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Paterson Unveils Major Ethics Reforms in State Address
By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 6, 2010
Modified Jan 6, 2010
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By
Ben Yakas
Published Jan 6, 2010
Modified Jan 6, 2010
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In his second State of the State speech this afternoon, Gov. Paterson revealed his new agenda, The Reform Albany Act, a set of sweeping reforms that will attempt to "rebuild our State’s economy into a national model of ingenuity and strength." All right, let's do this! Here's what David "Downer" Paterson's planning.
As expected, his reforms include term limits for statewide officials and members of the state Legislature, the creation of an independent Government Ethics Commission to monitor campaign finance, limit lobbyist contributions, and a ban on corporate contributions. And that's not all; there will be new measures such as requiring lawmakers to disclose outside income and clients, and strip pensions from public officials convicted of felonies. Also among his proposals is acquiring abandoned factories and renewing them for sale back to the private sector.
From the Times view-point, Gov. Paterson talked at points in "biblical" tones, "dispensing with the ritualized flattery" of past State speeches, and excluded the jokier asides and quips he's known for. The reforms are largely being viewed as another hail mary for the Governor's flagging popularity and chances at re-election.
According to the News, "Lawmakers in both houses, who are negotiating a different version of an ethics bill, and advocates say the plan has virtually no chance of passing."
Tagged
Albany
corruption
david paterson
ethics
gov paterson
reform
state of the state
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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