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Jersey City Ethics Audit re Development Process
Tuesday, December 15th, 2009
Robert Wechsler
This summer, several New Jersey local government officials were
arrested in a big FBI sting operation (see my blog post). Yesterday, an
ethics audit focused on development practices was released.
Requested by the Jersey City council, it was written by three members
of a New Jersey law firm.
According to an article in the Jersey Journal, one Jersey City council member cynically said, "I think any Jersey City resident could have written the same report for free in about 10 minutes with about 20 words." He's completely wrong. This report is not the last word, but it's something other Jersey cities (and those in other states) should take a look at. Its most important recommendations are listed below (my comments are in parentheses).
No ex parte discussions between officials and developers. (an essential rule)
Special ethics code relating to development process, including relevant examples, and ethics training for all officials involved in development.
Ethics/Compliance Officer to provide advice and to bring complaints before the city's Ethical Standards Board.
Questionnaires to be filled out by developers about their background and about everyone with any interest in the developer. (Many people hide behind opaque developer corporations, preventing local governments from identifying conflicts or individuals with criminal backgrounds, whom they might choose not to work with.)
Preparation of a guide to the development process, including the names of all officials involved and their ethical obligations, to be placed on the city website for officials, developers, and public alike.
Revision of the city's Master Plan. (It should be required that all important laws and plans, also including charters and ethics codes, be revisited at least every ten years. States should have such a requirement.)
Robert Wechsler
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics
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According to an article in the Jersey Journal, one Jersey City council member cynically said, "I think any Jersey City resident could have written the same report for free in about 10 minutes with about 20 words." He's completely wrong. This report is not the last word, but it's something other Jersey cities (and those in other states) should take a look at. Its most important recommendations are listed below (my comments are in parentheses).
No ex parte discussions between officials and developers. (an essential rule)
Special ethics code relating to development process, including relevant examples, and ethics training for all officials involved in development.
Ethics/Compliance Officer to provide advice and to bring complaints before the city's Ethical Standards Board.
Questionnaires to be filled out by developers about their background and about everyone with any interest in the developer. (Many people hide behind opaque developer corporations, preventing local governments from identifying conflicts or individuals with criminal backgrounds, whom they might choose not to work with.)
Preparation of a guide to the development process, including the names of all officials involved and their ethical obligations, to be placed on the city website for officials, developers, and public alike.
Revision of the city's Master Plan. (It should be required that all important laws and plans, also including charters and ethics codes, be revisited at least every ten years. States should have such a requirement.)
Robert Wechsler
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics
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