Kaminsky Drafts Bill To Prevent Corruption Within IDAs

Senator Todd Kaminsky, a Democrat from Long Beach, has filed a bill that he hopes will help fight corruption within Industrial Development Agencies across the state. The bill would prohibit state and local government authorities from paying elected officials for legal or consulting work with an IDA for an economic assistance corporation (EOC).

The proposed law was sparked by Town of Hempstead Councilman Edward Ambrosino, who was arrested in March on charges that he did not report or pay taxes on income that he received as a consultant for the Nassau County IDA.

"Corruption has infected every level of government, and we need to ensure a level playing field so that taxpayers know that officials are looking out for the public, not themselves," Kaminsky said. "My legislation will prevent elected officials from profiting off of IDAs at the expense of their constituents. Political connections should not determine who gets a job; when people are hired who have conflicts of interest or are not the best-qualified candidate, a grave injustice to taxpayers occurs that must be rectified."

In short, the bill would prohibit elected officials from getting legal fees, consulting or other work from IDAs or EOCs. It would apply to elected officials directly, as well as to companies in which they own at least 10 percent.

Photo: Todd Kaminsky's Office