RyeCity REVIEW THE
April 16, 2021 | Vol. 9, Number 14 | www.ryecityreview.com
Latimer signs overhaul of county’s ethics laws Following its unanimous passage, Westchester County Executive George Latimer signed a bill aimed at strengthening the ethics laws which govern those who serve the people of Westchester. This newly passed law will result in stronger ethics training and enhanced whistleblower protections for county employees and would expand the county’s Board of Ethics from five to seven members. The move continues the Latimer administration’s commitment to transparency and good government following the recent passage of stricter term limits on his own office proposed by Latimer himself. The law will go before members of the public this November as a mandatory referendum, as is required by the County Charter. This new law, introduced by Legislator Kitley Covill and finetuned by the board, is another example of the cooperative efforts between the Board of Legislators and the Office of the County Executive.
“Elected officials must be held to a higher standard of conduct— we have been sent here to serve the people of Westchester,” Latimer said. “This new law, coupled with the recently adopted term limits legislation, sets that higher standard. I am proud to sign it on behalf of the residents who have entrusted us with these positions.” The Term Limits legislation already submitted and signed by Latimer reduced the existing three-term limit (12 years) for county executives enacted in 2011 in Westchester, down to two term (eight years). This new law sets forth a new Code of Ethics regarding use of county position for: • Personal or private gain • Prohibited interests in contracts • Recusal • Prohibition inapplicable; recusal and disclosure not required • Investments in conflict with official duties • Private employment in conflict with official duties
• Future employment • Independent contractors • Personal representations and claims permitted • Use of county resources • Nepotism • Political solicitations • Confidential information • Gifts, tips and other benefits • Inducement of others • Criminal convictions The new ethics law applies to all current and some former officers and employees of the county, whether paid or unpaid, including the members of any county department, agency, board or commission and the members and employees of the county Legislature and independent contractors of the county, and replaces Chapters 192 and 883 with this new code, “which sets forth a clear and comprehensive code of ethics in order to ensure both the reality and the appearance of integrity in County government, and to thereby foster public confidence in County government.” Covill, chairwoman of the
board’s Legislation Committee and a member of the Board of Ethics, who was the lead sponsor of the legislation, said, “I want to thank my colleagues for their diligence in reviewing this legislation. And special thanks are due to my fellow members of the Westchester County Board of Ethics, who worked for a long time to make this new ethics code a reality. This new law takes several important steps to encourage ethical behavior in government and ensures that every Westchester County employee knows what is expected and where to turn for ethics guidance. We have revised the county’s annual financial disclosure form for elected officials and others, so that it’s clearer and less confusing to complete. Across the board, this new law increases clarity, removes ambiguity, and draws brighter lines so that everyone has a clearer understanding of what is expected of Westchester’s public officials and employees.” (Submitted)
Garnets stay hot Rye’s Ryan Surhoff chases down Eastchester wideout Mark Tamburro on April 10. The Garnets topped the Eagles 27-8 to improve to 4-0 on the year. For story, see page 16.
Photo/Mike Smith
Mount Vernon man charged in unlawful entry into schools A Mount Vernon man who unlawfully entered school buildings in communities across Westchester County and in some instances stole items was arraigned on Friday, April 9 in County Court on multiple charges. Donald Mack Bennett, 61, is charged with seven counts of Burglary in the 3rd Degree, six counts of Grand Larceny in the 4th Degree and two counts of Petit Larceny, in connection with incidents in 2020 and 2021. The incidents took place at Immaculate Heart of Mary School in Scarsdale, Waverly School in Eastchester, Masters School in Dobbs Ferry and Mercy College in Irvington. Bennett was taken into custody on March 4 and remains in the Westchester County Jail.
“I share the concern of parents and other residents who recognize that it is both deeply disturbing and absolutely unacceptable for anyone to enter a school building unlawfully,” Westchester County District Attorney Miriam Rocah said. “I am committed to keeping our children, teachers and school staff safe and feeling as secure as possible.” The incidents involving Bennett were investigated by the Dobbs Ferry, Eastchester, Irvington, New Rochelle and Scarsdale police departments. The case is before Judge Robert Neary. The charges against Bennett are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty. (Submitted)