Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin today announced the establishment of a TRUST Commission, tasked with recommending ways the Office of the Attorney General can further its mission of eliminating corruption, promoting transparency, and strengthening the public’s trust in government.
The TRUST (Transparency and Reliability Uniting to Secure Trust) Commission will hold listening sessions throughout New Jersey to solicit public input. Information on the TRUST Commission and the schedule for listening sessions will be found at https://www.njoag.gov/trustcommission.
“Right now, too many people in our State feel that the wealthy and well-connected play by a different set of rules. But it does not have to be this way,” Attorney General Platkin said. “Since day one of my tenure, my office has fought to secure trust in our system and root out corruption. We have increased transparency in law enforcement, created new offices dedicated to regulating and holding powerful industries to account, and made prosecuting public corruption a priority. But I know we can do more.”
The 13 members of the TRUST Commission were specifically chosen for their unique perspective, expertise, and shared commitment to promoting a fair and just system of government. They include community advocates, scholars, former members of the judiciary, and credible prosecutors, who have a shared commitment to building trust between our government and the people it serves.
In addition to Attorney General Platkin, the members include (listed alphabetically):
· Sue Altman, State Director for U.S. Senator Andy Kim
· Rev. Charles Boyer, Pastor of Greater Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Trenton, Co-Founder of Salvation and Social Justice
· Ronald Chen, Professor at Rutgers University, former Dean and Co-Dean of Rutgers Law School
· Jennifer Davenport, Deputy General Counsel at PSEG, former First Assistant Attorney General of NJ
· John Farmer, Jr., University Professor, Rutgers University, former Assistant U.S. Attorney, New Jersey Attorney General, and Dean of Rutgers Law School
· Paul Fishman, Partner at Arnold & Porter, former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey
· Jeannine LaRue, Senior Vice President, Kaufman Zita Group
· Virginia Long, retired NJ Supreme Court Justice
· Edward Neafsey, Adjunct Professor at Rutgers Law School in Newark, former First Assistant Attorney General and retired NJ Superior Court judge
· Hetty Rosenstein, former NJ State Director for the Communications Workers of America
· Edwin Stier, member of Stier Anderson LLC, former Director of the New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice
· Debbie Walsh, Director of the Center for American Women and Politics, Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University
The TRUST Commission held its first meeting today. Attorney General Platkin has asked the Commission to complete its work and issue a written report with recommendations within six months of convening.
Attorney General Platkin recently made a groundbreaking announcement regarding the establishment of the TRUST Commission, a new initiative aimed at promoting transparency and accountability within the state government. The commission, which stands for Transparency, Responsibility, Unity, Service, and Trust, will be tasked with overseeing ethical standards and ensuring that public officials uphold the highest levels of integrity in their roles.
The creation of the TRUST Commission comes at a critical time when public trust in government institutions is at an all-time low. Recent scandals and controversies have eroded confidence in the ability of elected officials to act in the best interests of the people they serve. Attorney General Platkin recognized the need for a dedicated body to address these concerns and restore faith in the government.
The TRUST Commission will be comprised of a diverse group of individuals with expertise in ethics, law, and public service. Members will be appointed by the Attorney General and will serve as independent watchdogs, holding public officials accountable for their actions. The commission will have the authority to investigate allegations of misconduct, recommend disciplinary actions, and propose reforms to improve transparency and accountability.
In his announcement, Attorney General Platkin emphasized the importance of upholding ethical standards in government and fostering a culture of trust and integrity. He stated that the TRUST Commission will play a crucial role in rebuilding public confidence and ensuring that elected officials are held to the highest standards of conduct.
The establishment of the TRUST Commission has been met with widespread support from lawmakers, advocacy groups, and members of the public. Many see it as a positive step towards restoring faith in government and creating a more transparent and accountable system.
As the TRUST Commission begins its work, all eyes will be on its members to see how they navigate the complex landscape of ethics and accountability in government. With their dedication and commitment to upholding the principles of transparency, responsibility, unity, service, and trust, the commission has the potential to make a lasting impact on the way government operates in New Jersey.
