Ethics and Campaign Finance Update

Over the weekend, the Times Union reported that the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption met with good government groups last week to get their perspective on the issues under its jurisdiction.

In today’s Daily News, Ken Lovett reports that Regina Calcaterra, head of the Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, had some reporting issues with the State Board of Elections when she was the head of a political action committee.

The Daily News editorial board is not a fan of the SBOE’s new enforcement counsel.

In today’s Times Union, Jim Odato tries to find out why Project Sunlight, which was effective on January 1, 2013, did not go live until last Friday (second item).

New York City’s horse-and-carriage drivers have filed a complaint with State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, claiming the non-profit ASPCA has made impermissible political donations.

Last week, the NYC Campaign Finance Board imposed significant fines on former Queens Councilman Eric Gioia’s campaign for Public Advocate with a $72,402 in fines for exceeding spending limits, accepting “over-limit” contributions, accepting donations from entities that do business with the city and improper post-election expenditures, among other things.

New York City Mayoral candidate Sal Albanese calls the Moreland Commission “a Band-Aid over a hemorrhage,” and argues that a state Constitutional Convention is what’s needed.

Finally, political commentator Alan Chartock asks “Will Gov. Cuomo’s Moreland Commission fulfill its mission?”