contracts/jobs --nepotism disclosure should be required

PROPOSAL: Disclosure: contracts and jobs given to family members in Greenburgh. I would like the Town Board to discuss a proposed local law that would require disclosure to the public of contracts awarded to family members of elected officials, management officials in the town and also require public disclosure of the hiring of family members to town jobs before hiring takes place.

I would welcome having the Ethics Board make a recommendation and also ask that this be discussed at the upcoming Town Board work session.

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When decision makers have family ties to vendors or applicants, their judgment can be biased or appear biased. Disclosure forces that relationship into the open so that official can recuse themselves and the process stays fair.

Residents expect tax money and public jobs to be awarded on merit, not relationships. Even the perception of favoritism erodes trust. Transparency reassures the public that nothing is being hidden.

Contractors and job applicants deserve a level playing field. If they suspect that insiders are favored, they will stop bidding or applying which reduces competition and raises the costs for taxpayers.

Undisclosed relationships can lead to overpriced contracts or underqualified hires.

If the relationship is disclosed up front and the official recuses, they cannot later be accused of backroom dealing. Disclosure is a defensive protection for honest officials.

Another benefit: If questions later arise, there is a documented proof that the relationship was known and properly handled.

This is not about assuming corruption. It’s about recognizing that family relationships create unavoidable conflicts of interest in public decision making, and that the only fair way to handle them is through disclosure and recusal. The standards is no appearance of wrongdoing.

We have a strong ethics law. This would increase confidence in our town governments contract awarding process and hiring practices. I’m not asking the Town Board to ban nepotism -but to require public disclosure and an explanation of the processes being followed.

PAUL FEINER