What do you think?
Gov. Deval Patrick came into office with a message of change. Now that the state has adopted ethics, pension and transportation reform, how do you think the governor has lived up to his campaign promises?
Gov. Deval Patrick came into office with a message of change. Now that the state has adopted ethics, pension and transportation reform, how do you think the governor has lived up to his campaign promises?
With Gov. Deval Patrick signing sweeping ethics reform legislation Wednesday, the state is hoping to turn the page after a series of embarrassing accusations against former lawmakers in the last year has rattled the public’s faith in government.
The bill targets gift-giving to lawmakers, establishes larger oversight on lobbyists and strengthens the state Ethics Commission’s subpoena power. Pam Wilmot, executive director of Common Cause Massachusetts, praised the legislation for creating more disclosure and transparency in campaign financing.
“This law demonstrates our firm commitment to governing with integrity, with openness and with the public’s interest foremost,” Patrick said.
Former House Speaker Salvatore DiMasi and state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson have been charged with public corruption, while former Sen. James Marzilli was arrested last year for on public lewdness charges. While Wilmot said it “doesn’t mean there will never be another scandal,” she said it will lead to increased scrutiny and stiffer punishments for wrongdoing.
“I think the public should feel confident that this is a serious, thoughtful reform,” said Wilmot, a member of the governor’s ethics reform task force.