During remarks delivered at a forum hosted by the nonpartisan good government group Citizens Union, the Attorney General outlined what he believes is required to help «cure the disease» of public corruption, including a total
ban on outside employment income for legislators, an end to per diems, rules reform to empower individual legislators, and a constitutional amendment to extend legislators» terms from two to four years.
An added reason for MPs retiring at the next election, on top of the expenses scandal, and the prospect of defeat, may be the increasing
restriction on outside employment, and the new requirements for MPs to declare such earnings publicly.
Skelos's conviction did not center
directly on his outside employment, but the official actions he took to aid his son's business interests at an environmental technology firm.
But Bohrer said the claims of
misconduct on outside employment «is of minimal probative value at best and yet poses a serious risk of unfair prejudice and undue delay at trial.»
A clear majority opt for a full - time Legislature with a ban
on outside employment over that system,» poll spokesman Steve Greenberg said.
In addition, the measure would require key Library staff members to file financial disclosure forms, place
limits on their outside employment and require the Board to approve their hiring.
Lawmakers, especially in the Senate, have been generally resistant to efforts that would place limits or
bans on outside employment.
«While the legislative history surrounding such qualifications are ample, it is clear from reading these provisions that the Constitution does not contemplate any
prohibition on outside employment,» according to the analysis.
Mahoney needs county lawmakers to start moving soon on an initiative that includes term limits for legislators and countywide office holders, and clarifies salaries and a ban
on outside employment.
«But if the choice is a full - time State Legislature with a ban
on outside employment versus part time legislators with full disclosure of all outside income, voters strongly prefer to keep a part - time Legislature with full income disclosure by legislators.