Ethics in Government
Public service is a public trust. Government business must be conducted ethically and honestly in order for it to be conducted fairly and effectively.
Currently, I am reviewing our county government's ethics rules and procedures. There is room for improvement and we must evaluate whether the rules governing public officials are written as they should be; to prohibit even the appearance of impropriety by public officials.
It is important to note that public servants are mostly honest people who want to do a good and honest job. Therefore, any revision to county law must recognize that county officials won't learn ethics through osmosis. We need an Albany County Ethics Commission that will be a more active participant in the effort to provide for the ethical operation of government.