JANUARY 13, 2010
STATEMENT FROM PETER E. KAUFFMANN, COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR TO THE GOVERNOR
“The Governor is stunned that legislative leaders would be so disrespectful to the public that only one week after he proposed a sweeping and real overhaul of the ethics system in Albany, they would try to pass this off as anything more than election year window dressing. This proposal does nothing to address the underlying issues that have caused the people of New York to lose faith and trust in their government. Governor Paterson will work with members of the Legislature who are ready to pass meaningful ethics reform that changes the culture of Albany -- ending pay-to-play; full disclosure; breaking the special interests lock on Albany with strict campaign finance limits; and independent oversight. If we are going to bring fairness and openness to government, we have to put the interests of the people of New York ahead of the lobbyists and special interests. Unfortunately, this proposal falls far short.”
