One question that always plagues a whistleblower: where do you go to report the corruption?

In New York State, you should go to The Office of the State Inspector General. State Inspector General Joseph Fisch has just issued a report on the corruption of the NY-NJ Waterfront Commission. While you read it, think about Governor David Paterson's role. His responsibility is to know about these activities and stop them. Why didn't he?

Executive Law Article 4-A

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I do if I become aware of possible misconduct by an employee of New York State government or someone doing business with New York State?

A: You should contact the Office of the State Inspector General. The Office of the State Inspector General is responsible for uncovering corruption in New York State government. The Inspector General’s Office has the authority to investigate misconduct in executive branch agencies, departments, divisions, offices, boards, commissions, public authorities and public benefit corporations -- any entity of State government that is headed by an appointee of the Governor and that does not have its own statutory Inspector General.

Corruption is a term that encompasses a wide range of misconduct. In addition to criminal acts such as fraud, bribery and theft, corruption includes activities that constitute a conflict of interest or simply an abuse of office. If it looks wrong, it may be wrong, and therefore should be reported to the Inspector General’s Office so it can be reviewed and investigated. By reporting misconduct to the Inspector General’s Office, you will help to ensure that State employees meet the highest standards of integrity and accountability.

Q: As a State employee, am I required to report corruption to the Inspector General’s Office?

A: Yes. Executive Law Article 4-A requires State employees to report instances of suspected corruption to our Office promptly.

Q: Can I be punished for filing a complaint with the Inspector General’s Office?

A: No. Although State employees have an obligation to report misconduct, they receive “whistle-blower” protection from dismissal, discipline or other adverse personnel action under State law.

Q: Will my name become public if I file a complaint with the Inspector General’s Office?

A: If you tell us to keep your name confidential, we will do so unless we are required to disclose the information by law or judicial order.

WATERFRONT COMMISSION PLAGUED BY CORRUPTION: INSPECTOR GENERAL
NY POST STAFF REPORT
August 11, 2009 --
LINK

ALBANY -- The state's inspector general said in a scathing report today that the commission established to clean up the New York Harbor waterfront has been plagued by corruption.

In the report, state Inspector General Joseph Fisch said former New Jersey Commissioner Michael Madonna, former New York Commissioner Michael Axelrod and former Executive Director Thomas De Maria failed to "adequately or responsibly oversee" operations.

De Maria resigned in 2008; Madonna was fired last week.

The 60-page report notes licensing a convicted felon, misuse of federal homeland security funds and the failure to issue a single permanent license to harbor companies for more than a decade.

"This was a total agency breakdown," Fisch said. "Instead of ridding the waterfront of corruption, this agency itself was corrupt."

The bi-state Waterfront Commission was created in 1953 to deter criminal activity reflected in the classic film "On the Waterfront" and to ensure fair hiring at the Port of New York and New Jersey.

Each state appoints one commissioner to the commission, which licenses companies operating in the harbor. The Commission has about 100 employees and an annual budget of more than $11 million.

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