Ethics, Anti-Corruption and Transparency

Today, May 6, 2014, the New York Times has a lead story on how the US Attorney is looking into the operation and dismantling of the Moreland Commission that was set up by NY Governor Andrew Cuomo, to look into corruption and ethics violations by various government officials. The article lays out pretty clearly the issues and the history of the commission. It also identifies some of what I've talked about here previously relative to Cuomo's management style as well as similar issues that have been identified in the Governor Christie investigation. Both men have spoken about transparency in their approach to and operation of government. It's interesting though that both administrations seem to have tried to figure out ways to limit access and the flow of information. You can view the entire NYTimes article HERE

The Times' article points out two methods the Cuomo administration has used, not just in the Moreland Commission case, but in other areas of governing according to recent reports. First, staff using personal email accounts to communicate government business and second, using Blackberry PIN communications that are not kept electronically. These are methods that were also used by Christie's staff in communicating about various issues related to New Jersey government operations. Most likely many other entities use similar tactics but that's what these things are - tactics to limit access to information (transparency) that everyone touts as so critically important.

Cuomo's response to questions about his shutting down of the Moreland Commission are also telling relative to the attitude he has that I've written about here in the past. Here's a quote from the Times' article that really gives a clear sense of Cuomo's attitude about himself, his power and about anyone questioning his authority. It was given last month as Cuomo was reacting to and dismissing suggestions that his office was interfering with the commission's investigations. "It's my commission. I can't 'interfere' with it, because it is mine. It is controlled by me."

On the use of Blackberry smartphones, the Times' article reports that federal prosecutors collected these along with the commission's documents and computers. Reportedly, senior staff were told to communicate with Cuomo's aides only via Blackberry PIN messages that are not recorded on government servers.

It seems that what we have in both the Christie and Cuomo administrations is the selected use of transparency when it is beneficial to each administration. This is exactly why good government advocates and organizations ask for and demand transparency. It isn't something you decide behind closed doors.