Governor’s Task Force on Public Integrity

Today, the Governor’s Task Force on Public Integrity will hold a public hearing at 3:30 PM in Hearing Room A-2 of the State House. The goal is to solicit ideas from the citizens of the Commonwealth on ways to strengthen regulatory frameworks that govern ethics, lobbying and public employee conduct and allow for a more transparent process.

GOP Senator Michael R. Knapik, of Westfield, was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Task Force. “Massachusetts citizens have entrusted public officials with operating our government in a transparent and honest manner and it is imperative to maintain this confidence,” said Knapik. “Recent events have, for good reason, seriously damaged the image of the Legislature and it is time we rebuild the public’s trust in the political process.”

Reform is needed and welcome given the appalling behavior of several Democratic state officials in the past two years. Governor Patrick himself used very questionable judgment when he placed a call on behalf of Ameriquest Mortgage in 2007, as the sub-prime lender was seeking financial assistance from Citigroup. The Governor had previously sat on Ameriquest’s board of directors. More recently, we saw two senators, Jim Marzilli and Dianne Wilkerson, indicted on criminal charges, while House Speaker Sal DiMasi and House Majority Leader John Rogers remain under investigation for unethical conduct.

One Response to “Governor’s Task Force on Public Integrity”

1. John Gatti Jr says:

   December 6, 2008 at 8:21 pm

   This Task Force was appointed at this time especially in light of the current Beacon Hill Scandals does appear as damage control. Their failure will be apparent with cursory recommendations that will come forward amount to only window dressing.

   Look at the some names on this so called task force Charles Baker Jr., Scott Harshbarger, and Representative James Fagan! All had a part in the Big Dig fiasco that went from$2.3 Billion to $23 Billion that was riddled with waste, fraud, and abuse. This project was the largest construction cost construction project in history.

   Does more need to be said about their watch and responsibilities? The Governor appointed this group and his person was named chair! Done deal, can this bring real reform? more political posturing and not real reforms?

   The time has come for an independent government reform organization that should be installed and more independent than the WARD Commission that was formed during the Government Center Scandal. Maybe this time around the recommendations will be folllowed. Stop fooling the citizenry.

   Time for a Governor and Legislature of both parties to disinfect their act and become true statesman.

   Reply