Codey and Roberts Reform Plan -- Last Chance Before Voters Look Elsewhere

By: Michael M. Shapiro

Senate President Richard Codey (D-Essex) and Assembly Speaker Joseph Roberts (D-Camden) have announced that they will unite in an attempt to pass meaningful reform legislation in 2008. We’ve heard similar rhetoric before from both sides of the political aisle in Trenton. It may be suggested that this is the final opportunity for the Democratic Party in New Jersey before voters look elsewhere.  The newly-elected Republicans have established a united front for similar reform; therefore, if the Democrats in the Legislature sabotage this reform effort, the Republicans will either pass such reform during this legislative term or be stymied and, because of voter outrage, secure enough seats in 2009 to enable such reform to be enacted.  The Democrats would be wise to enact the Codey/Roberts ethics-related reforms now, before it is too late.

Codey and Roberts have proposed creating “Pay to Play” reform that is “loophole free.” Currently, “Pay to Play” reforms that have been enacted are circumvented throughout New Jersey by special interests, contract seekers, and operatives in both political parties. All loopholes need to be closed to ensure that contracts are awarded based on merit and not payback for political contributions.

Codey and Roberts have also suggested a ban on wheeling. “Wheeling” involves political action committees (PACs) and/or County political organizations and/or others transferring funds to political organizations in other counties and municipalities, who can, in turn, either use the money or “wheel” it yet again to other political organizations. As a result, campaign finance limits are skirted and in effect, contributions are being laundered to allow party bigwigs, developers and others to influence governmental decision-making. Unless “wheeling” is tackled by our Legislature, “Pay to Play” reform and all the other campaign finance laws on the books are practically worthless.

The legislators have also suggested a revamping of the legislative ethics committee and a new ethics code for the Legislature. While no details have yet emerged, a reinvigorated ethics committee that targets, rather than protects, unethical conduct would be a welcomed change. Furthermore, an ethics code that provides meaningful rules with punishment for unethical conduct that packs a punch would also be positive.

These proposed Codey/Roberts reforms would help to re-establish the public’s trust in New Jersey government. They would also partially appease a citizenry that has grown tired of a continual parade of unethical and illegal conduct by our politicians with no meaningful reform being achieved in the process. The Codey/Roberts ethics-related reforms should be enacted without delay. Otherwise, the Democrats may find themselves the minority in the Legislature in 2009.

Michael M. Shapiro, founder of ShapTalk.com, is an attorney who resides in New Providence, New Jersey. He currently serves as the Editor of The Alternative Press, www.thealternativepress.com

Contact Mike at mike@shaptalk.com