Task force: No DROP for elected officials

Elected officials' participation in DROP comes under attack again in this new preliminary report completed by the Mayor's Advisory Task Force on Ethics and Campaign Finance Reform.

Among the 13 pages of recommended actions, most of which aim to improve City Hall's image and public trust in government, is one to ban future elected officials from enrolling in DROP. Another would prohibit city employees from collecting a lump-sum paycheck, retiring for a day and then returning to work.

Of course, these are not just recommendations, but only recommendations. The task force gave the report to Mayor Nutter and Council President Anna Verna.

Among other choice recommendations:

*Make the office of the inspector general totally independent of the mayor's office, or any office.

*Apply rules banning city workers from political activity while "on the job" but not "off the job"

*Stop issuing waivers to allow certain city employees to use city-owned vehicles for personal use.

*Make lobbyists register with the city and report expenses and activities.

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