Integrity in Albany; ‘New' Republicans

Only time will tell whether the new state Commission on Government Integrity can effect any change in the ethical climate in Albany.

While the new commission might be a start, there still needs to be more independent oversight in Albany because without it, transparency in government will remain clouded.

The new commission merges the state Ethics Commission and Lobbying Commission. Gov. Eliot Spitzer initiated the change when he mandated tougher rules on his staff regarding gifts, honorariums and the like.