SULLIVAN COUNTY

BOARD OF ETHICS

TO: Luis Alvarez, Chairman, Sullivan County Legislator                           

CC: Legislators, Nadia Rajsz, Alan Soresen, Ira Steingart, Scott B. Samuelson, Mark McCarthy, Catherine Owens, Terri Ward, Joseph Perrello

FROM: Kenneth Walter, Chairman             

DATE:  June 12, 2018                           

RE:  Organizational meeting and Annual Report

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As per the Sullivan County Ethics Law, we had a reorganizational meeting on Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Government Center in the Legislative meeting room.  Members present were John W. Kiefer, Nicholas Speranza, and  Kenneth Walter. Absent were Lorne D. Green and John F. Konefal

1.              and the following positions where elected.

              Chair: Kenneth Walter

              Vice Chair: Lorne D. Green

              Secretary: John W. Kiefer

2.              The following is the Annual Report of activity for the year 2016.

There were no requests for Advisory Opinions.

There was one complaint filed. It was not within our jurisdiction and referred back to the compliantent.

There were no Annual Financial Disclosure compliance issues.

3.              The Ethics Law requires the Ethics Board to review and make recommendations for improvement or changes to the law where warranted. As a reminder, in 2016 the Board met and reviewed the law. They also met with County Attorney Cheryl McCausland, who submitted ideas from the legislators. The board reviewed all the information and recommended changes, with Ms. McCausland’s help. The purpose was to make the law easier and equitable for all to use, and at the same time keep the board as an independent body. A final document was presented to the Legislature with the recommendations. It was accepted by the legislature and a public hearing was held. We, the Board, would like the legislature to adopt the amendments/changes to the local ethics law. Upon adoption, the Board can put into place policies and procedures that conform to the law.

4.              The board also recommends that the following boards be added to the list for Financial Disclosure forms to be submitted. They are:

a.              Sullivan County Community College Dormitory Authority

b.              Emerald Green Corporate Park

Thank you.

Ken Walters spoke regarding the ethics board.