Letter to the Editor - Political Reform in Hoboken by Scott Siegel
Here is a letter from Scott Siegel who frequently attends City Council meetings calling for political reform from Acting Mayor Zimmer and the City Council:
The ugly case involving Peter Camaranno makes ethics reform in Hoboken a priority. I urge the City Council and acting Mayor Zimmer to consider the following:
1) Impose a zero tolerance policy on all employees. If anyone is indicted on a felony charge relating to their city job, that person should be immediately suspended without pay. They should be allowed to retain their benefits (no one wants to see a child not have health care). The pay should be escrowed. If guilty the pay is forfeited. If innocent the pay is returned with interest and a public apology and they can return to their job.
2) Benefits and pensions should be forfeited in the event of a felony conviction.
3) No official can assume office without filing their ELEC reports. A two week period from the filing is when that person can assume office or employment.
4) Each senior appointee should be made available to be questioned by the public before approval is given.
5) All employees must sign a legal document outlining ethical responsibilities.
6) A background check and employer verification must take place before assuming office or a position.
7) All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
8) Except for safety personnel, Hoboken should scrap the residency requirement for employees. This leads to patronage and corruption.
9) The above should be updated every year, if applicable.
10) Term limits (2 elections) should be enacted to avoid complacency that arises from multi term service. The same should be held for directors.
While this will not solve corruption it should demonstrate to all employees that Hoboken is serious and will no longer tolerate unethical behavior.
-Scott Siegel
1) Impose a zero tolerance policy on all employees. If anyone is indicted on a felony charge relating to their city job, that person should be immediately suspended without pay. They should be allowed to retain their benefits (no one wants to see a child not have health care). The pay should be escrowed. If guilty the pay is forfeited. If innocent the pay is returned with interest and a public apology and they can return to their job.
2) Benefits and pensions should be forfeited in the event of a felony conviction.
3) No official can assume office without filing their ELEC reports. A two week period from the filing is when that person can assume office or employment.
4) Each senior appointee should be made available to be questioned by the public before approval is given.
5) All employees must sign a legal document outlining ethical responsibilities.
6) A background check and employer verification must take place before assuming office or a position.
7) All potential conflicts of interest must be disclosed.
8) Except for safety personnel, Hoboken should scrap the residency requirement for employees. This leads to patronage and corruption.
9) The above should be updated every year, if applicable.
10) Term limits (2 elections) should be enacted to avoid complacency that arises from multi term service. The same should be held for directors.
While this will not solve corruption it should demonstrate to all employees that Hoboken is serious and will no longer tolerate unethical behavior.
-Scott Siegel
Editor's Note: Please note that this is the opinion of Scott Siegel and not necessarily of this editor. If you would like to submit your own letters email me at kurt.gardiner@gmail.com and I will publish as long as factual assertions can be substantiated. All opinions are welcome.
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