WPCNR'S ADAM IN ALBANY. By Assemblyman Adam T. Bradley. January 16, 2007: In his first week Governor Spitzer issued four Executive Orders and continued his call for broader reforms. I am pleased that the Assembly now has a partner in the executive branch who will work with us to push forward reforms that I have fought for. Actions, not words, are needed, and the Orders announced on Day One are just the beginning.
The Executive Orders provided a snapshot of what the governor wants to accomplish statewide – increase transparency of government operations and ensure that the public’s interest comes ahead of special interests. Briefly, the Orders prohibit employees of state agencies and public authorities from:
· Accepting gifts when the intent of the offer is to influence government business;
· Being involved in hiring decisions of family members;
· Lobbying former state employees within two years of exiting state employment; and
· Asking for party affiliation during the interview process for state employment applicants.
Last summer, the Assembly passed legislation (A.11900-B) I supported that:
· Banned gifts from lobbyists;
· Prohibited elected officials from getting paid for speaking engagements;
· Put teeth into the “revolving door” ban for legislative employees; and
· Instructed the State Board of Elections to spell out to candidates for elected office that they cannot use their campaign funds for personal use.
The Executive Orders and A.11900-B are actions needed to put teeth into the reform rhetoric. Governor Spitzer is advocating for fundamental changes and I stand ready to work with him to continue improving the way Albany operates.
