Herbert Teitelbaum Resigns from Commission on Public Integrity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 18, 2009
CONTACT: Walter C. Ayres
518-474-4418
ALBANY — The State Commission on Public Integrity today announced that Herbert Teitelbaum is resigning as Executive Director of the Commission.
Michael G. Cherkasky, Chair of the Commission, said, “Mr. Teitelbaum has served the people of New York with honor and diligence during one of the most difficult periods ever faced by a new State agency. With the utmost professionalism, he oversaw the Commission's investigation into Troopergate, working tirelessly to make sure all the facts became known to the public and resisting the efforts of many to stonewall his efforts. The skills he used in his many years as a successful litigator were invaluable in getting to the heart of this scandal.”
“Herb has made a selfless decision in the wake of the Inspector General's report which the Commission commented on last week. He has a strong commitment to the Commission's mission and to its staff. While we are saddened to lose Herb, we understand that by this action he has decided to put a stop to what has become a distraction to the Commission's critical work.”
Mr. Cherkasky added, “Among his many accomplishments at the Commission, Herb managed the merger of the former lobbying and ethics commissions into the new Commission on Public Integrity, which involved countless hours meeting with staff, obtaining new office space and separating the Commission from the Department of State in order to make it even more independent. He was intricately involved in developing a new on-line training program, and issuing more than 150 advisory opinions to State employees. Under his leadership, the Commission has made an effort to increase the fines for illegal conduct on the part of public officials. Recently, the Commission reached the largest settlement ever with a State employee, a $25,000 settlement that was announced just last week. He deserves the thanks of all the residents of the State.”
A copy of Mr. Teitelbaum's letter of resignation is attached.