Government Integrity, Commission on

A series of highly publicized scandals rocked the government of New York City from 1985 to 1986. In response, in March 1986, Governor Mario Cuomo and New York City Mayor Ed Koch appointed a State-City Commission on Integrity in Government to recommend improvements in laws, regulations, and procedures regarding prevention of corruption, favoritism, undue influence, and abuse of government office. The commission's report identified serious flaws in existing laws, regulations, and procedures and recommended appointment of a new commission with investigatory powers. In 1987, under the Moreland Act, Governor Cuomo appointed the seven-member Commission on Government Integrity by Executive Order No. 88 (January 15) and 88.1 (April 21, superseding Executive Order No. 88). Chaired by John D. Feerick, the commission was directed to investigate weaknesses in existing laws, regulations, and procedures and whether such weaknesses impair public confidence in the integrity of government or create a high potential for favoritism or corruption. In particular, the commission was to investigate laws regarding: use of public office or political party position for personal enrichment; conflicts of interest and disclosure of potential conflicts of interest; unethical practices; sale or leasing of real property by or to governments, public authorities, or public benefit corporations; sponsorship of public housing or other development projects; solicitation of government business, permits, and franchises; election campaign contributions and expenditures; representation of private parties by public or political party officials before public agencies; and selection of judges. The commission investigated and held public hearings on these and related issues including: campaign financing; Open Meetings Law; Ethics in Government Act; judicial elections; political patronage in New York City; Albany City government; and unfair incumbent advantage. As a result of the New York City and statewide investigations, a new public campaign finance law and a tougher ethics law was enacted for New York City; new ethics laws were enacted for New York State; and the housekeeping accounts of political parties were opened to public scrutiny. The commission was abolished December 12, 1989.