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General News: Skoufis' Integrity in Government Act
March 16, 2015
from the office of Assemblyman James Skoufis
Assemblyman James Skoufis (D-Woodbury) introduced a bill he authored to ensure open access to government proceedings, including those of town and village governments (A.5827). Skoufis’ Integrity in Government Act would ensure greater adherence to Freedom of Information (FOIL) and Open Meetings (OML) laws.
“Decisions made behind closed doors affect all of us,” said Assemblyman Skoufis. “The public has a right to know what their government is doing.”
The bill would create a state commission with the power to fine elected officials that flagrantly abuse OML, compel the release of records of municipalities that don’t abide by FOIL, and nullify actions of elected boards if meetings do not comply with OML. This legislation comes largely in response to the Village of Kiryas Joel’s history of disregard for FOIL and OML. Particularly considering Kiryas Joel’s continued pursuit of annexation, an effort that Assemblyman Skoufis strongly opposes, it is critical that any and all proceedings take place in a lawful and open manner.
Noting that nothing currently exists in state law to provide enforcement of FOIL and OML, County Legislator John Vero (R-Chester) said, "Assemblyman Skoufis' legislation will ensure that every government is held to a standard that the public expects and deserves."
The village of Kiryas Joel has long conducted official government business behind closed doors and refused to release public documents when requested.1 In December 2013, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU) and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the village for its refusal to release public records.2
“Enough is enough,” said Assemblyman Skoufis. “All public officials must be held accountable, all the time – not just when it is convenient.”
"New York's Open Meetings and Freedom of Information Laws were groundbreaking when enacted," said Susan Lerner, Executive Director of Common Cause/NY. "They will only be strengthened by the common sense improvements which this bill seeks to enact. We commend Assembly Member Skoufis for addressing what time and experience has shown needs to be added to our FOIL and OML statutes."
Assemblyman Skoufis has been actively involved in many of the issues involving the Village of Kiryas Joel and surrounding communities for many years. As a Woodbury Town Board member, he helped initiate a lawsuit to successfully stop the illegal expansion of Kiryas Joel sewer capacity. He also voted to bring Kiryas Joel to court over their water pipeline project and is presently fighting an attempt by the village to annex 507 acres of additional land.
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