Oh, dear.

Senate Minority Leader John Sampson’s pick for the Joint Commission on Public Ethics has raised eyebrows in Albany for his associations with some rather colorful legislators of Christmas past, released a five-point statement this morning.

Attorney Ravi Batra, who worked at the same law firm as Brooklyn political boss Clarence Norman and defended Sen. Ada Smith in her coffee-assault case, doesn’t mention any of that criticism.

Rather, he calls the Public Integrity Commission a “failed experiment.” And who should JCOPE hire as executive director? Why not Dave Grandeau (or at least someone like the blunt-spoken former Lobbying Commmission chief), he suggests.

“I propose as the first order of business of JCOPE is the formation of a search committee so JCOPE can have the best executive director possible. Some one like a David Grandeau,” he said.

Grandeau, long a critic of the defunct PIC’s Barry Ginsburg and now a blogger closely watched in political circles declined to criticize any of the picks for JCOPE when I spoke with him yesterday. But he continues to hammer away at Ginbsburg, who as Jimmy at CapCon smartly points out, is still on the state’s payroll.

Here’s the full statement:

LETS START RIGHT, SO WE CAN DO RIGHT

1. I am grateful to, and honored by, Senator Sampson and the Senate Democrats for reposing their trust in me to discharge my obligations honestly. Ultimately, the honor of being appointed as an impartial and independent voice on JCOPE is only realized if everyday New Yorkers feel honored to have JCOPE bring back integrity to Albany, and beyond.

2. The Public Integrity Commission(PIC), despite many luminaries on board, was a failed experiment. See, the May 13, 2009 Report of NYS Inspector General.

3. I am troubled that Barry Ginsberg, PIC’s executive director has on his own taken over as JCOPE’s acting executive director in violation of law and rules. Only a majority of the JCOPE commissioners can hire him. I am informed by the IG’s report, particularly, pages 152-154. I am also informed by the “Findings” by the same IG’s Report. I for one do not accept any action taken by an executive director JCOPE didn’t hire. I wish Mr. Ginsberg well, and Godspeed.

4. I propose as the first order of business of JCOPE is the formation of a search committee so JCOPE can have the best executive director possible. Some one like a David Grandeau.

5. I look forward to working with JCOPE Chair, District Attorney Janet DiFiore, and am delighted to have a sitting prosecutor as chair. Governor Cuomo’s considered judgment needs to be applauded.

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