NEW YORK NOW – Advocates for stronger public ethics laws in New York state government called on Democrats Wednesday to hold hearings on how those rules could be improved, and whether the current agency that investigates claims of misconduct should be replaced. The New York State Capitol In a letter sent to members of the state Legislature, several good government groups asked lawmakers to consider if the state’s current ethics enforcement agencies are effective. “New Yorkers deserve an independent ethics watchdog, one with the resources and legal support to take on even a governor without fear or favor,” the letter said.