Description
Book SynopsisAddresses five areas of soft corruption: campaign financing, lobbying, conflict of interest, patronage, and the electoral process. Throughout the book, we see the serious consequences of soft corruption, such as higher cost of government and reduced public faith in its operations. With impressive detail, Schluter concludes by outlining a platform for reform.
Trade Review"An encyclopedia of bad government in New Jersey, from the perspective of a man who had a front row seat to all the dirty dealings." * U.S. 1 Newspaper *
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Soft Corruption should be read by anyone concerned about the appalling lack of ethics in our state's politics. It should be mandatory reading for the thousands of New Jersey elected officials. In fact, the NJ Leage of Municipalities should consider providing copies to each and every elected body in the state and strongly suggest that it be passed around among their members so it can be discussed at widely publicized public meetings." * The Trenton Times *
"Senator Schluter's keen insights into the political process in New Jersey are based on his distinguished career in public service over the last half century. His book is a must read for every New Jerseyan interested in state electoral reform and ethics in government." -- Leonard Lance * U.S. Representative for New Jersey's 7th district *
“Soft corruption has never before been explored or documented so thoroughly and persuasively. Schluter unflinchingly names names and recounts details to bring soft corruption in New Jersey vividly and compellingly to life." -- Richard L. McCormick * President Emeritus, Board of Governors Professor of History and Education *
"A strong critique of corruption, which seeks to restore the promises of effective democracy." -- Gerald Pomper * Board of Governors Professor of Political Science *
"Loose Ends 8/31 William Schluter is fondly remembered" * Central Jersey.com *
Table of ContentsPreface
Acknowledgments
1. Soft Corruption—The Problem
2. Campaign Financing: How It Works
3. Campaign Financing: The New Jersey Version
4. Lobbying
5. Conflict of Interest
6. Patronage: Jobs, Contracts, Perks
7. The Electoral Process
8. Agenda for Reform
9. How to Achieve Reform
Notes
Index
