Tuesday, October 2, 2007
Atlantic County Executive Dennis Levinson is calling on the county's 23 municipalities to follow the county's lead in adopting tighter pay-to-play restrictions designed to strengthen government accountability and public trust in the integrity of its leaders.
The Atlantic County ordinance for public contracting reform has been hailed as the toughest and most comprehensive of its kind in New Jersey.
"Atlantic County stands as a model for other counties across the state. I urge our municipalities to follow suit so that we may stand united on all levels of local government in our intolerance of political influence and corruption," stated Levinson.
The county ordinance includes "anti-wheeling" provisions that specifically limit the amount of contributions candidates for elected county office may receive from out of county sources, as well as provisions that limit the award of professional service contracts to those who contribute more than $300 to any current elected county official or candidate for elected county office.
According to Levinson, the county is willing to assist municipal officials in drafting similar ordinances. "The county was fortunate to have the assistance of Harry Pozycki and the Citizens' Campaign as we addressed this issue. We now have the benefit of experience, which we are happy to share."
The county's pay-to-play reform ordinance is part of Levinson's government integrity agenda that aims to encourage citizen participation and formalize, by county ordinances, county policies and practices that ensure public trust and confidence in the integrity of county government.
"Pay-to-Play reform is significant, particularly in New Jersey where corrupt politicians and unjust government practices dominate the news. We seek to put government back into the hands of the people for whom it is intended. I am hopeful that our municipal leaders will join us in adopting this goal and pay-to-play reform legislation."