A ray of sunlight in Albany

Editorial

The movement to clean up Albany scored victories yesterday when Gov. Pataki, Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver agreed on two reforms that will help take the "for sale" sign off the Capitol.

After allowing influence-peddlers to run amok, lawmakers will regulate the secretive lobbying for billions of dollars in contracts from state agencies and close a loophole that allows officials who violate ethics rules to dodge punishment by quitting their jobs. Unfortunately, the pols failed to okay a gift ban, which would stop the avalanche of free dinners, golf outings and tickets that lobbyists use to curry favor with decision-makers. There's always next year.

The reform legislation will require contract lobbyists to register with the lobbying commission and disclose their fees - just as lobbyists who influence the Legislature already do. Also, once an agency has solicited bids for a contract, the firms and their hired guns will be allowed to communicate only with designated contract officers. They will no longer be able to pull strings with political appointees.

But Albany needs more than regulatory reform. Behavior reform is crucial. It's up to Pataki, Bruno and Silver to shun the influence-peddlers. Which is why we were glad to hear Pataki's reaction yesterday when he was asked about a former aide who recently took up lobbying. As the Daily News' Greg B. Smith reported Sunday, the firm that employs Thomas Doherty, Pataki's former appointments secretary, boasts on its Web site that he "located, interviewed and evaluated all candidates for positions appointed by the governor." In other words, he has the connections to help clients win contracts.

"That's wrong and it shouldn't happen," Pataki said, using words that still apply to a great deal in Albany.