City Government Closer to Ethics Reform

Politicker NJ reports that Steven Fulop turned in petition signatures to add an ethics reform package to the November ballot as a referendum. The measures would make Jersey City ethics legislation some of the toughest in the state, and cut off tax payer subsidies of the Hudson County Democratic Organization.

One of reforms address no bid contracts-- the contracts awarded by the council to cronies in exchange for political contributions. Under the ordinance, campaign contributors could not recipients of city contracts, a huge source of revenue for friends of city government.

City officials would also be barred from collecting more than one public salary or pension. The practice of holding multiple public offices in many cases allows politicians to double or triple their salaries -- and their pensions -- at taxpayer expense.

Critics contend that reforms do little to thwart crooked campaign contributions. Contractors often find creative ways to distribute money to party officials legally, but circumventing restrictions.

Either way, assuming the County Clerk certifies the signatures on the ballot, the referendum will appear in November.