Albany County’s New Ethics Law Aims At Giving the Public an Assurance that “Business Is Being Done Honestly”
Posted by Ledger Newsroom on July 26, 2011 · 2 Comments
The Albany County Legislature held a public hearing Tuesday night for a new ethics law that has a wide ranging impact on how the county handles its business.
“This will give the people an assurance that business is being done honestly, and it will protect county workers from undue suspicion,” said Albany County Legislator Ryan Horstmyer, the sponsor of the law.
The legislation provides guidelines for Albany County officials, officers, and employees for public financial disclosures of any potential conflicts of interest while serving or being employed by the county.
Elected officials, candidates for public office, and others had the opportunity to speak on the issue.
“On the city level, (Richard) Conti and I will have our ethics proposals considered this fall. This is way overdue,” said Anton Konev, Albany Common Council Member from the 11th Ward.
Anita Thayer, co-chair of Citizen Action, applauded Horstmyer’s efforts.
“Such an improved, enforceable ethics for Albany County is overdue. We applaud the work of Ryan Horstmyer for doggedly pursuing this issue since its initial introduction in 2008. We hope the full Legislature is now on the eve of passing this historic legislation,” said Thayer, who is also an executive committee member for Working Families.
Noelle Kinsch, whose running in Albany’s sixth district, said that trust is needed in “good government.” Kinsch is currently running against Brian Scavo.
One notable absence was current County Legislature chairman and County Executive candidate Daniel P. McCoy, who would be the first new county executive to be held to the regulations in the law. Earlier on Tuesday, the Times Union reported that McCoy has received nearly a quarter of his $193,000 in campaign contributions from firms and individuals linked to BBL and Columbia Development Companies.
BBL was responsible for renovation of the Albany County Courthouse on Eagle Street and the construction of the Albany County Judicial Center and Albany County Family Courthouse.
The vote on the proposed law may take place on Monday, August 8.
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[...] Best stopped short of endorsing County Legislator Ryan Horstmyer’s county ethics legislation, Best believes good government requires ethics. “I am a very strong proponent of all ethics [...]