Huntington Hires New Ethics Board Counsel to Assist in Code Revisions

Roslyn firm, headed by municipal ethics expert, will advise Town on proposed changes-By AJ Carter

As part of the ongoing effort to examine and revise the Town of Huntington’s ethics code, the Town Board voted at its February 10 meeting to hire a Roslyn law firm with expertise in municipal ethics as the new counsel to the Town’s Board of Ethics and Financial Disclosure.

Steven G. Leventhal and the firm of Leventhal, Cursio, Mullaney & Spector will actively assist the Town in the revision effort, which has been ongoing for several months and will include public comments and suggestions. The effort began when Supervisor Frank P. Petrone asked Councilwoman Tracey Edwards to research ethics codes in other jurisdictions and to explore revisions. Councilwoman Edwards has been working with Howard Glickstein, dean emeritus of Touro Law School and the Ethics Board chair, on possible changes.

Mr. Leventhal and his firm were chosen based on their qualifications, in response to a request for proposals issued late last year. At the time, Supervisor Petrone noted that the RFP process was designed to ensure transparency in the selection process and to attract the most qualified firms.

“I am excited that the request for proposal process has attracted someone with Mr. Leventhal’s impressive credentials,” Supervisor Petrone said. “I expect his advice to be invaluable as Councilwoman Edwards, Dean Glickstein and I work on the revisions that will best serve the public.”

“The process is on track, and I look forward to tapping Mr. Leventhal’s expertise in municipal ethics matters as we move forward,” Councilwoman Edwards said.  Councilwoman Edwards said the revisions would also incorporate comments from the Ethics Board’s annual public meeting, scheduled for March 5. The meeting is held annually for the Board to take testimony from the general public on whether the Code is functioning effectively and to hear recommended improvements

Mr. Leventhal is a former member and chair of the Nassau County Board of Ethics who has lectured and written extensively on the subjects of government, legal and corporate ethics. He has been engaged frequently to provide ethics advice, training and continuing professional education to municipal officers and employees throughout New York State, municipal associations, bar associations, law firms and universities. He also serves as co-chair of the Ethics and Professionalism Committee of the New York State Bar Association’s Municipal Law Section.

” Steven Leventhal is a well-known and highly respected authority on government ethics,” Dean Glickstein said. “I am sure that he will provide a valuable service as counsel to the Huntington Board of Ethics and Financial Disclosure.”

He will replace James Matthews, who was elected to the Suffolk County District Court. The Town Board resolution sets the firm’s compensation at the rate of $200 an hour, with a maximum annual amount of $15,000.

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