Mejias & majority lawmakers propose sweeping changes to County’s ethics code

Includes stiff penalties for violations, new rules regarding nepotism, financial disclosure, gifts, lobbying & misuse of county funds

Nassau County Majority lawmakers today proposed a law that will bring sweeping changes to the County’s Ethics Code and slap violators with fines up to $10,000. The law, sponsored by Legislator Dave Mejias (D-North Massapequa), resolves inconsistencies in the present code and addresses areas of ethics such as the hiring of relatives, the acceptance of gifts, conflicts of interest, lobbying and the misuse of county funds and resources.

“The county’s public servants should be under an ethical microscope,” said Legislator Mejias. “I believe this law will send a strong and clear message to elected officials and county employees about what is expected of them.”

Common Cause/NY commendedNassau County lawmakers and sponsor, Legislator DaveMejias,forproposing to add new standards and requirements to the county's Ethics Code.

"It is always encouraging when localities seek to strengthen their ethics codes. We have been pushing for a statewide ethics bill that would cover localities, and stronger ethics regulations at the federal level as well.This package appears to address several important components of effective ethics rules including: strengthening the revolving door provision, addressing potential conflicts of interest and increasing penalties when violations are found,” said Rachel Leon, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY.

Common Cause/NY noted that ethics provisions across the state vary greatly in strength, comprehensiveness and effectiveness.  Some localities, including New York City, have strong laws and vigilant enforcement, but many localities do not.

“We need stronger laws and better enforcement.  Wewish local lawmakers in Nassau County well as they debate the details of this package.  We hope that they are able to come to agreement on strong and thoroughgoing reform,” Leon added.

The proposed law addresses questions of the following:

•Financial Interest

•Conflicts of Interest

•Gifts and Favors

•Recusal and Disclosure of Interest.

•Private interest. 

•Disclosure of Confidential Information

•Misuse of County resources

•Hiring and supervision of relatives

 •Post-employment restrictions.

•Establishment of a Board of Ethics consisting of seven (7) members, five (5) of whom shall be appointed by the County Executive.

•Financial disclosure

•Penalties, including fines up to $10, 0000 and/or removal from office.

•Guidelines for Nassau Community College faculty members who author textbooks

•Serving on local development corporations, public authorities, public benefit corporations

The law goes before the Legislature’s Government Services Committee today and is expected to be voted on by the full legislature sometime this month. If approved, it will go into effect immediately.