12/5/07 N.Y. St. Reg. Exec. Order No. 18
WHEREAS, the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor (“Waterfront Commissioner”), an instrumentality of the States of New York and New Jersey, has stated that it is charged with the mission “to investigate, deter, combat, and remedy criminal activity and influence in the Port of New York and New Jersey,” and to ensure “fair hiring and employment practices, so the Port and region can grow and prosper”; and
WHEREAS, the Waterfront Commission was created in response to serious problems of criminal activity on the waterfront, and while the Waterfront Commission and other law enforcement agencies have made notable progress in addressing such problems over the years, these conditions unfortunately persist at a level that requires continuing and concerted attention; and
WHEREAS, there have recently been allegations of misfeasance and nonfeasance by personnel of the Waterfront Commission, including allegations of misconduct, conflicts of interest, abuse, and waste; and
WHEREAS, it is important that these allegations be fully reviewed and investigated, to ensure that the Waterfront Commission remains firmly dedicated and effective in the pursuit of its intended mission;
NOW THEREFORE, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, by virtue of the power and authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of New York, do hereby order as follows:
1. Pursuant to section six of the Executive Law, I hereby appoint Kristine Hamann, the Inspector General of the State of New York, as Commissioner to study, examine, investigate, review and make recommendations with respect to the management and affairs of the Waterfront Commission of New York Harbor.
2. The Commissioner is hereby empowered to subpoena and enforce the attendance of witnesses; to administer oaths or affirmations and examine witnesses under oath; to require the production of any books, records or papers deemed relevant or material to any investigation, examination or review; and to perform any other functions that are necessary or appropriate to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of office, and I hereby give and grant to the Commissioner all powers and authorities which may be given or granted to persons appointed by me for such purpose under authority of section six of the Executive Law. The Commissioner may exercise any such powers in cooperation with any other body or government agency. This order shall not in any way limit the Commissioner's powers or responsibilities to inquire into these or any other matters as Inspector General.
3. Every State department, agency, office, division, board, bureau, council, authority and public benefit corporation shall cooperate with the Commissioner and shall furnish such information and assistance as the Commissioner determines is reasonably necessary to fulfill her duties.
| (L.S.) | GIVEN under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State in the City of Albany, this fifteenth day of October in the year two thousand seven. |
| | |
| BY THE GOVERNOR |
| /S/ Eliot Spitzer |
| /s/ Richard S. Baum |
| Secretary to the Governor |
