BOSTON - In its first public hearing on Wednesday, Gov. Deval Patrick's newly appointed ethics task heard varying opinions and fielded some criticism as to what the state should do in response to several recent ethics scandals.

Patrick appointed the task force shortly after state Sen. Dianne Wilkerson's (D-Boston) arrest on bribery charges. Wilkerson has since resigned, as has state Sen. James Marzilli (D-Arlington), who is facing sexual harassment charges.

Approximately 100 members of the public showed up to the meeting in the State House and several testified. Many called for increase transparency in government and one criticized the task force for conducting its meeting behind closed doors.

The leader of the task force, Patrick's chief legal counsel Ben Clements, responded to those charges by noting that most of the members of the task force are private citizens, not public officials. Consequently, the task force meets privately to protect their interests.

The Associated Press reported that state Rep. Jennifer Callahan (D-Sutton), who has claimed that she was threatened by another member of the legislature, asked the task force to prohibit any contributions from lobbyists to lawmakers.

According to the AP, Director of the Office of Campaign and Political finance Michael Sullivan said the panel should also consider making candidates report large receipts within 24 hours during the final days of their campaigns.