From the Desk of Sen. Craig M. Johnson: Stopping Public Corruption

The public is angry and so am I.

Albany has been gripped in a web of investigations, scandals, and, in some cases, outright criminality. This bi-partisan shame has been allowed to fester due to a generations-old bi-partisan compact that ties the hands of those best equipped to root out public corruption.

Not many people know this, but the New York State Office of the Attorney General –  despite having ample resources – does not have the power to initiate public corruption cases.

They can only be referred cases by local district attorneys. Nassau has a great DA's Office, but, by and large, most local prosecutors simply do not have the resources to investigate public integrity claims.

As a result, wrongdoing is allowed to thrive and everyone – including Port Washington residents – pay the price.

This Albany-style slight of hand needs to end.  

That's why I drafted legislation, (S.7599), to give the Attorney General's Office sweeping new powers to investigate and prosecute public corruption.   

My bill gives the sheriff with the most deputies and the most expertise the authority to hold bad actors accountable and to help end the dysfunction that has gripped Albany for decades.

I modeled this measure on the Martin Act, which currently allows the Attorney General's Office wide latitude to pursue financial fraud. That statute has proved extremely effective in cracking down on Wall Street malfeasance.

Since I have introduced this bill, this idea has been gaining steam.

Democratic and Republican candidates for Attorney General alike have vowed to pursue this expansion of the office's powers as a necessary step toward restoring public confidence in our state government.

I agree.

My proposal, coupled with my legislation to ensure that disgraced public servants will no longer enjoy their taxpayer-funded pensions (S.6823B), will go a long way toward reforming Albany.

Senator Craig M. Johnson