New York Times on Official Corruption

Scrubbing New Jersey Politics
New York Times EDITORIAL - October 14, 2008

Given New Jersey’s well-deserved reputation for official corruption, Gov. Jon Corzine’s proposed ethics reforms come as welcome relief. The only question we would ask is why he took so long. When he campaigned for governor three years ago, Mr. Corzine promised sweeping reforms that would once and for all change the shabby way Trenton does business. Early on, he nibbled around the edges of that pledge — persuading the Legislature to create a state comptroller to monitor government spending and to ban state legislators from simultaneously holding another elected office.

But he failed to tackle the big enchilada of official corruption New Jersey-style: the ease with which contractors seeking government business are able to skirt the law barring campaign contributions to candidates for state office. Mr. Corzine has now issued an executive order, effective in November, to block contractors from laundering their contributions to state candidates through local political organizations. A second order would prohibit these so-called pay-to-play practices at all levels of government, including municipalities and school boards. He also called for legislation prohibiting legislative leaders from using their political action committees to accept contributions from government contractors.

Mr. Corzine has acted at a time when the polls suggest that he could face a tough re-election battle next year. Ethics in government may be a major issue in the campaign, especially if the Republicans nominate Christopher Christie, the United States attorney for New Jersey, who will try to present himself as a crusader against public corruption. However tardy, and whatever the motivation, Mr. Corzine’s moves are welcome and essential. We hope New Jersey’s Legislature will now act quickly.

New York’s governor, David Paterson, has also long argued for reform of Albany’s sleazy mess. But he has done little to improve legislative ethics. We hope Mr. Corzine’s actions will inspire Mr. Paterson to move forward.