Elliot L. Richardson, October 22, 1961
“The real cost of corruption in Massachusetts is the corrosion of democracy itself. The forces necessary for an all-out attack on corruption are gathering. We need:”
“First, a stronger corruption practices act.”
“Second, a state constitutional amendment providing that an public office holder can be interrogated about any official act that occurred during his tenure of office and providing that contractors and others doing business with the commonwealth be require by law to waive the privileges against self-incrimination regarding inquiries into contract business.”
“Third, a much stronger conflict-of-interest law than that passed last spring, which is only a code of ethics.”
“Fourth, strengthening of bribery laws to prevent kickbacks to public officeholders.”
