Erstwhile Joint Commission on Public Ethics commissioner Ravi Batra “did a good job” for the most part, Senate Minority Leader John Sampson told Errol Louis on our sister station NY1 on Inside City Hall last night.

Sampson, who appointed the outspoken Batra to JCOPE, defended the selection and Batra’s often-times colorful comments and lengthy statements.

Batra resigned earlier this month, saying in part that he was upset that JCOPE had been under the thumb of the executive.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo had criticized the appointment, telling former Gov. David Paterson on his radio show that ultimately the quality of the commissioner is a reflection on who makes the selection.

But Sampson said the interview that Batra was an independent voice on the panel.

“Overall, Ravi Batra did a good job,” Sampson said. “Maybe I didn’t agree with the way he messaged certain things, but that’s what happens when you have an independent individual on an indepedenet board. When you think about it, you appoint individuals to baords, I’m not going to dialogue with them as to how they should act or the decisions they should make.”

Sampson also said he thought Albany has “turned a corner” when it comes to ethics.

“The members have done an excellent job in understanding that although we are human people look at us at a different level and therefore we have to conduct ourselves at a different level,” he said.

And Sampson demurred when saying whether he would remain leader of Democratic conference next year, but indicated he wouldn’t necessairly abdicate the post to someone else.

“John Sampson is the leader. My one function, my one goal is on Nov. 6 for us to gain the majority. At that time, I will be judged on my work and accomplishments,” he said.

The full interview can be found here.

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