PERTH AMBOY – At the 2/25/15 Council Meeting, former Council President Kenneth Balut handed a printout of a story highlighting Ewing as a second New Jersey town to pass an Anti-Corruption Act Resolution.
In the past, Balut has been concerned about political contributions to candidates from developers and contractors. He targeted firms that may be given City contracts or dealing in legal matters. Balut’s concerns also included politicians who are not from our district.
The following is from the American Anti-Corruption Act Website:
The American Anti-Corruption Act is model legislation that sets a standard for city, state and federal laws that prevent money from corrupting American government. It fundamentally reshapes the rules of American politics and restores The People as the most important stakeholders in our political system. An Anti-Corruption Act has three primary outcomes:
•Stop political bribery by overhauling lobbying and ethics laws
• End secret money by dramatically increasing transparency
Give every voter a voice by creating citizen-funded elections
• Represent.Us is building a movement to pass Anti-Corruption Acts in cities, states, and federally. Each Act is uniquely tailored to meet the needs of locales across the country.
Balut suggested that the Council look at the legislation and see if Perth Amboy should adopt it.