Ethics Reform Trapped in Nowhere Land

by: Bill Orr

Tue Sep 20, 2011 at 02:10:00 PM EDT

Stranded in unknown surroundings
In a place where time has no meaning.
Cant seem to find my way out of here.
Trapped in a nowhere land.
Manticora: Nowhere Land

Governor Christie has just re-mounted his high horse of ethics reform. His focus has long been elsewhere so his sudden concern appears self-serving and hypocritical. Nonetheless, there are specific bills for important ethics reforms languishing in the legislature's "nowhere land."

At this moment it is not up to Christie but up to the legislators to move the bills into committee where some need further strengthening and clarification, and then onto the floor. Many legislators quickly become conflicted and inattentive when ethics bills may negatively affect them or their donors. Other legislators seem more open. Lets not be cock-eyed optimists, but stranger things have happened when people set aside self-interest and act for the broader public good.

Many of the bills are sponsored by Republicans, but the issues are significant for both parties and impact all constituents. Democrats have the ability to make needed modifications. Here are a few of the bills which can't seem to find their way out.

Uniform Public Contracting Standards (Pay-To-Play) - S2320. Introduced on October 7 2010. A provision which allows continuation of the "fair and open" rule for contracts less than $17,500 should be removed as it perpetuates pay to play at this lower amount.

Pension Forfeiture for Convicted Public Officials - A1765. Introduced on January 12 2010.

Ban on Dual Office Holding and Dual Public Employment - A2556. Introduced on March 16 2010.

Ban on campaign contributions between county party committees - A275. Introduced on January 12 2010

Annual Financial Disclosure Statement - A2768. Governor Christie used a conditional veto because the bill did not require such disclosure from State legislators - a reasonable request.

Ethics reform should not be stranded in nowhere land. Let's get these bills debated, revised and enacted.

Bill Orr :: Ethics Reform Trapped in Nowhere Land

Tags: dual office holders, legislator financial disclosure, wheeling, pension forfeiture, featured, pay-to-play, ethics reform, Chris Christie, fair and open, (All Tags)

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