As much as I appreciated the support you offered for the new ethics reforms we announced last week, I appreciated equally your admonition (Editorial, Oct. 28).
Words on the page of an ethics order or ordinance mean nothing without a real commitment to enforce them and to signal clearly to everyone in city government that we are serious about reform.
My goal is to ensure the integrity of the contracting process. As I said in my remarks on Oct. 27, I want, as much as is humanly possible, to create a level playing field on which those who want to do business with the city can compete on the basis of their competence, not their clout. For that to work, we need the safeguards we announced last week.
We must also send a message up and down the line, each and every day, that we are interested only in getting the best value for taxpayers, not in helping friends, relatives and supporters. I made that clear to my cabinet and staff after the Oct. 27 press conference. I asked them to make it clear to their staffs.
I intend to revisit this issue again and again, until we change the way government does business–and the way business does government.
In all honesty, I cannot tell you that we can stamp out every abuse. I cannot credibly claim that we can wipe out every trace of politics and favoritism. I cannot promise that none of the thousands of men and women who work for city government will never slip and cross the line. I can promise, however, that if they do, and that violation is detected, both they and the contractors with whom they conspire will pay a heavy price.
I love this city. I want it to be known for its greatness, not its scandals. I also value my own reputation too much to sacrifice it in order to enrich anyone or allow city government to be abused.
You said the onus is on me. I accept that challenge!
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