Anti-Nepotism Law Looks to Increase Transparency in N. Hempstead Government

Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth believes the recently approved new slate of ethics and anti-nepotism law will increase the transparency of North Hempstead’s local government.

The reforms were meant to give taxpayers a sense of comfort and trust in their Town government, Bosworth said in a press release. “This slate of reforms set the bar high and will eliminate any uncertainty about Town process.”

Bosworth and the Town Board says these reforms and laws, approved Wednesday, will bolster and clarify the Town Code of Ethics.

“I, with each member of the Board of Ethics, take great pride in the work we have done over the years, and now we enjoy anew reaffirmation of what is best for our increased and strengthened review of the Code of Ethics and the anti-nepotism law,” Joseph Sciame, Chair of the Town of North Hempstead’s Board of Ethics, said. “We continue with our high standards of review and provide to our Town members continued transparency."

North Hempstead provided highlights from the reform:

• A requirement that any conflict of interest be disclosed and the Town employee recuse himself or herself from the matter involving the conflict.
• A prohibition on Town employees having any personal interest in Town contracts, or interests that are directly or indirectly connected with official duties.
• A prohibition on any Town employee accepting outside employment that conflicts with their Town position
• Places clearer restrictions on Town employee receiving gifts.
• Prohibits Town employees from taking any part in the employment, discipline or supervision of a relative
• A prohibition on employing relatives of Town elected officials
• A requirement that any potential conflict of interests disclosed on the annual statement of financial disclosure be investigated by the Board of Ethics.

The new legislation was proposed by the Town’s Ethics Working Group, which is comprised of six members, including Council members Peter Zuckerman and Dina DeGiorgio, Town Planning Commissioner Michael Levine, local attorney John Brickman and Ethics Board members Rev. Charles Vogeley and Hon. Richard Kestenbaum. The working group reviews the Town’s current ethics codes and policies with a goal of providing recommendations that would strengthen the Town’s Ethics Laws.

Image via TONH: John Brickman, Member of the Board of Ethics and the Ethics Working Group; Rabbi Robert Widom, Member of the Board of Ethics; North Hempstead Town Supervisor Judi Bosworth; Council Member Peter Zuckerman, Member of the Ethics Working Group.