NJ governor's gifts raise ethical issue

Gov. Jon S. Corzine came into office vowing to set a new standard for ethics in New Jersey's corruption-tinged political scene. But his refusal to discuss gifts he gave a union leader _ his former girlfriend _ has raised questions about his ability to make reforms.

Corzine, a Democrat, contends the gifts to Carla Katz are his personal business, but critics insist the issue threatens the governor's credibility because Katz is president of the largest union of state workers, Communications Workers of America Local 1034.

"If he disclosed every single last thing early on, this would not be an issue a year and a half or whatever into his administration," said Democratic state Sen. Ellen Karcher, a Corzine ally and a leading advocate for anti-corruption measures. "So clearly, speaking to his ability to get things done, having this as a side issue isn't helpful."

Corzine has repeatedly demanded that lawmakers adopt ethics reforms and has imposed tough new ethics rules on his staff. He supports ending the practice among some lawmakers of simultaneously holding more than one elected office. He also wants to limit campaign contributions from government contractors.

But now he's embroiled in the controversy surrounding gifts he gave Katz while he was a U.S. senator, including a $470,000 loan he forgave and other items he refuses to specify. He contends the gifts do not constitute a conflict of interest.

"I think in the American system, people believe that people have a right to a private life," Corzine said. "I wasn't a governor when I made promises and commitments, and I fulfilled them, and I lived up to them. I think that is an ethical question in and of itself."

The governor's refusal to discuss the gifts has led to allegations of a double standard.

"It destroys someone's credibility when he demands you do what he says, rather than what he himself does," said GOP Assemblyman Richard Merkt.

Tom Wilson, the Republican State Committee chairman, alleged Corzine has been acting "more like an anointed king than an elected governor."

Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance said the gifts to Katz are not the only examples of questionable conduct. He questioned why Corzine donated money to various Democrats, such as several county party bosses, even after they refused to support certain parts of his agenda. The governor also donated money to state Sen. Wayne Bryant, who was indicted on corruption charges last week.

Democratic Senate President Richard J. Codey said Corzine's situation will not deter his party from enacting ethics reforms, including a plan to require lawmakers to sponsor grants that for years have been placed into the budget without public review.

"I don't think his thing with Ms. Katz is any of my business or anybody else's, and I don't think it affects his moral tenure or our efforts jointly to move on the few things that we have left to do," Codey said. "I don't have any problem with his ethics at all."