10.31.08 - Ethics Reforms Announced
On Friday, October 31, 2008, Governor Deval Patrick announced actions aimed at reforming the Commonwealth’s ethics and lobbying rules. Specifically, the Governor intends to file comprehensive ethics and lobbying reform legislation developed with the advice of a new bi-partisan task force convened by his Chief Legal Counsel and former federal prosecutor Ben Clements, and will re-file and expand upon legislation that gives local communities more autonomy over local affairs.
“In a successful democracy, the currency of government is not money. It’s integrity,” said Governor Patrick. “We in public office are not entitled to our positions. We are placed here by voters to do the best we can on their behalf. And we are expected to conduct their business honestly and openly.”
Read the transcript of the speech (opens in a new window)
To learn more about the Public Integrity Task Force and submit feedback, please visit www.mass.gov/governor/publicintegrity.
To view the Governor's YouTube channel click here.
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