Majority Leader Lorigo introduces ethics reform policies

Erie County Legislature Majority Leader Joseph C. Lorigo has introduced two local laws that are the first pieces of actual legislation reforming ethics in Erie County government. The local laws increase transparency by expanding the information that elected officials must disclose on ethics forms. 


To review copies of the local laws, please click here: Local Law 5-1 & Local Law 6-1

 

One of the local laws, in part, requires that all elected officials in Erie County disclose family members who are government employees, serving on governmental boards, political party leaders, or officers of a political party committee.

 

“In 2016, Erie County will be taking a serious look at ethics reform, and I am proud to offer the first actual piece of legislation tackling the issue. As New York State continues to ignore ethics reform, I am working to bring improved transparency and oversight for Erie County residents,” said Majority Leader Lorigo. “My local law requires that all elected officials in Erie County disclose if they have family members working in government, serving on government boards, or active as officers of a political party. This information would be published online, allowing each and every county resident to see who their elected leaders truly represent.”

  

Subject to a public hearing, the local law would amend the County’s Ethics Code and apply to all elected officials in Erie County, as well as county employees.

 

In addition, Majority Leader Lorigo’s local law will require that the County Executive publish the information of all companies, individuals, LLCs, or anyone else who is awarded county contracts and paid money from Erie County. 

 

“When we use taxpayer dollars to pay outside consultants and contractors, the public has a right to know the complete list of who is being awarded contracts and how much they are being paid. This is a simple improvement to the Erie County Charter that will make this information available to anyone who wants to see it. It’s 2016; there’s no reason this information shouldn’t already be made available to the public.  It just makes sense,” he added.

 

The Majority Leader has also requested that reforms to the Ethics Code include a section requiring that county elected officials, who also work in the private sector, disclose any clients they have that have contracts with Erie County.

 

“This issue has been called into question, and I believe it warrants a discussion. As an attorney, I do not represent clients that have business with or claims against Erie County. I see the merits in disclosing this fact and think it would be appropriate for all elected officials to do so,” he added.

 

In addition, elected officials will be required to disclosure their activity related to lobbyist firms, this would include meeting, employment, contractual obligation, or consulting work done, by any elected official within Erie County, with or on behalf of any registered lobbyist group. 

 

The Majority Leader is also exploring the idea of an Office of Integrity that would replace the Ethics Board and handle complaints of ethics violations.

 

For additional information, please contact Legislator Lorigo’s Legislative Office at 858-8922 or email joseph.lorigo@erie.gov.