For Immediate Release
Contact: Lauren Mannerberg, lauren@anatgerstein.com, 929-553-7702
New York, N.Y. (September 11, 2023) – Citizens Union releases the following statement from Executive Director Betsy Gotbaum following the State Supreme Court ruling that the New York Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government violates the state constitution:
“Maintaining an independent and impartial ethics commission is essential for upholding ethical governance and accountability in our state and is indispensable in ensuring that public officials are held to the highest ethical standards. We believe today’s ruling is incorrect and would severely impact not only the Commission’s essential work but the entire ethics regime in New York. We trust that the Attorney General will appeal this decision to ensure that the crucial ethics oversight and enforcement work of the commission continues.”
“In a state with a history of corruption and unethical conduct, it is imperative to maintain an unbiased and politically independent ethics oversight system to safeguard the integrity of our government and to protect the interests of New Yorkers.”
About Citizens Union
For 125 years, Citizens Union has been a force for transparency, accountability, and ethics in New York’s City and State governments. A nonpartisan organization, some of our current initiatives include a new agenda for police accountability, monitoring the City Council’s redistricting process, and increasing civic engagement. Learn more at www.citizensunion.org.
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