Jim Gaughran calls for changes in Oyster Bay ethics laws

A Democratic state Senate candidate is calling for changes in ethics laws to address scandals in Oyster Bay town government.

Jim Gaughran proposed allowing recall elections for officials who engage in corrupt behavior that undermines a municipality’s finances.

“My common sense proposal would help ensure that voters are given great power in kicking corrupt officials out of office,” said Gaughran, who is challenging Sen. Carl Marcellino (R-Syosset).

Oyster Bay is reeling from scandals involving an influential restaurateur, a former town official and financial problems that triggered a ratings agency to recently downgrade the town’s debt to “junk bond” status. It’s the only town in the state given that rating by Standard & Poor’s.

Gaughran’s proposal feeds off Oyster Bay’s downgrade, allowing for a recall election if a municipality’s status is lowered to “junk bond” status. He also supports appointing a fiscal monitor to take control of the town’s finances.