July 13, 2016
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

City of Kingston community members to serve as temporary Ethics Board members

(Kingston, N.Y.) Mayor Steve Noble announced on Wednesday the appointment of five individuals to serve as temporary members of the City’s Ethics Board.

In May, Mayor Noble relieved the former members of their duties, citing the planned overhaul of the ethics law to include more appropriate requirements and enforceable restrictions. Mayor Noble also committed to revising the appointment process for future board members to align with the processes of other boards and commissions. In addition, the proposed law will include an opportunity for Common Council members to have more input into the selection of candidates to serve on the board.

As part of his release in May, Mayor Noble stated that should a complaint be brought forth prior to the passage and implementation of the new ethics law, he would appoint temporary board members to hear such a complaint. On July 6th the City received a complaint from Mr. Joseph DiFalco.

“I have been made aware of the complaint from Mr. DiFalco in which he alleges that my administration inappropriately handled the most recent ethics complaint Mr. DiFalco brought forth against the former Third Ward alderman,” Mayor Noble said. “I can say confidently and without hesitation that his assertions are unfounded and untrue.”

“However, I take seriously the role of our Ethics Board in hearing all formal complaints and have selected community members to temporarily fill the vacancies,” said Mayor Noble. “These members have been appointed based on the qualifications and requirements included in the City’s current ethics code. I expect that in the coming weeks they will convene their board, hear the noted complaint, proceed with their process and make their determinations.”

The following individuals have been selected to serve as temporary board members: Patricia Murphy; Arthur Coston; Jose Villa; Glenn Fitzgerald; and Allen Nace.

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