Spin Cycle

A little bit more, but not much, on David and Basil Paterson and Meyer Suozzi proposing some conflict-of-interest rules yesterday to deal with the fact that the governor's father represents some major unions and is a partner in a big law firm with lots of big clients with state interests.

The statement from Errol Cockfield, Paterson's spokesman:

“The Governor’s Counsel’s Office has worked with Meyer, Suozzi, English and Klein to develop protocols that the firm has implemented to avoid any potential conflict of interest between the Governor and his father. These guidelines have been put in place to ensure public trust. In addition, the firm has asked the Public Integrity Commission to review these protocols."

A few points:

1. We gather that, basically, the proposal puts all kinds of restrictions on Basil Paterson -- he won't lobby, he won't get money from the firm lobbying, he won't influence peddle on the second floor. But with Paterson walled off, the law firm will be allowed to continue to do all of the above, except that it won't represent the state... If clients are under the impression that it might be smart to hire the law firm of the governor's dad, what can Meyer Suozzi do about it? If state officials think they should get special access when they lobby, what can Meyer Suozzi do?

2. The actual protocols -- the language -- are not being released publicly. The secrecy will prevent the public, at least for now, from knowing what the rules are. A curious way to "ensure public trust."

3. Cockfield's carefully crafted statement doesn't seem to concede jurisdiction to the Public Integrity Commission. The firm has already "implemented" them, and the commission will "review" them. OK -- but if Basil or the firm violates them, are they conceding that the PIC can impose a sanction?

4. Can Basil still represent the TWU in negotiations with the MTA?