Assembly Minority Leader Will Barclay (R,C,I-Pulaski) today announced his intention tonominate Judge Edward D. Carni (retired) to the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. The newly formed commission is tasked with providing oversight, transparency and accountability in state government. The Commission replaces the Joint Committee on Public Ethics (JCOPE), which was disbanded as part of the final State Budget agreement in April.

“Edward Carni will be a tremendous asset on the state Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government. I can think of no one more qualified, capable or deserving of this role,” Leader Barclay said. “The Commission, and all of New York, would be fortunate to have an individual serving in this capacity who carries such a wealth of knowledge and experience. Once the nomination process is complete, I’m confident he will bring an intelligent and independent voice to this position.”

Mr. Carni, of Fayetteville, has compiled a distinguished career in law and public service, having served in multiple judgeships in the Central New York region. In 1995, he was elected as Syracuse City Court Judge and was appointed in 2001 to the New York State Supreme Court in the Fifth Judicial District. In addition, he served as an Associate Justice in the Appellate Division, Second Judicial Department from 2006 to 2009 and as an Associate Justice in Appellate Division, Fourth Judicial Department from 2009 to February of this year. Judge Carni retired from the bench in February and is currently a partner at the law firm of Hancock Estabrook, LLP.

The Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government will be comprised of 11 members, with nominees from the Governor, Senate, Assembly, Attorney General and Comptroller. The public will be provided a comment period to express its thoughts on the individuals whose names have been put forward for consideration. Potential Commission nominees will then be reviewed by the Independent Review Committee, a panel made up of 15 law school deans. Anyone who wishes to provide comment on the nomination of Edward D. Carni can email the Assembly Minority Conference Office of Public Affairs at minpaff@nyassembly.gov.