Ethics reform

As I mentioned a few weeks ago, Gov. Rell is advocating "ethics reform" in CT. And she wants it at both a state and local level.

Now the Courant editorial board is supporting her initiative:

The governor's proposed ethics reforms call for an expansion of financial disclosure requirements to state agency division heads — roughly, third-tier managers — as well as top legislative staff and state employees involved in awarding contracts. Chiefs of staff to the governor and lieutenant governor would come under the new requirement....

She'd also require all municipalities to adopt a local code of ethics within two years.

I'm not sure if this would apply to Cheshire as we already have "conflict of interest" rules, but I'm sure they could be refined.

The editorial continues with an issue I mentioned to the TM and Town Attorney six months ago and again last week:

Pensions of corrupt public officials are being targeted this year by Ms. Rell and Senate Democrats. Both propose revoking the benefits...

Unfortunately, while I think this is a no-brainer, I gather legal barriers exist... and, of course, there's that North Haven case that really started me thinking about this in the first place. But maybe the state will pass legislation that addresses this?

The Courant wrapped up with:

We think these proposals would challenge public officials' long-held assumptions about the way they do business. They would become more aware of how their actions are viewed by constituents.

Government — and public confidence — would be better for it.

Hats off to the Courant for this opinion.

Tim White