ALBANY—Majority Leader Malcolm Smith just told a bunch of reporters that he thinks legislators should have to disclose the amount of money they earn from other jobs, and that leaders should have no outside income whatsoever.
"I believe, at this point in time, the paradigm needs to shift on how state government manages its members," Smith said after speaking at a luncheon. "There are enough circumstances and cases where it's gotten us in trouble, and it'd be better for everybody if we make sure that there's enough clarity in what we do and how we do it so we can be more focused on the business of the state."
He said he favors "very liberal" disclosures. Currently, the Legislative Ethics Commission releases disclosure forms that show outside employment, but do not detail income received. State Senator Daniel Squadron is poised to introduce two bills, his aide John Raskin told me, which would mandate more disclosure for legislators and create an independent government watchdog.
Smith went on to say that he has closed down his real estate business and receives no outside income.
"I think leadership should not have a second income. I think anybody in leadership, I would rather see just devote their full time to the job," he said. "The outside business I had, we actually shut it down and closed it out. There's some final stuff that's being worked out, but I'm not taking outside income any more. I don't think I should, as the majority leader, the potential for conflict is much too great."
Smith said he has not spoken with Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver about these ideas. Silver is listed "of counsel" at the firm of Weitz & Luxenberg, but has never disclosed how much he earns.
