Jeff Klein exemplifies why we need campaign finance reform

Money in politics is considered an unfortunate fact of life in the state, but some cases are more egregious than others.

Bronx state Sen. Jeff Klein’s acceptance of thousands of dollars in contributions from pro-charter school and pro-privatizing groups while leading a state movement in favor of those interests falls on the egregious end of the spectrum. The situation is a reminder that New York is way overdue on overhauling campaign finance law.

A recent report from the good government group Common Cause found Mr. Klein accepted more contributions from groups that support charter schools and privatizing public schools than any other legislator in the state. The senator, who prides himself on his fundraising prowess, amassed a whopping $293,875 from such groups between 2005 and last year.

Consider legislative developments during that time span: harsher measures for renewing contracts for teachers at public schools, a requirement for the city Department of Education to find space — or money — for charter schools and a proposed tax break for parents of children at charter schools.

The jury is still out on the value of charter schools, and it should be noted that Mr. Klein has helped local schools on many occasions. His position as leader of a coalition between his group of breakaway Democrats and majority Republicans has enabled him to bring home the bacon for both public and charter schools across his district.

But that’s not the point. The problem is that by accepting large contributions from the groups he is supposed to regulating, he appears to be putting their interests before his constituents’.

In the eyes of Common Cause’s Executive Director Susan Lerner, “We are seeing the very direct influence of the exponential increase in privatizer political spending in the policies and legislation that are being introduced and backed by some prominent elected officials.”

Mr. Klein should do himself a favor and stop taking contributions from pro-charter school and pro-privatizing groups. That is the only way he can place himself above suspicion of conflicts of interest like the one he faces with charter schools.

Further, he should champion the cause of campaign finance reform. This year’s arrests of legislative leaders on corruption charges prompted a slate of promises of ethics reform from Mr. Klein and some of his colleagues. Beyond measures like limiting outside income for state legislators, Mr. Klein should make public financing of campaigns a top priority. Until then, his constituents will be left wondering if he really works for them, or whoever has the deepest pockets.