Senator Gallivan Welcomes Stronger Ethics Standards for Public Officials

"A spate of recent allegations and arrests involving downstate elected officials have given every New Yorker pause and reason to question the integrity of their elected representative government in Albany. Elected officials are empowered by the people and entrusted to honestly advocate on their behalf. This is a central compact that allows democratic government to function and flourish."

"Any honest public servant should have no fear against tougher ethics standards. I welcome stricter penalties to punish those who favor self interest over the interest of the public, but no law can totally eliminate the darker side of human nature. These events again underscore the need for the electorate to be well informed and to consider the importance of the votes they cast each and every election day."