Jersey City Ethics Audit re Development Process
This summer, several New Jersey local government officials were
arrested in a big FBI sting operation (see my <a href="http://www.cityethics.org/node/815" target="”_blank”">blog post</a>). Yesterday, <a href="http://media.nj.com/hudsoncountynow_impact/other/Jersey-City-Audit.pdf&…; target="”_blank”">an
ethics audit</a> focused on development practices was released.
Requested by the Jersey City council, it was written by three members
of a New Jersey law firm.<br>
<br>
According to <a href="http://www.nj.com/hudson/index.ssf/2009/12/audit_is_critical_of_jersey_…; target="”_blank”">an
article in the Jersey <i>Journal</i></a>, 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).<br>
<br>
No ex parte discussions between officials and developers. (an essential
rule)<br>
<br>
Special ethics code relating to development process, including relevant
examples, and ethics training for all officials involved in development.<br>
<br>
Ethics/Compliance Officer to provide advice and to bring complaints
before the city's Ethical Standards Board.<br>
<br>
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.)<br>
<br>
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.<br>
<br>
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.)<br>
<br>
Robert Wechsler<br>
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics<br>
<br>
---