Tuesday, September 12, 2006

Financial Disclosure in Legislative Races

Over the weekend, the Times Union reported that 20 candidates for legislative office, mostly would-be Assembly members, have failed to file necessary financial disclosure forms. As required by law, the names were released by the Legislative Ethics Committee after candidates failed to comply within 10 days of the deadlines. The list included 7 candidates from Brooklyn, 5 from the Bronx, 3 from the Albany area, 2 from Long Island, 2 from Manhattan, and one from the Buffalo area.

While it's great that New York requires legislative candidates to disclose their personal and business interests, these requirements are toothless without clear public enforcement. 20 candidates have yet to disclose their finances, in violation of state deadlines. What are the reprecussions?

Categories: General, Government Ethics

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