New York City Bar Launches JCOPE Survey; Will Report on State Ethics Reforms

Yesterday’s Times Union reported that the New York City Bar Association (NYCBA) committee on government ethics is undertaking a review of the state’s 2011 ethics reform law (the Public Integrity Reform Act, or PIRA) in conjunction with Common Cause NY and the League of Women Voters.

The review effort is being headed up by well-regarded New York City attorney Evan Davis, who served as chief counsel to Gov. Mario Cuomo.

It includes a survey, which can be responded to anonymously.

In a cover letter to the survey, Mr. Davis writes:

The Government Ethics Committee of the New York City Bar, in cooperation with Common Cause New York and the League of Women Voters, has undertaken to report on the Joint Committee on Public Ethics established by the Public Integrity Reform Act of 2011 signed into law on August 15, 2011. The report will consider how well the Act is functioning in practice, whether amendments to the Act are required, how well JCOPE is fulfilling its responsibilities and the apparent cause of any shortcomings found (e.g. budget constraints, statutory defects, inadequately trained or experienced staff).

I am heading up the Subcommittee preparing this report. Our group has prepared the attached short questionnaire to aid our work. I write to ask that you complete it and return it to me promptly. It is your choice whether to identify yourself, and if you do no statement or view will be attributed to you or your organization without your consent. If you would like to speak to a member of the Committee please indicate that when you return the form. The form may be returned anonymously by mailing it to me at the address below. Or it can be emailed back to me when completed.