Moreland Commission

Moreland Commission. The Moreland Commission, officially known as the Commission to Investigate Public Corruption, was established by New York Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2013 to investigate corruption in the New York State government, particularly in the New York State Legislature. The commission was tasked with examining the New York State Assembly and New York State Senate, as well as the New York City Council and other government agencies, including the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The commission's work was closely watched by federal prosecutors, including Preet Bharara, the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, and Loretta Lynch, the United States Attorney for the Eastern District of New York.

● Introduction

The Moreland Commission was created in response to a series of corruption scandals involving New York State politicians, including Sheldon Silver, the former Speaker of the New York State Assembly, and Dean Skelos, the former New York State Senate majority leader. The commission was composed of district attorneys from across New York State, including Kathleen Rice, the former District Attorney of Nassau County, and Daniel Donovan, the former District Attorney of Richmond County. The commission's work was supported by law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the New York State Police, as well as good government groups, such as Common Cause and the New York Public Interest Research Group.

● Background

The Moreland Commission was established in the wake of several high-profile corruption cases, including the conviction of Hiram Monserrate, a former New York State Senator, and the arrest of Malcolm Smith, a former New York State Senate majority leader. The commission's creation was also influenced by the work of investigative journalists, including those at The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, who had exposed corruption and abuse of power in New York State government. The commission's mandate was to investigate corruption in all its forms, including bribery, extortion, and embezzlement, and to make recommendations for reform and accountability. The commission's work was closely followed by watchdog groups, including the Citizens Union and the League of Women Voters.

● Investigation and Findings

The Moreland Commission conducted a wide-ranging investigation, issuing subpoenas to government officials and lobbyists, and holding public hearings in Albany and New York City. The commission's investigation focused on several key areas, including campaign finance reform, lobbying disclosure, and ethics enforcement. The commission's findings were presented in a series of reports, which detailed widespread corruption and abuse of power in New York State government. The commission's reports also highlighted the need for reform and accountability, including the creation of an independent ethics commission and the implementation of stricter campaign finance laws. The commission's work was supported by reform groups, including the Brennan Center for Justice and the New York Civil Liberties Union.

● Recommendations and Impact

The Moreland Commission made several key recommendations, including the creation of an independent ethics commission and the implementation of stricter campaign finance laws. The commission's recommendations were influenced by the work of reform groups, including the Campaign Finance Institute and the National Institute on Money in State Politics. The commission's report also highlighted the need for greater transparency and accountability in New York State government, including the creation of a database of government contracts and lobbying activities. The commission's recommendations were endorsed by good government groups, including Common Cause and the New York Public Interest Research Group, and were implemented in part by the New York State Legislature.

● Controversies and Criticisms

The Moreland Commission was not without controversy, with some critics arguing that the commission's work was politicized and that its recommendations did not go far enough. The commission was also criticized for its lack of transparency, with some critics arguing that the commission's investigative methods were secretive and unaccountable. The commission's work was also influenced by political considerations, including the 2014 New York State gubernatorial election and the 2014 New York State legislative election. The commission's controversy was covered by news outlets, including The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, and was the subject of editorials and op-eds by commentators, including The New York Daily News and The Buffalo News.

● Aftermath and Legacy

The Moreland Commission's work had a significant impact on New York State government, leading to the implementation of several key reforms, including the creation of an independent ethics commission and the implementation of stricter campaign finance laws. The commission's work also led to the conviction of several high-profile corruption cases, including the conviction of Sheldon Silver and Dean Skelos. The commission's legacy continues to be felt, with reform groups and watchdog organizations continuing to push for greater transparency and accountability in New York State government. The commission's work was recognized by awards and honors, including the New York State Bar Association's Stanley Forman Award for outstanding contributions to the administration of justice. The commission's legacy is also studied by scholars and researchers at universities and think tanks, including the City University of New York and the Brookings Institution.

Category:New York (state) commissions