New Jersey Chamber of Commerce Statement on Governor Corzine's Ethics Reform Announcements

Jim Leonard, Senior Vice President, New Jersey Chamber of Commerce

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce applauds Governor Corzine for taking today's dramatic steps in the area of ethics reform. By signing today's Executive Order and by calling for stronger legislative initiatives designed to dissuade government corruption, he is improving our state's reputation to economic investors and restoring residents' faith in our government institutions and leaders.

The one issue that never disappears from the front pages of New Jersey's newspapers is that of corruption. The items discussed today represent a significant step in the continuing effort to reform New Jersey government so that the citizens of New Jersey have more faith in their government.

Stronger pay-to-play laws, campaign finance reform, contracting reform, financial disclosure measures, as well as ethics enforcement, compliance, and training at all levels of government are measures that the State Chamber has always supported. We welcome today's announcement.

As business advocates, we see this as an economic issue. Financial commitments are made to the state when investors know they are working with elected officials at all levels of government that they believe to be honest. When the credibility of public servants is called into question, investment is chilled and our reputation is forever damaged.

Ethics reform measures are also important to the long-term workings of our political system. I am particularly concerned that the negativity brought on by stories of corruption will dissuade our best and brightest, as well as our next generation, from ever wanting to serve in public office. Democracy works best when your most talented get involved in the political process for the good of the majority of the people. Democracies in the course of history have begun to malfunction when apathy sets in and those with the most to lose - its citizenry - throw up their hands, because they feel there is no way to change the status quo. With apathy comes lower voter turn out, followed by added corruption.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce's Platform for Progress Government Reform Coalition once again applauds these initiatives. If nothing is done, the corruption stories will only increase, as these activities become the norm - or the culture of the society.

Click here for more information from the Governor's office.

September 24, 2008