KINGSTON – Mayor Steven Noble Friday explained why he terminated all five ethics board members this week.
The Kingston mayor said he wants to revise the ethics law “to provide clarity and to ensure that the law was effective and enforceable.” He said in doing that, “it became apparent that the current ethics board would no longer be able to function effectively while this revision was taking place.” The mayor also said steps were needed to change the appointment process of the board to align it with the city’s other boards and commissions.
Noble said he will implement a process more closely aligned with his goals of expanding outreach to residents who have otherwise not had the opportunity to serve on any volunteer board. He also wants common council input in the selection process and will seek recommendations from the council, require applications and conduct interviews of candidates.
The mayor also plans to institute terms of appointees.
The timing of the changes coincides with the resolution of all remaining complaints before the ethics board. The city may now move forward with changes to this local law and establish a board, “using the new appointment process,” Noble said.
