New York Major Picks Jesuit To Good Government Oversite Board

Bloomberg Selects Fordham Grad and Jesuit Educator for Finance Committee
Robert Pergament
Issue date: 4/23/08 Section: News

Two weeks ago, New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg appointed Fordham graduate Rev. Joseph P. Parkes, S.J. as chairman of the New York City Campaign Finance Board. The board seeks to reduce corruption and the perception of corruption in New York City elections with several initiatives, including matching candidate's fundraising money with public funds and voter education.

Outgoing chairman Frederick A. O. Schwarz told the New York Times about Parkes' qualifications for the office. "Joe Parkes is an outstanding choice to be the next chair of the Campaign Finance Board," he said. "I believe Father Parkes has, in his year on the board, shown the capacity to discharge the board's obligation to protect the public fiscally while exercising the responsibility to treat all candidates fairly. He understands and appreciates the board's even-handed, independent, nonpartisan culture."

Parkes has served in several capacities for the Jesuit and New York community. He is currently president of the Cristo Rey High School in East Harlem, a work study school that introduces poor students into the business community by having them work one day per week to pay for their tuition. He is also the former president of Fordham Preparatory School and was named a provincial of the New York Province of the Society of Jesus in 1990. In a statement,

Mayor Bloomberg expounded upon Father Parkes' qualities. "Father Parkes has demonstrated exactly the kind of pragmatic, even-handed, intelligent and independent leadership that the Campaign Finance Board needs and deserves," he said. According to its website, the Campaign Finance Board has three main purposes.

The Campaign Finance Program tries to "level the political playing field" and make running for office more accessible to all citizens, as well as to reduce campaign finance corruption. The board's voter guide educates the public about each candidate and promulgates general voting information. Finally, the board administers a debate program in which all candidates must participate and which is broadcast on city television and radio.

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