points of the plan, which included reforms in pay-to-play, wheeling, local government contracting, no-bid contracting, pension padding, public financing of campaigns, re-establish Public Advocate office, and the creation of an all-public member State Ethics Commission.
Corzine’s reforms came in the form of three executive orders and proposals for legislative action that would enact and strengthen the reforms.
One of the governor’s executive orders banned political contributions by state redevelopers and their consultants and strengthened ban on state contractor contributions.
In the teleconference, one reporter asked if the reforms would include bans on those with local government or school board contracts.
Corzine said they were not included in his executive orders, but were part of his legislative proposals.
He said only 60 of the more than 500 local governments in New Jersey have been proactive by enacting pay-to-play ordinances of their own and any new legislation would enhance those measures, not preempt them.
Following the teleconference, the governor’s office responded to a Herald request for a list of the 60 municipalities with ordinances. In Cape May County, Lower Township is the only municipality that has addressed the issue. In its 2004 ordinance regulating the award of professional services contracts, the township limits donations to $250 for a municipal candidate or $500 to a political party in the township.
The governor’s orders also called for the creation of a task force to make recommendations regarding changes to the Local Government Ethics Law and to consider shifting enforcement responsibility from the Local Finance Board to another entity focused solely on government ethics.
“The Finance Board is busy enough reviewing budgets,” Corzine said.
A minority of unethical local government officials in recent times has tarnished the reputation of officials throughout the state damaging the public’s trust, suggested Corzine.
“That taint needs to be addressed,” he said.
In response to a reporter’s question, Corzine said he would appoint the executive task force and any recommendations it made would require action from the legislature.
“Earlier this year, Senate President (Richard) Codey and Speaker (Joseph) Roberts (D-5th) voiced their support for banning pay-to-play at every level of government,” Corzine said in a press release announcing his ethics reforms Sept. 24.
Corzine noted the legislators were also committed to reform wheeling – the practice of moving campaign money from one political party committee to another.
“They also included a wheeling ban on the reform agenda they announced earlier this year, and it is included in today’s package. I commend them for their efforts and anticipate they will be able to work with their Republican partners in the Legislature to get these reform measures passed. These reforms should be a bi-partisan effort.”
“Money that’s raised in Bergen (County) should stay in Bergen,” Corzine told reporters as an example.
“We have an absolute responsibility to give our citizens the most we can from their tax dollars,” said Corzine of his ethics initiatives. “This is about ethics in government, which is fundamental. But it’s also about fiscal responsibility, which is essential in light of today’s economic and financial crisis.”
State Sen. Jeff Van Drew agreed with the governor that state finances should also be a main focus. He told the Herald that he and his lawmaking colleagues Assemblymen Nelson Albano and Matthew Milam (all D-1st) would always be supportive of ethics reform and any legislation that was put forth.
Contact Hart at (609) 886-8600 Ext 35 or at: jhart@cmcherald.com