Not-so-open government
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- August
- 21
I’ve been trying to reach the Rockland County Board of Ethics for a couple of weeks. Last week I started calling daily.
I got a call today from Robin at the Board of Ethics. When I explained to her that I would like to speak to the chairman for a story I’m working on I was told that I could fax a letter to her and she would give it to him at a meeting later this week.
In the age of e-mail and text messaging and voicemail, I can’t say I’ve ever been told, as a reporter, to send someone a letter when I’m trying to get an interview.
Robin said she would not give out the chairman’s phone number and was reluctant when I asked her to call him with mine.
Since the Board of Ethics is not overseen by any branch of government, I’ve left a message for Legislature Chairwoman Harriet Cornell, D-West Nyack, since all board members are appointed by the Legislature. I’m hoping she can give me some insight as to how to get in touch with the chairman who I’m beginning to think of as the Oz-like man behind the curtain.
To be continued …
This entry was posted
on Tuesday, August 21st, 2007 at 3:15 pm by Sarah Netter.
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CHAIRMAN: IRA E. OUTSTATCHER, VALLEY COTTAGE, NEW YORK
MEMBER: EDWARD BIALAS, ORANGEBURG, NEW YORK
(845) 348-0755
MEMBER: CAROLE TJOA, POMONA, NEW YORK
While you're calling the only member that actually has a listing, maybe you should ask why the salaries budget increased from $8,400 in 2004 to $24,000 in 2007 and we still can't get in touch with anyone!!
How about ask C. Scott Vanderhoef. It's through the County Executive's office that you pick up disclosure forms, and hand in forms too for the Board of Ethics.