By Courtney Dentch
Although the state Legislature's Ethics Committee has not punished a single lawmaker since its formation, the group will cooperate with law enforcement officials investigating whether a prison company may have tried to bribe legislators, said Assemblyman Mark Weprin (D-Bayside).
Weprin, who was named Ethics Committee chairman three months ago even though he had not been a member of the committee, would rather look at ways to improve the law to close loopholes than take action against a legislator, he said.
“In cases where there's potential wrong-doing, we would give that information to law enforcement officials,” Weprin said. “That's a more appropriate venue anyway. No one wants the state Legislature to police themselves.”
Weprin said the committee would pass information about Correctional Services Company, which was fined for violating state lobbying laws, to Albany County District Attorney Paul Clyne, who is already investigating the company and its relationship with state legislators.
Mark Weprin was unsure why he was chosen to head the Ethics Committee, he said, but the five-term assemblyman hails from a powerful political family in Queens.
His father, Saul Weprin, served 12 terms in the Assembly, and was elected speaker from 1991 until his death in 1994. Weprin's brother, City Councilman David Weprin (D-Hollis) chairs the prestigious Finance Committee.
The state Lobbying Commission levied a record $300,000 fine on Correctional Services Company last month for failing to report free transportation, meals and other gifts it gave state lawmakers in attempts to maintain state contracts.
The Sarasota, Fla.-based company earned the support of a handful of Queens legislators for operating prisons, halfway houses and juvenile detention centers, and was accused of providing transportation, meals and campaign services for elected officials.
Assembly members Anthony Seminerio (D-Richmond Hill), Barbara Clark (D-Queens Village) and Vivian Cook (D-South Ozone Park) signed letters of support for the company in 1998, when the state was looking to end its contract with CSC. Both Seminerio and Clark defended their actions, saying they never received any incentive to write the letters.
The name of a fourth state lawmaker, Sen. Ada Smith (D-Jamaica), also showed up on the expense report of the company's former vice president, a spokesman for the Lobbying Commission said. Smith was allegedly treated to a $170 dinner in January 2000.
Former Bronx Assemblywoman Gloria Davis admitted the company gave her bribes earlier this month in a plea bargain deal with the Manhattan district attorney's office.
The Ethics Committee was created in 1987, but it has never penalized any senator or assemblyman for improper behavior of any kind.
And while Weprin plans to look into the company and his fellow legislators, he wants to concentrate on fixing laws with loopholes, such as the gift statute that says lawmakers can accept as many gifts as they want as long as they do not exceed $75 in value.
“We will make what changes need to be made in the law to maintain, and in some cases restore, the credibility of the state Legislature,” Weprin said. “I am committed to making changes in the law to help maintain the public trust. If the public doesn't trust elected officials, then we don't have a democracy.”
Reach reporter Courtney Dentch by e-mail at TimesLedger@aol.com, or by phone at 718-229-0300, Ext. 138.
