Calamos Supports Greece
GreekReporter.comGreek NewsPoliticsNew Organization to Investigate Political Misconduct Co-Founded by Greek-American

New Organization to Investigate Political Misconduct Co-Founded by Greek-American

Nomiki Konst is the Co-Founder of the Accountability Project

The Accountability Project (TAP) launched a reporting system aiming at stopping elected officials who misbehave, putting to end a system of corruption, abuse of power and sexual misconduct in and out of the workplace.

Founded by a team of political strategists, TAP seeks to hold lawmakers and politicians accountable for their egregious misbehavior while representing the public’s interests.

The Accountability Project believes that politicians have a duty to act ethically and it advances its mission using a combination of whistle blowing, investigative research and public awareness campaigns to hold public leaders accountable.

“We cannot wait for a story to break or a crisis to form for citizens to become aware of the intolerable behavior by leaders who are making decisions on their behalf,” says Greek-American Co-Founder and Executive Director, Nomiki Konst.

The Accountability Project dedicates its resources to informing the public of these bad actors before the crisis hits or story breaks at politically convenient times. Founders, Nomiki Konst, Andrew Mancilla, Mike Trujillo and Lindsay Bubar saw a void in the political landscape. Each politically involved, their frustration grew by how many politicians continuously run or stay in office when it is well known in the political community that they are bad actors.

“Every once in a while the public hears about an Anthony Weiner or a Mayor Bob Filner and it sends shock waves across the media – but what they don’t know is that this is rampant in politics,” says co-founder and NY based attorney, Andrew Mancilla.

“These shady politicians stay in office while we see honorable leaders shut out of the political process and stay on the sidelines.”

TAP uses technology, anonymous tips and research to gather its data. TAP, which is nonpartisan, is part journalistic whistle-blowing and part citizens advocacy primarily focused on investigating and release information to the public.

“Newsroom budgets are slashed, real investigative reporting is down, for The Accountability Project,” said Michael Trujillo.

“As voters, constituents and stakeholders we can hold politicians to a higher standard and be a force for good in the public-service arena.”

TAP, which holds its launch this week, is already receiving and investigating tips — proving how needed this work is in the landscape. When TAP receives tips, they fully investigate and work to validate the information. In some cases, for those who have been victims of sexual misconduct, they offer support and strategic advice. TAP works with a team of investigative journalists, political researches and attorneys to conduct these investigations.

The Accountability Project’s goal is to improve the political landscape. “This is 2014 and we’re dealing with a Medieval system. There’s a lot of buzz about transparency in politics – and politicians even run on this – but when you peel off the facade, how many are actually acting honorably?” says Konst.

“Their priorities are not in working on significant issues but rather preserving their power and using it to serve themselves.”

Clearly this is an issue that needs to be addressed as even Governor Cuomo recently launched the Moreland Commission and hired a team of consultants to investigate sexual misconduct among NYS leaders. TAP wants to take this message nationwide

“By investigating allegations of harassment, helping victims come forward, making sure misogyny is not tolerated without rebuttal in the media and public dialogues and – most importantly – ensuring that harassment and sexism have electoral consequences, The Accountability Project plays a crucial role in the larger battle toward gender equality in American politics,” says co-founder Lindsay Bubar, who works as a political consultant specializing in women’s issues in Los Angeles.

“We believe that the fewer bad actors in leadership positions, the healthier the political culture becomes – allowing qualified, ethical leaders to rise up,” explained Konst.

“Bottom line: Accountability breeds responsibility.”

The Accountability Project celebrated its launch on April 2, 2014 in lower Manhattan with guests NYS Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, NYC Public Advocate Letitia James, and Manhattan Borough President Gale Brewer among others.

Learn more at www.accountproject.org

See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!



Related Posts