Wu ‘honored’ to have Times endorsement
Tim Wu said on Wednesday night he was "honored" to have the backing of the New York Times editorial board, a few minutes after the paper posted its endorsement of Wu online.
NYTimes Refuses to Endorse Gov. Cuomo for Re-election, Saying He Has Failed on Ethics
Governor Cuomo’s Failure on Ethics Reform Hinders an Endorsement(NYT)
Why endorse no candidate in a major state
primary? Here’s how we see it: Realistically, Governor Cuomo is likely to win
the primary, thanks to vastly greater resources and name recognition. And he’ll
probably win a second term in November against a conservative Republican
opponent. In part, that’s because issues like campaign finance rarely have been
a strong motivator for most voters. Nonetheless, those who want to register
their disappointment with Mr. Cuomo’s record on changing the culture of Albany may well decide
that the best way to do that is to vote for Ms. Teachout. * The Nation endorses Zephyr Rain Teachout after NYT shrugs: * A Gawker writer castigates
the New York Times for its non-endorsement in the gubernatorial
primary, saying the paper “is unwilling to endorse the idea of voting
for someone to actually defeat Cuomo.”* The Times laments
that most readers didn’t really get the purpose of its editorial. “It’s
worth pointing out that an endorsement is not the same as an actual
vote.”A review
of financial disclosures filed by Teachout and her running mate, LG
candidate Tim Wu, reveal neither are rich, but both received book
advances.
Despite our
reservations about her, that impulse could send a powerful message to the
governor and the many other entrenched incumbents in Albany that a shake-up is overdue.* Despite their differences, New York
City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito said she’s willing to
campaign for Cuomo as he runs for re-election, the Daily News reports: * Cuomo, who is not exactly known for
delegating authority, again said he will delegate the decision as to
whether he will debate his election-year rivals to his campaign staff,
State of Politics reports: * Rob Astorino’s campaign said Castle Cable has agreed to pull the ads that the GOP gubernatorial candidate deemed grossly misleading, from its airwaves.* Though she often voted with the House GOP majority while in Congress, Kathy Hochul’s former liberal colleagues are coming to her defense as she runs for LG.* Zephyr Teachout, Christine Quinn heat up over Women's Equality Party(NYDN) * State Democrats attack Rob Astorino over support of school marksmanship classes(NYDN) * Cuomo’s 24-Hour Notices Roll In(YNN) * Duffy Defends Cuomo After NYT Endorsement Snub(YNN) * New York voters could see up to 12
parties putting up candidates for governor this fall, with six
independent parties petitioning to join the more familiar Democratic,
Republican and Green parties on the ballot, the Associated Press reports: * The New York Times Editorial Board responds to reader criticism of their refusal to endorse Democratic
gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout, saying, “the board did not
decline to endorse Ms. Teachout because she has little chance of winning
… [but] because she lacks the experience to govern a big and fractious
state, having never served in any public office”:* Former US Sen. Alfonse D’Amato is pleased Cuomo is finally “free” of the need to curry favor with the AFL-CIO and NYSUT, which didn’t endorse his re-election.* Readers Respond to the Andrew Cuomo Non-Endorsement(NYT)
Daily News Fights With Teachout Over Christie Tunnel
Out of her depth(NYDN Ed)
To advance the public debate before an election, including one whose
outcome is certain, we give Gov. Cuomo’s Democratic primary challenger
her say in the adjoining columns.
Zephyr Teachout indicts Cuomo for failing to stop
New Jersey Gov. Christie from killing the so-called ARC Tunnel, a
project that would have expanded trans-Hudson train service. She has no
idea what she’s talking about. Third truth: Since he was only a
gubernatorial candidate when Christie
killed the tunnel, Cuomo had no power to force Christie to do anything.
After he was elected, Cuomo’s only shot at turning Christie around would
have been to come up with that $9 billion. Final truth: Teachout is in over her head and flailing. * Cuomo enabled Christie’s Tunnelgate(NYDN) * “Tunnelgate” happened when New Jersey Gov. Chris
Christie killed a plan to build two new train tunnels under the Hudson
River —and Andrew Cuomo, as a candidate for governor and then governor,
did nothing to stop him, Zephyr Teachout writes in the Daily News: Teachout: “Cuomo likes to present himself as a can-do guy, someone who will twist arms hard to fix
a problem. But apparently, whenever Christie is in the room and New
York infrastructure is at stake, Cuomo sits silent as our state gets
rolled.”* During her time as a U.S. congresswoman, Kathy Hochul was an outlier
among the state's Democratic delegation, but as her Democratic primary
opponent begins to take aim at her record, some of her more liberal
former colleagues are coming to her defense, Capital New York reports: The debate over debates continues, and it is not limited to Cuomo and his primary opponent, Teachout.
Bratton is Being Surrounded
Thursday
Polarizing police(NYP)
During Bill de Blasio’s run for mayor, he presented New York as a
bitterly divided city, where the public couldn’t trust police whom he
accused of racial profiling. Meanwhile, his pick for police
commissioner, Bill Bratton, came in talking of how low police morale
was.
Fully 74 percent of those questioned, moreover, say police brutality
is a serious problem. This is the highest since 2001. And at 48
percent, Bratton’s approval is one point lower than the percentage who
find the Rev. Al Sharpton a “positive force” in the city.The mayor and the commissioner would probably say the numbers reflect the reaction to the case of Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island while resisting arrest.But while it’s true the non-stop
criticism directed at cops since Garner’s death is undoubtedly
reflected in the polling, the most striking thing about these numbers is
that they’ve been heading in the wrong direction. In other words, under the de Blasio-Bratton regime, public trust in
the police isn’t going up. It’s going down. And so, as Bratton just
admitted, is police morale. * NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton made $1.35M last year: filings(NYDN) * Bill Bratton and other top de Blasio appointees are worth millions(NYDN)
Bratton’s Approval Rating Drops After Garner Death, According to Poll(NYO)
Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins castigated de Blasio and his bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention in open letter to the New York Times.* Approval rating of NYPD's top cop DIVES after Staten Island chokehold death, poll finds(NYDN)
NYT Kicking A Man When He is Going Down Bratton Spurned 25% of Board’s Police Misconduct Findings in First Half of '14 (NYT) In the first six months of 2014, the New York Police Department has
declined to sanction officers in over 25 percent of cases in which the
Civilian Complaint Review Board found cause for discipline* Police Commissioner Bill Bratton’s approval rating plummets after chokehold death of Eric Garner: poll(NYDN) * Majority of New Yorkers support ‘Broken Windows’ policing: poll(NYP) * Sergeant’s Union president continues public take-down of de Blasio(NYP) * Despite Poll, Bill de Blasio Expects Bill Bratton’s Popularity to Grow(NYO) * A Quinnipiac poll found 60 percent of
New York City voters support the “broken windows” style of policing,
but 68 percent said there is no excuse for Eric Garner’s death and the
NYPD’s overall approval rating fell to 42 percent from 50, the Daily News reports: * According to the same poll, NYPD
Commissioner Bill Bratton’s approval rating dropped 9 points from June
12 to 48 percent today, the Observer reports: * The New York City Council will hold
an oversight hearing next month on a police department review of its
training procedures in the wake of the chokehold death of Garner, the
Associated Press reports:
* Mayor Bill de Blasio, irate over
police union president Ed Mullins calling on national Democrats to keep
the 2016 Democratic National Convention out of Brooklyn, ordered aides
to contact elected officials to denounce Mullins’ open letter, the
Observer reports: http://goo.gl/CAudeH * Mullins made three separate radio
appearances today to discuss his feud with the de Blasio administration,
the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/cJiMXX * Of the 175 cases in which the
Civilian Complaint Review Board recommended a NYPD officer be charged as
a disciplinary measure in 2012, the NYPD only sought charges in seven
instances, WNYC reports: http://goo.gl/pOVkTF
Poll Says Most Think Sharpton Bratton de Blasio Meeting A Mistake
Inviting Sharpton to news conference was a mistake: poll(NYP) * The head of a New York City police union said Tuesday he expects a
showdown with the de Blasio administration over contentious contract
negotiations, predicting an impasse and the pact to be settled with
binding arbitration, Capital New York writes:
More than one-third of New Yorkers believe Mayor de Blasio
made a mistake by inviting the Rev. Al Sharpton to sit next to NYPD
Commissioner Bill Bratton at a news conference to ease tensions after the death
of Eric Garner in police custody, according to a poll released Tuesday. The Quinnipiac
University poll found 35
percent of voters said Sharpton should not have been seated equally with
Bratton at the City Hall meeting last month, while 25 percent believe the mayor
made the right call and 37 percent had no opinion.
* A new Quinnipiac poll shows nearly half of New Yorkers consider Rev.
Al Sharpton to be a “positive force” while New York Police Commissioner
William Bratton has seen his approval rating drop, The Wall Street Journal reports: * Many in Poll See Sharpton as 'Positive' The Rev. Al Sharpton—whose profile has been raised recently
amid the outcry over the death of Eric Garner while in police custody—is
considered a "positive force" by nearly half of New Yorkers, according
to a poll.* Once overweight himself, a significantly slimmed-down Rev. Al Sharpton now regularly pokes fun at fat people.
NYPD Sergeants Against Democratic Convention
The head of the NYPD Sergeants
Benevolent Association came out against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plans for
the Democratic National Convention in Brooklyn, citing the rise in
shootings, the perception among cops that City Hall doesn't support them
and stalled contract talks, the Daily News reports: * “Fear-mongering,” “irresponsible,”
and “opportunistic” were some of the terms de Blasio used to
characterize the open letter penned by the president of the sergeants’
union about the Democratic convention, the Observer reports: *Sergeants union: DNC should stay away from ‘dangerous’ NYC(NYP) * Police Sergeants’ Union Warns Against Democratic Convention in Brooklyn(NYT) Wednesday de Blasio Blasts Back Mayor de Blasio blasts police union for attempting to sabotage DNC bid(NYDN) * Police Union Pushes DNC to Reject Brooklyn Bid(WSJ) * De Blasio Administration Pushed Pols to Denounce Mullins’
DNC Letter: Sources(NYO)
NYT Poor Door Excuses and Protection for Pols
Affordable
Housing Has Become A Band-aid On A Cancer for Elected Officials to
Protect Them From What They Are Doing to Our City With Their Tax Breaks
to Developers
Poor Door’ in a New York Tower Opens a Fight Over Affordable Housing(NYT)
As public housing becomes a relic, American cities have grown more
reliant on developers, who say they can maximize their revenues and
build more affordable units, by separating them from their luxury
counterparts. * Real Estate Developers, Tax Breakes and Politics
How
Does the Media Let George Arzt Get Away With Flacking for Luxury
Highrise Tax Breaks Poor Doors, While Running Major Campaigns?
EXTELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. Media Contact: George Arzt at 212-608-0333
First,
the PR man said Seddio would release the file only after the vote for a
new boss. Then, the PR man said Seddio had entirely ruled out going
public because the documents refer to other people whose privacy could
be infringed. Then, the PR man said Seddio would allow the Daily
News to look at portions of the files with names blanked out, but no
copying would be permitted. And he’d make the arrangements sometime
after the vote. We’re not holding our breath. As the song goes, meet the
new boss, same as the old boss.Frank Seddio picks up George Arzt for his push ... - * Capital New York One of George Arzt's clients is Extell, and
Extell is the sponsor of the exclusive, luxury condo called One57 that
is the target of an investigation for possible corruption. Extell has
funneled approximately $75,000 in campaign contributions to Christine
Quinn. According to this report, generated moments ago from the New York
City Campaign Finance Board Web site, Mr. Arzt has contributed $90,500
in political donations to municipal candidates Judy Menin Manhattan BP race run by Belin Rosen and George Arzt can you find out who told her to hire Melvin Lowe Melvin Lowe Under Investigation Hired by Menin truenewsfromchangenyc.blogspot.com *Menin’s
spokesman George Arzt confirmed that Lowe was hired by the campaign to
assist with petitioning, and said campaign ended its relationship with
Lowe “after a very brief period” just as the news of Huntley’s wiretap
list broke. Arzt Gave almost $100,000 in campaign contributions to NY state candidates spread out over many years.* 2013-10-29 George Arzt - NYS Board of Elections Contributions - Disclosure.pdf George Arzt represents Excell One57 and dozens of other developers * George Arzt - NYC Lobbyist Search Result * More George Arzt is A Bad Guy * Extell George Arzt Moreland Commission * George Arzt Communications, Inc. - NYC Lobbyist Search Result
Manhattan Boss Wright Gets Caught Helping Build the Poor Door
A letter Assemblyman Keith Wright signed suggests he knew more than he
has acknowledged about a housing bill he sponsored at the behest of
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver that gave five developers juicy tax
breaks. Sources said last week that Wright was unaware of the details of the bill and furious with Silver for asking him to sponsor it.Wright is furious at Assembly Speaker
Sheldon Silver for dragging him into a controversy over tax breaks
awarded to five city developers, the Daily News’s Ken Lovett writes: Wright
inherited the bill after Silver replaced former Assembly Housing
Committee Vito Lopez, who was removed because of his sexual harassment
scandal. The bill is the subject of an investigation, in which
high-level politicians allegedly received money from real estate
developers.
Someone Must Inform Albany That Tax Breaks for the Rich Do Not Save the City's Middle Class
Our Elected Officials are Pushing the MC Out of Manhattan and Rising Rents in Brooklyn
Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN)Two
developers who stood to benefit from the tax breaks gave Cuomo big
donations days before his bill-signing. Several sources involved in the
process identified Silver as the creator of the lucrative tax relief.
One 57th St. building in Manhattan was projected to save $35 million
over 10 years. Between 2007 and 2011, as the median family income in the
city dropped
by 6.8%, the median monthly rent went up by 8.6%. Thirty-one percent of
New Yorkers spent more than half their income on rent, as those not
lifted up by New York’s booming, knowledge-intensive fields felt the
squeeze.* A towering insult - NY Daily News * Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse * Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) * How the Rich Get a Big Real Estate Tax Break - NYTimes.com * Atlantic Yards Report: Shades of 2007? Another 421-a carve-out to ...
Why endorse no candidate in a major state primary? Here’s how we see it: Realistically, Governor Cuomo is likely to win the primary, thanks to vastly greater resources and name recognition. And he’ll probably win a second term in November against a conservative Republican opponent. In part, that’s because issues like campaign finance rarely have been a strong motivator for most voters. Nonetheless, those who want to register their disappointment with Mr. Cuomo’s record on changing the culture of Albany may well decide that the best way to do that is to vote for Ms. Teachout. * The Nation endorses Zephyr Rain Teachout after NYT shrugs: * A Gawker writer castigates the New York Times for its non-endorsement in the gubernatorial primary, saying the paper “is unwilling to endorse the idea of voting for someone to actually defeat Cuomo.”* The Times laments that most readers didn’t really get the purpose of its editorial. “It’s worth pointing out that an endorsement is not the same as an actual vote.”A review of financial disclosures filed by Teachout and her running mate, LG candidate Tim Wu, reveal neither are rich, but both received book advances.
Daily News Fights With Teachout Over Christie Tunnel
To advance the public debate before an election, including one whose outcome is certain, we give Gov. Cuomo’s Democratic primary challenger her say in the adjoining columns.
Zephyr Teachout indicts Cuomo for failing to stop New Jersey Gov. Christie from killing the so-called ARC Tunnel, a project that would have expanded trans-Hudson train service. She has no idea what she’s talking about. Third truth: Since he was only a gubernatorial candidate when Christie killed the tunnel, Cuomo had no power to force Christie to do anything. After he was elected, Cuomo’s only shot at turning Christie around would have been to come up with that $9 billion. Final truth: Teachout is in over her head and flailing. * Cuomo enabled Christie’s Tunnelgate(NYDN) * “Tunnelgate” happened when New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie killed a plan to build two new train tunnels under the Hudson River —and Andrew Cuomo, as a candidate for governor and then governor, did nothing to stop him, Zephyr Teachout writes in the Daily News: Teachout: “Cuomo likes to present himself as a can-do guy, someone who will twist arms hard to fix a problem. But apparently, whenever Christie is in the room and New York infrastructure is at stake, Cuomo sits silent as our state gets rolled.”* During her time as a U.S. congresswoman, Kathy Hochul was an outlier among the state's Democratic delegation, but as her Democratic primary opponent begins to take aim at her record, some of her more liberal former colleagues are coming to her defense, Capital New York reports: The debate over debates continues, and it is not limited to Cuomo and his primary opponent, Teachout.
Bratton is Being Surrounded
Polarizing police(NYP)
During Bill de Blasio’s run for mayor, he presented New York as a bitterly divided city, where the public couldn’t trust police whom he accused of racial profiling. Meanwhile, his pick for police commissioner, Bill Bratton, came in talking of how low police morale was.
Fully 74 percent of those questioned, moreover, say police brutality is a serious problem. This is the highest since 2001. And at 48 percent, Bratton’s approval is one point lower than the percentage who find the Rev. Al Sharpton a “positive force” in the city.The mayor and the commissioner would probably say the numbers reflect the reaction to the case of Eric Garner, who died on Staten Island while resisting arrest.But while it’s true the non-stop criticism directed at cops since Garner’s death is undoubtedly reflected in the polling, the most striking thing about these numbers is that they’ve been heading in the wrong direction. In other words, under the de Blasio-Bratton regime, public trust in the police isn’t going up. It’s going down. And so, as Bratton just admitted, is police morale. * NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton made $1.35M last year: filings(NYDN) * Bill Bratton and other top de Blasio appointees are worth millions(NYDN)
Bratton’s Approval Rating Drops After Garner Death, According to Poll(NYO)
Sergeants Benevolent Association President Ed Mullins castigated de Blasio and his bid to host the 2016 Democratic National Convention in open letter to the New York Times.* Approval rating of NYPD's top cop DIVES after Staten Island chokehold death, poll finds(NYDN)
Poll Says Most Think Sharpton Bratton de Blasio Meeting A Mistake
Inviting Sharpton to news conference was a mistake: poll(NYP) * The head of a New York City police union said Tuesday he expects a
showdown with the de Blasio administration over contentious contract
negotiations, predicting an impasse and the pact to be settled with
binding arbitration, Capital New York writes:
More than one-third of New Yorkers believe Mayor de Blasio made a mistake by inviting the Rev. Al Sharpton to sit next to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton at a news conference to ease tensions after the death of Eric Garner in police custody, according to a poll released Tuesday. The Quinnipiac University poll found 35 percent of voters said Sharpton should not have been seated equally with Bratton at the City Hall meeting last month, while 25 percent believe the mayor made the right call and 37 percent had no opinion. * A new Quinnipiac poll shows nearly half of New Yorkers consider Rev. Al Sharpton to be a “positive force” while New York Police Commissioner William Bratton has seen his approval rating drop, The Wall Street Journal reports: * Many in Poll See Sharpton as 'Positive' The Rev. Al Sharpton—whose profile has been raised recently amid the outcry over the death of Eric Garner while in police custody—is considered a "positive force" by nearly half of New Yorkers, according to a poll.* Once overweight himself, a significantly slimmed-down Rev. Al Sharpton now regularly pokes fun at fat people.
NYPD Sergeants Against Democratic Convention
NYT Kicking A Man When He is Going Down Bratton Spurned 25% of Board’s Police Misconduct Findings in First Half of '14 (NYT) In the first six months of 2014, the New York Police Department has
declined to sanction officers in over 25 percent of cases in which the
Civilian Complaint Review Board found cause for discipline* Police Commissioner Bill Bratton’s approval rating plummets after chokehold death of Eric Garner: poll(NYDN) * Majority of New Yorkers support ‘Broken Windows’ policing: poll(NYP) * Sergeant’s Union president continues public take-down of de Blasio(NYP) * Despite Poll, Bill de Blasio Expects Bill Bratton’s Popularity to Grow(NYO) * A Quinnipiac poll found 60 percent of
New York City voters support the “broken windows” style of policing,
but 68 percent said there is no excuse for Eric Garner’s death and the
NYPD’s overall approval rating fell to 42 percent from 50, the Daily News reports: * According to the same poll, NYPD
Commissioner Bill Bratton’s approval rating dropped 9 points from June
12 to 48 percent today, the Observer reports: * The New York City Council will hold
an oversight hearing next month on a police department review of its
training procedures in the wake of the chokehold death of Garner, the
Associated Press reports:
* Mayor Bill de Blasio, irate over
police union president Ed Mullins calling on national Democrats to keep
the 2016 Democratic National Convention out of Brooklyn, ordered aides
to contact elected officials to denounce Mullins’ open letter, the
Observer reports: http://goo.gl/CAudeH * Mullins made three separate radio
appearances today to discuss his feud with the de Blasio administration,
the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/cJiMXX * Of the 175 cases in which the
Civilian Complaint Review Board recommended a NYPD officer be charged as
a disciplinary measure in 2012, the NYPD only sought charges in seven
instances, WNYC reports: http://goo.gl/pOVkTF Poll Says Most Think Sharpton Bratton de Blasio Meeting A Mistake
More than one-third of New Yorkers believe Mayor de Blasio made a mistake by inviting the Rev. Al Sharpton to sit next to NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton at a news conference to ease tensions after the death of Eric Garner in police custody, according to a poll released Tuesday. The Quinnipiac University poll found 35 percent of voters said Sharpton should not have been seated equally with Bratton at the City Hall meeting last month, while 25 percent believe the mayor made the right call and 37 percent had no opinion. * A new Quinnipiac poll shows nearly half of New Yorkers consider Rev. Al Sharpton to be a “positive force” while New York Police Commissioner William Bratton has seen his approval rating drop, The Wall Street Journal reports: * Many in Poll See Sharpton as 'Positive' The Rev. Al Sharpton—whose profile has been raised recently amid the outcry over the death of Eric Garner while in police custody—is considered a "positive force" by nearly half of New Yorkers, according to a poll.* Once overweight himself, a significantly slimmed-down Rev. Al Sharpton now regularly pokes fun at fat people.
The head of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association came out against Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plans for the Democratic National Convention in Brooklyn, citing the rise in shootings, the perception among cops that City Hall doesn't support them and stalled contract talks, the Daily News reports: * “Fear-mongering,” “irresponsible,” and “opportunistic” were some of the terms de Blasio used to characterize the open letter penned by the president of the sergeants’ union about the Democratic convention, the Observer reports: *Sergeants union: DNC should stay away from ‘dangerous’ NYC(NYP) * Police Sergeants’ Union Warns Against Democratic Convention in Brooklyn(NYT) Wednesday de Blasio Blasts Back Mayor de Blasio blasts police union for attempting to sabotage DNC bid(NYDN) * Police Union Pushes DNC to Reject Brooklyn Bid(WSJ) * De Blasio Administration Pushed Pols to Denounce Mullins’ DNC Letter: Sources(NYO)
NYT Poor Door Excuses and Protection for Pols
Affordable Housing Has Become A Band-aid On A Cancer for Elected Officials to Protect Them From What They Are Doing to Our City With Their Tax Breaks to Developers
As public housing becomes a relic, American cities have grown more reliant on developers, who say they can maximize their revenues and build more affordable units, by separating them from their luxury counterparts. * Real Estate Developers, Tax Breakes and Politics
How Does the Media Let George Arzt Get Away With Flacking for Luxury Highrise Tax Breaks Poor Doors, While Running Major Campaigns?
EXTELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. Media Contact: George Arzt at 212-608-0333
Manhattan Boss Wright Gets Caught Helping Build the Poor Door
Someone Must Inform Albany That Tax Breaks for the Rich Do Not Save the City's Middle Class
Our Elected Officials are Pushing the MC Out of Manhattan and Rising Rents in Brooklyn
Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN)Two developers who stood to benefit from the tax breaks gave Cuomo big donations days before his bill-signing. Several sources involved in the process identified Silver as the creator of the lucrative tax relief. One 57th St. building in Manhattan was projected to save $35 million over 10 years. Between 2007 and 2011, as the median family income in the city dropped by 6.8%, the median monthly rent went up by 8.6%. Thirty-one percent of New Yorkers spent more than half their income on rent, as those not lifted up by New York’s booming, knowledge-intensive fields felt the squeeze.* A towering insult - NY Daily News * Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse * Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) * How the Rich Get a Big Real Estate Tax Break - NYTimes.com * Atlantic Yards Report: Shades of 2007? Another 421-a carve-out to ...
Campaign 2017 is A Tale of Two School Systems
If Mayor de Blasio thought a leading advocate for charter schools would be silenced after reaching a deal with the city for more space, he was badly mistaken. Charter chief... * Gonzalez: Eva Moskowitz isn't just backed by Wall Street, she moved there(NYDN)
Fariña Tackles Challenges Ahead of Opening Day(WSJ)
As New York readies for the first day of school on Sept. 4, it is up to Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña to deliver on Mayor de Blasio's promise to provide free full-day preschool for 53,000 children and to deal with other challenges.
Pre-K Not Ready for Prime Time
New York Comptroller Is Concerned Over Pre-K Contract Delays(NYT)
One week before school begins, the Education Department has submitted
for review only 141 of more than 500 contracts with organizations that
will be teaching prekindergarten. * Education Department sends less than 30% of pre-K contracts to city controller for review(NYDN)
You Have to Give Errol Louis and NY1 Credit for Journalist Principals
The Thrilla in Manilla (Brooklyn) NY1 debate last night was not a love fest between the host and the anti-lobbyists candidate Doug Biviano, but at least the station and host saw it as their journalists obligation to put the controversial candidate on news program. And that was not hard for the station that gives lobbyists and consultants free air time on a news program to help their clients and get new ones. While the buzz last night was all about how the host threaten to cut the mike and end the debate with the very first question to assembly candidate Doug Biviano. * Liu’s campaign sent a complaint to the state Board of Elections claiming the IDC Initiative violated state spending limits by sending thousands of glossy mailings to voters in recent days urging them to support state Sen. Tony Avella in September, the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/RmiW4N
WFP Has Tuned Campaign Funding Into Anything Goes and Fake Campaign Mailings into An Art
While NY1 Put Anti-Lobbyists Biviano On the Rest of Main Stream Media Has Remained Silent
We are left with candidate Sikora answer of the illegal coordination if the One NY PAC and his campaign are wild charges that are not true. Sikora his WFP backer know that nobody will stop or report about their illegal funding during the campaign. The 100 Silent Journalist prove them true. It was the CFB that fined the two council candidates months after the campaign. that used the Advance Group as their campaign manage and received funding from the PAC controlled by Advance NYCLASS. The CFB does not regulate state races. Besides the media not acting on Illegal PAC money in local races the DAs and AG have not said a word either.
The Changing Economic Has Forced the News Media to Abandoned Its Constitutional Role on Informing the Voters to Addicted to Lobbyists and Special Interests to Keep Publishing
The Only Ones Who Believe Dadey Is A Good Government Reformer Are the Journalists Who Cover His Bull Shit
* Lobbyists the New Permanent Government * WFP the New Progressive Machine
NYT, NYP and Daily News Silent On Local Impact of Citizens United on the City's Public Financing System
NYT's + Media's Blind Side The NYT has written several times on the national impact of Citizens United but never on the impact of that special interests big money supreme court decision on the 2013 NYC election. The press is focused on a preacher and 4-year-olds, while not reporting on how our city government was mugged by special interests Citizen United PACs and the lobbyists political consultants who do their bidding in the last election. Have these PACs made NYC government worse (if that is possible)? Have these PACs and lobbyist consultants committed crimes? stay tuned. The Line at the ‘Super PAC’ Trough(NYT) An unlimited source of cash is now a requirement for contested congressional races * Change the Rules on Secret Money(NYT Ed) * Liberal Donors Pollute Politics, Too(NYT Ed) *Campaign finance reformers take a hard line(TU) Campaign Reform and Media Cover Up of Citizens United On Local 2013 Election
.
.
NYT Denounces Citizens United Over and Over Just Does Not Report Its Effects on Local Races
While the NYT Ignored Illegal Campaign Funding Going On in the 52AD Campaign (and other campaigns) They Covered A Climber Near the District
In the era of unlimited spending, those who give are targets.
The NYP Gave Us the Naked Truth About the Naked Cowboy
Model ‘busted for stealing’ candy, fish oil from Whole Foods(NYP) * A birds-eye view of Manhattan’s drunkest day drinkers(NYP) * Tourist who climbed Brooklyn Bridge: I did it for fun(NYP) * The truth behind The Naked Cowboy and other panhandlers(NYP) * David Blaine puts on magic show for dangerous inmates(NYP)
The Daily News Gave Us Ready for My Closeup Mr Demille Quinn
News From Other Local Races
Wednesday
John Liu protests ‘illegal’ campaign mailings supporting Sen. Tony Avella(NYDN)
Klein and his primary opponent, former NYC Councilman Oliver Koppell, sparred during a NY1 debate.
Tuesday
Albany is awash in corruption — but 72 candidates for state office
failed the simplest ethics test by not filing personal financial
statements as required by law, The Post has...
* Norwood News takes an in depth look at the debate between state Sen. Jeff Klein and primary challenger Oliver Koppell, who took on issues of party authenticity and loyalty: http://goo.gl/rSzbyp
New Amsterdam Became New York 350 Years Ago. Don’t Expect a Party.(NYT) In "The Fall of New Amsterdam,"
by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris, Peter Stuyvesant (with wooden leg) with
residents of New Amsterdam in 1664. No celebration is planned for Tuesday to honor the 350th anniversary of
when a settlement known as New Amsterdam became New York in a bloodless
regime change.
* Norwood News takes an in depth look at the debate between state Sen. Jeff Klein and primary challenger Oliver Koppell, who took on issues of party authenticity and loyalty: http://goo.gl/rSzbyp
Nobody's Coming to NYC's Party
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.
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A Dark Money PAC Mail Berlin Rosen Media Cover-Up
Daily News Leaves Out the Fact That Candidate Biviano Charged That the WFP Used the Mayor's One New York PAC Illegally to Help Sikora in the 52AD
A review of state
campaign filings shows the Working Families Party has disclosed nothing
about what it’s spending on Peter Sikora, an economist running against
Jo Anne Simon, a lawyer, in the Democratic primary. The WFP’s Peter Sikora, an economist, and Jo Anne Simon, an attorney,
are tangling in the September Democratic primary for the slot being
vacated by Joan Millman. A review of state campaign filings shows the
party has disclosed nothing about what it’s spent on Sikora.* Democratic candidates spar on NY1 in Brooklyn Assembly district debate. (NY1)http://
A
Candidate for the 52AD Not Mentioned in the Daily News Article Doug
Biviano, Charged That the WFP Candidate and His Consultant Berlin Rosen
Was Using Illegal PAC Money 3 Weeks Ago
Berlin Rosen who works for Sikora and the PAC One NY which he use
to send out to the voters of the district what the Brooklyn Eagle called a dark
money mailing, claiming the closed LICH hospital developer would build an
emergency room that would meet the community’s health care needs. Doctors and community leader have called that
claim an outright lie. Carroll Gardens Association - Cover-Up of Members' Dark Money LICH Mailing
Biviano chaged that Sikora and his campaign consultant Berlin Rosen are coverin
g-up
the promise that he, the mayor and other local elected officials made
during the 2013 campaign to keep LICH a full service hospital. In 2013,
Sikora worked with his and
de Blasio’s campaign consultant Jonathan Rosen (of Berlin Rosen) to
gain votes by having the mayor arrested as part of a protest demand to
keep LICH a full service hospital. Many of the voters in the 52AD resent
Sikora because of his connection to the de Blasio arrest. The dark
money PAC mailing in July was intended to repair both the mayor's and
Sikora's image in the assembly district. Both the Daily News and the Brooklyn Heights Blog
reported that Sikora was arrested with the mayor. As former mayoral
candidate Sal Albanese put it, team de Blasio used the shut hospital as
an election prop in the mayoral campaign. Berlin Rosen which
mailed out the illegally coordinated the Sikora campaign and the One New
York PAC worked for both the Brooklyn DA and the AG. The CFB which
fined the two city council candidates for their consultant Advance
Group's Illegally coordinating their campaigns funds with a the NYCLASS
PAC controlled by Advance Group.
Biviano chaged that Sikora and his campaign consultant Berlin Rosen are coverin
g-up
the promise that he, the mayor and other local elected officials made
during the 2013 campaign to keep LICH a full service hospital. In 2013,
Sikora worked with his and
de Blasio’s campaign consultant Jonathan Rosen (of Berlin Rosen) to
gain votes by having the mayor arrested as part of a protest demand to
keep LICH a full service hospital. Many of the voters in the 52AD resent
Sikora because of his connection to the de Blasio arrest. The dark
money PAC mailing in July was intended to repair both the mayor's and
Sikora's image in the assembly district. Both the Daily News and the Brooklyn Heights Blog
reported that Sikora was arrested with the mayor. As former mayoral
candidate Sal Albanese put it, team de Blasio used the shut hospital as
an election prop in the mayoral campaign. Berlin Rosen which
mailed out the illegally coordinated the Sikora campaign and the One New
York PAC worked for both the Brooklyn DA and the AG. The CFB which
fined the two city council candidates for their consultant Advance
Group's Illegally coordinating their campaigns funds with a the NYCLASS
PAC controlled by Advance Group.
How Campaign Are Controlled and Elect People Who Don't Represent the People in the District
A Case Study In the Dysfunctional Campaign System That the Main Stream Media Never Covers. But A Blogger Has
"Everyone understands that our campaign system is dysfunctional and that big special interests drive it, but everyone expects the media to be the equalizer, exposing the truth when it comes to campaign flyers full of lies and fake promises intended to get candidates elected. My campaign against the special interests and broken campaign system is not well funded. When NY1 blocked me from appearing they were cutting off one of the few chances I have to communicate with the voters of my district. And NY1 is not the only member of the media not covering me. Both the Brooklyn Paper and Brooklyn Daily Eagle have not done a story about me or the campaign. The media's role is to inform voters about the real intentions of candidates. Apparently the media does not see themselves in the role John Peter Zenger, Thomas Pain and Thomas Jefferson saw, as educators of the public." decried Biviano.
Hero's Died Giving Us the Rights to Control Our Government . . . Those Rights Are Being Taken Away By Lobbyists and Special Interests That Have Taken Over Our Election System
Biviano at the Prison Ship Martyrs Monument in Fort Green Park Where 12,000 Courageous American Who Spoke Out Against the King are Buried
When you have over 60% of the voters not know who the AG is, not know what the Moreland commission is, an the loss of Speaker Quinn after she was endorsed by all three paper shows that the people of New York are not enlightened. Election and no long a contest of what is best for the community but who has the most money to send out mailers prepared by spin doctors who know how to fool the voters with mailers and TV Ads. These spin doctors are mostly lobbyists making up a new private Tammany Hall that functions very different from the old political boss led Tammany Hall. The old Tammany gain voters and power by delivering services and protecting the poor. The new private Tammany spends money to hire spin doctors to elect candidates to gain power to make money from government, often hurting the same voters who elected their puppet candidates, by closing their libraries and hospitals. The lobbyists new private Tammany Hall is really a system that legalized and replaced bribery.
To Get A Tough Senate Primary You Need to Be Indicted or Fight Rangel or WFP
New York Democrats face tough primary elections(NYP) Four Senate incumbents find themselves in tough races, including two in legal jams. For the first time since being indicted by a federal grand jury, state Sen. Malcolm Smith of Queens and Sen. John Sampson of Brooklyn are up for re-electionSmith was indicted in April 2013 for trying to buy his way onto the city mayoral ballot. But Democratic strategist Hank Sheinkopf, who once worked for Smith, expects him to prevail. “The man has not been convicted of anything, he is well-liked in his community and the truth will stand with him,” Sheinkopf said. In Brooklyn, fellow indicted pol John Sampson has a tough challenge. His recent campaign filing showed a deficit of $9,621. There is also strong opposition to Sampson, who has been indicted twice in two years for embezzlement and lying to the FBI, drummed up by his primary opponent, Dell Smitherman. In Queens, incumbent state Sen. Tony Avella is in a fight with fund-raising machine John Liu — who currently has four times the amount of cash on hand as Avella. After losing a congressional primary to Rep. Charles Rangel, state Sen. Adriano Espaillat is locked in a primary with former City Councilman Robert Jackson. * LOVETT: Michael Bloomberg hasn’t given Senate Republicans a dime since he left office, despite being their single largest donorduring his three terms as mayor(NYDN) Senate Republicans have lost a big weapon in their fight against the Democrats for control of the chamber: former Mayor Michael Bloomberg. Bloomberg was the single largest donor to the Senate Republican Campaign Committee during his three terms in office — but since leaving City Hall, he hasn’t given a dime. … he has also given nothing to the Assembly Democrats, who received $250,000 from Bloomberg two years ago. … In fact, campaign records show that Bloomberg this year has given just a single $6,500 donation in New York — to Buffalo Republican state Sen. Mark Grisanti. … one of just four Senate Republicans in 2011 who voted to legalize same-sex marriage, which Bloomberg supported as mayor
Will the Council Members Knock Off Their Challengers At the BOE in 2017? Da
Council Takes Over the BOE in Secret
Vote of no confidence(NYDN Ed)
In choosing a new executive director, the Board of Elections cannot gets its act together. The City Council’s Manhattan delegation met in secret to select a new Democratic commissioner for the Board of Elections. Then the Daily News reported on their deliberations. Then the members distributed a memo stating that the leaker would be expelled from the delegation if identified.Here’s why they are afraid of sunshine: They picked a man who has a total of four months’ elections experience and made a botch of even that.As the Manhattan Democratic clerk (salary $107,735), Alan Schulkin oversaw June’s congressional contest between Charlie Rangel and Adriano Espaillat. He managed to lose 215 votes.Schulkin admits that he now believes he is not cut out for such an administrative function. He thinks he will be better suited to setting policy for the whole incompetent place. This is the best that Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito can do? Give us a break.Manhattan delegation of City Council warned against leaks(NYDN) The emailed ultimatum came from delegation leaders Margaret Chin and Corey Johnson. Hours after the Daily News reported that the Manhattan delegation of the City Council met behind closed doors to select a replacement for a departing Board of Elections commissioner, Manhattan lawmakers were warned that leakers might be barred from future meetings.The emailed ultimatum came from delegation leaders Margaret Chin and Corey Johnson. Citizens Union head Dick Dadey called the veiled threat “an unnecessary pressure tactic” that’s clearly “over the top.”* After the Daily News reported that a New York City Council delegation met behind closed doors to nominate a replacement for a Board of Elections commissioner who quit, lawmakers were warned that leakers could be barred from future meetings, the Daily News reports:
* NYC Council vows 'fair, transparent, and public' pick of new Board of Elections commissioner(NYDN)
A Slimmed-Down Al Sharpton Savors an Expanded Profile(NYT) From an overweight Brooklyn firebrand clad in track suits and draped in medallions, the Rev. Al Sharpton has transformed himself into the White House’s civil rights leader of choice.
Teachout New Wave Pol?
Cuomo Opponent Unbowed by Underdog Status
She
has little name recognition and fewer campaign funds, but Zephyr
Teachout, a Fordham law professor, is relishing her run against Gov.
Andrew M. Cuomo in the Democratic primary.
Really A Protest Vote Against Cuomo
DE BLASIO TO STUMP FOR CUOMO -- News’ Jennifer Fermino: "I plan on campaigning for him for sure. I am enthusiastically supporting the governor … We got an immense amount done together [in the State Legislature]," de Blasio said, citing the expansion of pre-kindergarten and after school programs, the addition of more speed cameras and new homeless prevention programs as just a few examples. "I couldn't be happier with what we've achieved." De Blasio, however, did not want to weigh in on whether Cuomo should debate Democratic primary opponent Zephyr Teachout. "I don't editorialize what other candidates should do. ... It's up to him to decide," the mayor said. * * Gubernatorial hopeful Zephyr Teachout slammed Cuomo's pick for lieutenant governor, Kathy Hochul, as too conservative for Democratic primary voters, the Daily News writes:
Free Incumbent Senate Mailings
Council Speaker Delivers to Gentrifying Developers
Melissa’s tall tale(NYDN)
Melissa’s tall tale (NYDN Ed)
If the City Council speaker really wants more affordable housing, why isn't she supporting a new Harlem development?
NYPD Spins Increase in Shootings to Safer City
City’s law-abiding residents safer than ever despite shootings surge(NYP) The city’s law-abiding residents are safer than they’ve been in decades, according to an internal NYPD analysis of the latest crime statistics obtained by The Post — even though this year has seen a 10 percent surge in shootings.* District Attorney to present Eric Garner case backs NYPD tactics(NYP)* While the number of stop-and-frisks in New York City is down substantially from a peak in 2011, black and Latino men are still disproportionately targeted for stops, Newsweek reports:
--Meanwhile, de Blasio spoke in Brooklyn -- "Violence takes us backward. Nonviolence takes us forward," he said, eliciting applause at the Kingsboro Temple of Seventh-day Adventist in Park Slope. The mayor declined to participate in Sharpton’s march and instead delivered subdued but hopeful remarks about improving relationships between the NYPD and police-wary communities, in a church that he said "is in my beloved neighborhood." "Violence takes us backward. Nonviolence takes us forward," he said, adding, “we're all feeling, still weeks later, the pain of the tragic loss of Eric Garner.” Capital’s Sally Goldenberg:* Mayor de Blasio Calls Staten Island March a Success (WSJ)
New York’s Finest aid shooting victims as anti-cop march rages(NYP)A spate of nine bloody shootings broke out across the city Saturday, the same day Al Sharpton and thousands gathered at an anti-cop rally on Staten Island — in which protesters bashed “Broken Windows” and stop-and-frisk policing.The gunfire erupted at a cafe in Manhattan, and in separate incidents in Brooklyn, Queens and The Bronx — most between 12:50 and 3:50 a.m. — continuing a disturbing uptick in gunplay. Citywide, shootings are up to 824 this year, compared to 736 last year — a nearly 12 percent increase, the latest NYPD data reveal. At the same time, the use of stop-and-frisk has plunged 92 percent, according to the most recent data available.
'IT'S TIME WE'RE SEEN AS EQUALS': Demonstrators led by Eric Garner's family, the Rev. Al Sharpton, march peacefully to protest chokehold death(NYDN)
Three cheers for the NYPD(NYP)ow the ‘broken windows’ strategy saved lives in NYC(NYP) Statistics illustrate the dramatic “policing difference” enjoyed by New York. While the homicide rate dropped by half in the nine largest cities other than NYC between 1990 and 2009, it dropped by 82 percent here.
llegal drivers are getting physical with TLC officers(NYP)
The TLC may think it’s doing the right thing by increasing
penalties for illegal taxi drivers, but it’s actually hurting its own
enforcement officers — literally, sources told The Post....
Tax the Rich II
Higher taxes down the road are a distinct possibility, given New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fiscal record so far, because while it may have enough cash now, the city might soon fall short, the Post writes:
Tax the Rich II
Higher taxes down the road are a distinct possibility, given New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s fiscal record so far, because while it may have enough cash now, the city might soon fall short, the Post writes:
As Candidates For Office Try to Get Their Message Out the Daily News Turns Into A PR Agent for Incumbents While Candidates Cry to Get Their Message Out
Biking is picking up amongst City Council members(NYDN)
The Daily News Goes After the Corrupt Queens Library President and Puff PR's Van Bramer Who Benefited From the Corruption
City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer on his homeless childhood, calls for residents to be part of the solution(NYDN)
Flashback EXCLUSIVE: City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer explodes at colleagues (NYDN, 1/29/2014) Van Bramer's colleagues questioned whether Van Bramer's ties to the Queens Library would compromise his ability to hold a hearing on the library's finances
Atlantic Yards Reports Connects Indicted Sampson Bag Man to Ratner
Post: court papers indicate that indicted lobbyist Lowe admits fraud; consultant had ties to Forest City, though not part of charges
The New York Post reported 8/2014, Ex-Sampson aide admits to swiping $100K from officials
Indicted state Sen. John Sampson has been thrown under the bus to the feds by a former top aide who is also in big trouble with the law, new court papers reveal.Lowe has admitted that he failed to file tax returns for 2010 to 2012, despite earning $923,000. His trial is September 2.
Melvin Lowe admitted during confidential meetings with prosecutors that he defrauded the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee out of $100,000 – and gave $75,000 of the money to “Senator #1,” the filing says. A source said “Senator #1” is Lowe’s ex-boss, Sampson (D-Brooklyn), who is fighting charges that he, himself, also committed fraud and tax crimes.
As I wrote in July, 2010, DSCC consultant Lowe, connected to Sampson and Ratner (and Boyland's challenge to Montgomery), racks up the bucks. City Hall News broke the news that "Largely Unknown DSCC Consultant Cleared $300k In Last Year."
Here's brief coverage
from 8/31/09 about Lowe's DSCC hiring, his role in Forest City's Ridge
Hill project, and a report (which I never corroborated) of consulting
work regarding Atlantic Yards.
When the charges surfaced
Last October, I wrote Former Forest City Ratner lobbyist Melvin Lowe, Sampson crony, charged with corruption.
None of the charges involved Forest City or any other developer. But it continued a remarkable string of corruption charges regarding people with ties to Forest City, including Carl Kruger, Sandy Annabi, Richard Lipsky, and William Rapfogel, as well as Sampson.
Lowe was mentioned, though not called as a witness, during the 2012 Yonkers corruption trial. "Are you familiar with a company known as Westchester Invaders?" asked William Aronwald, defense attorney for Annabi, the former Council Member who flipped her vote to benefit Forest City's Ridge Hill project and was later convicted. "Isn't it true Forest City Ratner made a contribution of $10,000 to Westchester Invaders at Council Member [Patricia] McDow's or [FCR lobbyist] Melvin Lowe's request?"
"I can't recall," replied former Forest City governmental affairs EVP Bruce Bender.
As I wrote, Westchester Invaders is a drum and bugle corps that McDow has saluted, but I couldn't find corroborating evidence of a Forest City Ratner contribution. Then again, it would not be out of line with company practices in Brooklyn.
None of the charges involved Forest City or any other developer. But it continued a remarkable string of corruption charges regarding people with ties to Forest City, including Carl Kruger, Sandy Annabi, Richard Lipsky, and William Rapfogel, as well as Sampson.
Lowe was mentioned, though not called as a witness, during the 2012 Yonkers corruption trial. "Are you familiar with a company known as Westchester Invaders?" asked William Aronwald, defense attorney for Annabi, the former Council Member who flipped her vote to benefit Forest City's Ridge Hill project and was later convicted. "Isn't it true Forest City Ratner made a contribution of $10,000 to Westchester Invaders at Council Member [Patricia] McDow's or [FCR lobbyist] Melvin Lowe's request?"
"I can't recall," replied former Forest City governmental affairs EVP Bruce Bender.
As I wrote, Westchester Invaders is a drum and bugle corps that McDow has saluted, but I couldn't find corroborating evidence of a Forest City Ratner contribution. Then again, it would not be out of line with company practices in Brooklyn.
NYT Supports de Blasio's New Policing, But Said it Would Take Some Time
Not Much Said About the 680 to 747 Increase in Shootings
NYP Takes the Cops Side
Several Staten Islandbusinesses will close Saturday, fearing crowds and safety issues during marchfor Eric Garner *Chokehold video taker blasts Sharpton for being ‘fake’(NYP) * Three cheers for the NYPD (NYP Ed) The Rev. Al Sharpton’s march today in Staten Island is meant to slam New York’s Finest. We’ll say it flat out: We support the cops.
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Family of Eric Garner, Al Sharpton hope for peaceful Staten Island protest (NYDN)
The family of Eric Garner and Rev. Al Sharpton are hopeful for a peaceful protest against police brutality Saturday. Despite their optimism, businesses have decided to close their doors for the rally out of fear for unrest. NYPD officers assigned to the demonstration are also expected to have nightsticks and helmets.
Rev. Al’s march (NYDN) New Yorkers anguished by Eric Garner’s death after a struggle with police will march today from the scene of the confrontation to the Staten Island district attorney’s office. Their voices will be heard, but what will they say? As the organizer, the Rev. Al Sharpton, has offered several rationales for demonstrating, some of them inconsistent, some more worthy than others. He was perfectly clear, though, that he expects peaceful protest. That Sharpton addressed the issue reflects concern that the event could attract even a small number of individuals who are bent on creating disorder, as happened in the Ferguson, Mo., protests and in some Occupy
Wall Street protests. Should bad actors appear today, he and the NYPD will be united in urging robust and lawful expression of grievances. Running somewhat counter to that notion, he also says that he is not anti-police; he’s merely against bad cops. Since everyone is against bad cops, the true question is how prevalent Sharpton thinks they are. In his article in The News Friday, Sharpton posed a question as the essence of what he’s about: “Is it unreasonable to ask that unarmed people not be killed?” No, it’s not unreasonable, as long as you also accept that every case must be judged on its own merits.
NYPD's Prefect Storm Adrift With No Leadership, Mayor, Bratton and Increase in Crime
Tale of Two Cities: A Racial Split
Sharpton Dials Down Comments Talks About Safety
Out-of-staters expected to join march against police brutality (NYP) * NY1 Exclusive: Rules Eased at Park Near Scene of Garner Arrest * Police, S.I. Businesses and Residents Prepare for Garner Rally(NY1) *
Fatal 1964 Incident Sparked Days of Riots in Harlem, Brooklyn(NY1) * Garner Rally Could Be Crucial Test for Mayor(NY1)
Friday Update
Riot cops ready for Sharpton rally on Saturday(NYP) Hundreds of police officers have been ordered to bring their “hats and bats”—helmets and old-school wooden nightsticks—to the Rev. Al Sharpton’s march against police brutality on Saturday
CLOSED! S.I. rally for NYPD chokehold victim Eric Garner stirs 'Ferguson' fears, prompting local businesses to shutter Saturday(NYDN)
* De Blasio attended his first CompStat meeting, a crime statistics briefing with top police officials at a time when the city is grappling with a new wave of gun violence, the Journal reports:
* Rev. Al Sharpton explains in the Daily News why he and others will march in Staten Island on Saturday to demand justice for Eric Garner, who died in an apparent illegal chokehold:
Homeless #'s Up 6% Under DeBlasio 52% Over Last 5 Years
The
Daily News Leaves Out the Most Reasons for the Increase In Homelessness
and the Pushing Out of the Middle Class Out of the City, Tax Breaks to Luxury Developers and Airbnb
How Blacks the Poor and the Middle Class are Being Push Out of Brooklyn Because of Albany's Tax Breaks for Luxury Developers
Mayor and Progressives Pay Off Bus Union While the Council Rubber Stamps With Little Oposition
De Blasio, aiming to reverse conditions that led to a strike, defended spending $42 million to boost the pay of seasoned school bus drivers, saying less experienced drivers put children at risk, The New York Times reports: * De Blasio's $42M school-bus-company grants debated(NYDN) * De Blasio’s $42M school bus driver pay hike likely to pass(NYP) De Blasio’s proposal to award $42 million in pay hikes to private school bus workers appears likely to breeze through the New York City Council despite reservations by some members
With gun violence on a rocket-ride in the wrong direction and the usual suspects agitating for unilateral disarmament of the NYPD, Mayor Mush yesterday went to church.
The mayor, in contrast, split for an Italian vacation shortly after the incident, allowing bitterness to fester in the vacuum. Then he convened a public “summit” during which the always-helpful Al Sharpton did what he does so well: Make matters worse. He threatened de Blasio to his face — and the mayor took it, mumbling pieties when a firm rebuke was in order. Sharpton wasn’t buying it, anyway:
He made it clear that he and his allies want Giuliani-Bloomberg policing standards gone — and will accept nothing less. Rewriting the Rev. Al Sharpton’s history(NYP)Mayor de Blasio blithely helped in the effort, introducing Sharpton as a man who sought peaceful solutions “since the days of Martin Luther King.” Oh, really? From the Tawana Brawley case to the Crown Heights riots to Ferguson, Mo., Sharpton’s usual role is to pour gasoline on the fire.
* New law toughens public reporting requirements in New York City prisons(NYDN)
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio will meet with Cardinal Timothy Dolan and other religious leaders to ease tensions ahead of a weekend march to protest the death of Eric Garner,
More on Bratton and NYPD
Do We Have to Bring Dinkins Back to Get the Media to Cover the 13% Increase in Shootings?
During the Dinkins administration a front-page headline in
the New York Post had screamed: “Dave do something!”— a direct call to then
mayor David Dinkins to get crime down fast. What Dinkins' did with the help of Albany was dramatically
increase the size of the NYPD. As the number of NYPD increased during during
the next 20 years crime when down to record levels. With budget cuts this year the number of NYPD
will be down to the level before the Dinkins and Giuliani increases. We have a press and political system that allows
mayor and future mayors to chose the issues that are covered in the media. We know the mayor wants to go on Meet the
Press to talk national issues, mayoral candidate Quinn wants gay marriage,
Weiner will do anything to get himself a headline, Liu wants to drop audit
bombs on the mayor contracts to win him points with unions while hiding in the
comptroller office, Stringer wants to rebuild the infrastructure and deBlaiso
will think of of angles to get in the paper.
But nobody want to talk about the growing crime problem and the press
will not hold today's incumbents feet to the filed like that did former Mayor
Dinkins
.
Mike Allen
Summer Shooting Are Up 32% Over Last Year
Saturday Two men shot in apartment building lobby in Brooklyn(NYP)
Will Bratton Leave Sooner Then He Left With Giuliani?
why was Advancing Community Trust Program ended? Ray Kelly: "You are asking me? I don't know."
Azi
BREAKING: Staten Island district attorney has empaneled a grand jury to investigate the death of
* Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan will convene a special grand jury to determine whether to levy charges in the chokehold death of Eric Garner by a New York City police officer, the Staten Island Advance reports: * Grand Jury to Take Up Death Linked to Police Chokehold in Staten Island(NYT)
Shake Up Contines At Rikers Jail In Response to Federal Inquiry
New York’s Top Jail Investigator Resigns After Inquiry on Rikers Brutality(NYT)
Florence
L. Finkle’s resignation is the first of many changes expected in
response to a federal inquiry that found a “culture of violence” at
Rikers Island.* NYC JAIL BOSS QUITS: Embattled Rikers Island jail investigations chief steps down(NYDN) The head of internal investigations at New
York City's embattled Rikers
Island jail complex has
resigned amid intense scrutiny over civil rights violations and inmate deaths.
Round Up the Usually Cops
Racial Crisis in the City and Nation Nobody is Talking to Both Sides
NYPD, Commissioner Bratton, Chokehold and Garner's Death
Bloomberg Gets His Green Cabs
Mayor Moskowitz 2017
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.
.
NYP Uses the Times Square Muppets to Defend NYPD
.
Malcome Keeps Flake
“I had a stellar year,” replied Smith. “The legal issues are something that are out there.” Now comes a dramatic, and immensely ironic, split between three of the city’s most influential unions — the United Federation of Teachers on the one hand, and the Patrolman’s Benevolent Association and the Sergeants Benevolent Association on the other.
Smith Says Gentrification Was Created to Get Rid of Blacks and The Reason He Was Indicted
Smith the Fixer Takes On A Serious Issue of Race and Gentrification to Win Reelection
Smith promised to disclose “who is behind the attack on all the African-American leadership in this city” when the time is right, meaning after the polls close.
.
Courtney Gross
Cuomo's Medicaid Lobbyists
Backlash after Cuomo names lobbyist to oversee Medicaid spending(NYP)
A leading Republican congressman is demanding an investigation into how a lobbyist was named by the Cuomo administration to help oversee $8 billion in Medicaid funds, The Post has learned.
The probe would focus on Jim Introne, a top Cuomo health adviser who previously served as a hospital lobbyist and health-care consultant.
“Of particular concern is that Gov. Cuomo has appointed former health-care lobbyist Jim Introne to oversee the disbursal of the Medicaid waiver money,” House Oversight Committee chair Darrell Issa (R-Calif.) said in a letter Thursday to the federal Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Smith and Sampson Joined At the AEG Hip
More Corruption Connected to Sampson
Melvin Lowe admitted during confidential meetings with prosecutors that he defrauded the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee out of $100,000 – and gave $75,000 of the money to “Senator #1,” the filing says. A source said “Senator #1” is Lowe’s ex-boss, Sampson (D-Brooklyn), who is fighting charges that he, himself, also committed fraud and tax crimes.
Councilman Wills Thinks Ahead
Goo Goos Finally Acomplish Something - A Civil War Between Good Govt Groups
Reform-group civil war over Cuomo-style redistricting(Capital)Citizens Union and the League of Women Voters unveiled a new website Tuesday in favor of a new commission
NYT Calls de Blasio Meets Reality, Its Really NYC's Campaign System Meets Reality
Its Not About Liberal Friction It is About Reality and Fooling the People During Campaigns
Former Mayoral Candidate Sal Albanese. and A Candidate for Assembly Tries to Tell the Truth and Get Boycotted By the Media
Mitchell Moss
“Inequality is not something that a mayor of New York can solve, but public safety is...
Update Teachout Stays on the Ballot
Schneiderman Slamed on Moreland
Update Teachout Stays on the Ballot
Cuomo Fails to Boot Teachout From Ballot–Again(NYO)
Teachout Can Stay on Primary Ballot Against Cuomo, Appeals Court Rules (NYT)
A four-judge panel rejected an appeal by the Cuomo campaign challenging the residency of primary rival Zephyr Teachout, and the Cuomo campaign said it won’t appeal any further, State of Politics
A four-judge panel rejected an appeal by the Cuomo campaign challenging the residency of primary rival Zephyr Teachout, and the Cuomo campaign said it won’t appeal any further, State of Politics
NY News Now
ItCH Alert: Debate Invitations Sent to Cuomo and Teachout, and Their Running Mates http://dlvr.it/6gW5FJ #newyork #nyc
Debate* Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to say whether he would participate in a Democratic primary debate on Time Warner Cable News, claiming it would be up to the campaigns to decide, State of Politics reports: * Cuomo insisted he has overwhelming support of the union movement despite the state AFL-CIO’s decision not to endorse him at its convention earlier this week, Gannett Albany writes:
Debate* Gov. Andrew Cuomo declined to say whether he would participate in a Democratic primary debate on Time Warner Cable News, claiming it would be up to the campaigns to decide, State of Politics reports: * Cuomo insisted he has overwhelming support of the union movement despite the state AFL-CIO’s decision not to endorse him at its convention earlier this week, Gannett Albany writes:
Republican attorney general hopeful John Cahill is hitting the airwaves with his first TV ad, in which he links his Democratic opponent, AG Eric Schneiderman, to the failed Moreland Commission and pledges to be “tough enough” to clean up corruption in Albany.
Schneiderman says he "can't comment" on Moreland or any other ong
laura
NYC Voters Are Disconnected From Their Own Believes
New York's Voters
Cuomo Connected to Corruption
We Support Cuomo
Cuomo Emerges Unhurt From Morelandgate Scandal; Dem Primary Challenger Unknown
More voters see Gov. Cuomo as part of New York's corruption problem, not solution: Quinnipiac Poll(NYDN)
Cuomo Connected to Corruption
We Support Cuomo
Cuomo Emerges Unhurt From Morelandgate Scandal; Dem Primary Challenger Unknown
More voters see Gov. Cuomo as part of New York's corruption problem, not solution: Quinnipiac Poll(NYDN)
Fully half of voters in the new poll say they disapprove of the way the
incumbent Democrat is handling government ethics, while only 39% say
he's doing the right thing.
That's a total reversal from
the May 22 Q poll, when 48% of voters approved and 34% disapproved.
Despite the souring views of his ability to muck out the Albany
cesspool, Cuomo is still wrecking all challengers in the Democratic
primary and November general election, Quinnipiac found in the latest
survey. Cuomo still holds a 56 to 28 lead over
Republican gubernatorial challenger Rob Astorino despite almost half of
voters saying Cuomo is part of the corruption problem in the state, a
new Quinnipiac poll found* Polls continue to show huge lead for Cuomo over Astorino(NYP)Local News Wins Emmy For Keeping the Public Uninformed
Despite the souring views of his ability to muck out the Albany cesspool, Cuomo is still wrecking all challengers in the Democratic primary and November general election, Quinnipiac found in the latest survey.
How Local TV News Make Millions Rehabilitating Candidates and Cleaning Up Policies Harmful to the Public
Queens Library Corrupiton Maybe
Hint of Scandal Embroils Queens Library’s Leaders
A criminal inquiry is examining spending by Thomas W. Galante, president
of the Queens Public Library, including whether he steered construction
contracts to an acquaintance.
This is What It Takes to Get Media Coverage in New York?
Rep. Maloney visits panda in China, possibly headed for New York zoo(NYP)Sunset Quinn
Christine Quinn leads Women’s Equality Party rally(NYDN)
I Hate People Koppell
NYP Attacks Mayor's Anti-Violence Plan is Right But for the Wrong Reason
The New Secret Army of Crime Fighters
It's is Rapid Gentrification in Crown Heights that is reducing crime numbers not the "Save the Street" program that the mayor is expanding to stop the increase in gun shootings Crown Heights, Brooklyn, Gets Its Turn(NYT) In fact, residents credit the successful post-riot reconciliation between the two communities with being one of the drivers of Crown Heights’ rapid transformation — or gentrification, depending on one’s perspective.Along Franklin Avenue, signs saying “Moving to Flatbush” have appeared on many businesses in the last couple of years, and while longtime residents don’t tack up signs, there are indications they have also been leaving in large numbers as new arrivals replace them in this community of about 140,000 people.
de Blasio Push Lux Housing Which Creates Gentrification and More Homeless
CMs Constantieides and Vallone That Putting Out A Gun Database Onling Will Not Stop the Increase in Shootings
City Council members Costa Constantinides and Paul Vallone, along with Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr., are calling for the database created in 2006 — currently available only to law enforcement — to be searchable online.
Gentrification Taking Over NYC Eliminating Tale of Two City's Problems?
Its A Gamble But Pols and Contributions Are 777
Even as casino fever is intensifying near New York City, in Atlantic City, where the industry was once thriving, the picture is much bleaker.
NYC Unemployment Up
In New York City, unemployment stands at 8 percent. The Bronx, long one of the poorest areas in the nation, has an unemployment rate of 11.2 percent.
City Doing Deficit Financing
The city has agreed to allow the state comptroller’s office to have a veto over city budgets for the next 10 years as a condition of obtaining emergency deficit financing.
Seabrook Looks for A New Trial Again
City Throws Money At Everything But Vets
Due to limited funding and manpower, Loree Sutton, the new commissioner of the Mayor’s Office of Veterans’ Affairs, faces serious challenges amid calls to revamp the office, Gotham Gazette reports:
Koch Used to Ask the Voters How'M I Doing? de Blasio Asks the Campaign Consultants
How's Bill de Blasio shifting resources and rhetoric to push his agenda? It's all in the data.Bill de Blasio rode to the mayoralty in 2013 on a wave of promises: citywide prekindergarten, more help for the downtrodden, politer policing, fewer traffic deaths and greater focus on the boroughs beyond Manhattan. His empathetic oratory has been a departure from the businesslike pronouncements of his data-focused predecessor, Michael Bloomberg. But Mr. de Blasio's efforts can just as well be quantified—as can his rhetoric.* BDB gave "Brooklyn (his home turf) 172 shout-outs, while Queens has received 87; the Bronx, 50; & Staten Island, 41” (CrainsNY)* New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s first budget will add more than 1,000 workers to the public payroll, reversing a six-year trend of downsizing city government, Crain’s reports:
How NYC Tax Breaks to Developers is Killing the Character and Style of the City
Daily News Gives BOE F On Teachout
Dumb as a board(NYDN Ed) We all lose As is her right, law professor Zephyr Teachout is challenging Gov. Cuomo in the Democratic primary for governor. As is his right, Cuomo challenged her place on the ballot, claiming she hadn’t been a state resident long enough to run.
One week ago, the trial judge ruled for Teachout, prompting Cuomo to exercise his right to appeal. The case is set to be heard tomorrow. But here, the rights of both candidates end — as the law is trumped by a stronger, stupider force: the defective state Board of Elections. Regardless of the appeals court’s ruling — no matter when it comes down — Teachout’s name will now stay on the ballot for more than 5 million Democrats — because, says the Board, the complexity of the state’s computerized voting machines makes it too late to change. Yes, these are the same machines that were supposed to make voting, and counting the votes, far simpler. This, despite the fact that the primary is still 22 days away. Those who can, do. Those who can’t, apparently, work at the Board of Elections. Zephyr Teachout won't win, but could hurt Gov. Cuomo with strong primary showing: insiders(NYDN)
Inside the Poor Door
GILDED CITY -- “Haves, have-nots divided by apartment poor doors,” by AP’s Jennifer Peltz: “One new Manhattan skyscraper will greet residents of pricey condos with a lobby in front, while renters of affordable apartments that got the developer government incentives must use a separate side entrance — a so-called poor door. In another apartment house, rent-regulated residents can't even pay to use a new gym that's free to their market-rate neighbors. Other buildings have added playrooms and roof decks off-limits to rent-stabilized tenants. … [A] recent spate of buildings with separate amenities for the haves and have-nots is … provoking an uncomfortable debate over equality, economics and the tightness of the social fabric.” http://yhoo.it/1rLteie
de Blasio Rides the Tax Payer
The Only Man Who Can Clean Up Albany
When U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara was asked about his investigation into Governor Andrew Cuomo's now-defunct Moreland Commission on Public Corruption last month on The Charlie Rose Show, he gave what can be seen as a stern assessment of good governance efforts in New York."Our interest above all other interests is to make sure that the job is getting done - because we are the people who do our jobs," said Bharara of rooting out corruption.Bharara's comments could be taken as a critique of ethics enforcement and reform in Albany as a whole as all of the state's agencies and other entities that can police political corruption appear restrained or restricted from actually doing the job. Thus, Bharara's federal office enters yet again to pick up the slack.* The real Moreland takeaway (NYDN Ed) We need public campaign financing* US Attorney Preet Bharara told the New York Times: “I have no interest and desire to seek political office…Now or ever.”
During his tenure as the United States attorney in Manhattan, Preet
Bharara has embraced the media spotlight while fighting attempts to
politicize justice.
Cuomo and the WFP Investigation
UNION PROBLEMS FOR CUOMO? Several sources close to the New York State AFL-CIO tell City & State that the organized labor umbrella group may not endorse Gov. Andrew Cuomo for reelection: * The attention around Cuomo’s shuttering of the Moreland Commission distracts from the crucial recommendations for campaign finance reform, SUNY New Paltz’s Gerald Benjamin and Fritz Schwarz, former New York City corporation counsel, write in the Daily News * After a brief respite from Moreland questions during his Israel trip, Cuomo returned to…more Moreland questions – even from a “friendly” interviewer, like FOX News’ Maria Bartiromo.* By traveling to Israel, Cuomo delivered the most explicit signal yet that he is positioning himself for a role beyond the state’s borders, political observers said.* Cuomo & Christie: These Bedfellows Are No Strangers (WNYC) * Morning Joe' questions Cuomo's email policy (Capital) * ‘Morning Joe’ Crew Questions Administration Email Retention(YNN) * AFL-CIO declines to endorse Cuomo for re-election(NYP) * Submitting six times the required amount of signatures was a show of organizing strength designed to minimize Republicans, who submitted signatures to create a Stop Common Core party, hoping to capitalize on parental anxiety with a standardized testing system. Republicans submitted 62,000 signatures.* Cuomo has alienated so many Albany players, he could almost run as an outsider. (Capital) * Rob Astorino’s remedy for New York’s economic woes(NYP)
The ad’s in the mail (NYDN Ed) Albany sends you your money, using your money Just over 1 million parents with children under 17 as of Dec. 31, 2012 — and with household incomes between $40,000 and $300,000 — are due to receive $350 each. An additional 3 million homeowners outside New York City — in localities that abide by Gov. Cuomo’s property tax “freeze” — are in line for an average of $656.Rather than have taxpayers claim the funds when filing their 2014 returns, the governor and Legislature are spending $2 million in postage so that the checks arrive in the mail in the runup to the Nov. 4 election. How very convenient.* Cuomo avoiding debates amid governor’s race(NYP * Gov. Andrew Cuomo must agree to debate
Teachout on Corrupiton; Daily News is No Fan of Teachout; Women's Rights?
Zephyr Teachout wins right to stay on primary ballot(NYP)
Wednesday
Zephyr Teachout accuses Andrew Cuomo of being in 'corrupt old boys club'(NYDN)
* While she likely won’t win, Zephyr Teachout said her primary challenge to Cuomo is a fight for the future of the Democratic party and that primaries can alter policy dramatically, the Village Voice writes:
* Republican candidate for governor Rob Astorino said he would debate Teachout if Gov. Andrew Cuomo refused to agree to a Democratic primary debate with her, the Daily News reports
Prove it, Zephyr (NYDN Ed)
Teachout should answer residency questions by releasing her tax returns* Bertha Lewis Irked After Mayor Endorses Andrew Cuomo(NYO)
94 Years Ago Women Were Given the Right to Vote
IRONY OF THE WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY: There is something unseemly about Gov. Andrew Cuomo attempting to steamroll the only woman challenging him while dozens of women rally to his cause, City & State’s Alexis Grenell writes: * Allies of Gov. Andrew Cuomo will set a record Tuesday by filing more than 90,000 signatures to create a new Women's Equality Party, Capital New York reports: * 94 years ago today, with the ratification of the 19th amendment, women gained the federal right to vote in the U.S. See the Times report from 1920: http://nyti.ms/1tblOHL *Kathy Hochul and Tim Wu Camps Spar Over Women’s Issues(NYO) * Nine Democrats running for state Senate will file petition signatures to run on the Cuomo-backed Women’s Equality Party line, which garnered 100,000 signatures from registered voters, Gannett Albany reports:
94 Years Ago Women Were Given the Right to Vote
IRONY OF THE WOMEN’S EQUALITY PARTY: There is something unseemly about Gov. Andrew Cuomo attempting to steamroll the only woman challenging him while dozens of women rally to his cause, City & State’s Alexis Grenell writes: * Allies of Gov. Andrew Cuomo will set a record Tuesday by filing more than 90,000 signatures to create a new Women's Equality Party, Capital New York reports: * 94 years ago today, with the ratification of the 19th amendment, women gained the federal right to vote in the U.S. See the Times report from 1920: http://nyti.ms/1tblOHL *Kathy Hochul and Tim Wu Camps Spar Over Women’s Issues(NYO) * Nine Democrats running for state Senate will file petition signatures to run on the Cuomo-backed Women’s Equality Party line, which garnered 100,000 signatures from registered voters, Gannett Albany reports:
Charmian Neary
You felt bad supporting @BilldeBlasio over Chris Quinn? Kiss that guilt goodbye! She's totally OK w/ undermining a woman. @zephyrteachout
BIG NEW YORKER ARTICLE ON CORRUPTION AND ZEPHYR TEACHOUT -- "The Crooked and the Dead: Does the constitution protect corruption?" by Jill Lepore: “Four years after the Supreme Court’s ruling in Citizens United dismantled a regime of campaign-finance legislation that had been in place for more than a century, the prospects for reform are bleak. There is quite possibly more money in American politics today than at any point in the country’s history. But there is also less agreement than ever about what can or should be done about it. … [H]istorically, New York is corruption’s proving ground. …“Cuomo is up for reëlection in November, but first he has to win a Democratic primary, on September 9th, against an improbable challenger: Zephyr Teachout, a constitutional-law professor at Fordham University. The week before the Times published its report, nearly ninety per cent of New York voters either didn’t know her name or had no opinion about her. Teachout has never held an elected office; she has little experience and less support. She’s not so much campaigning for office as campaigning for reform. Shortly before the primary, her first book will be released. It’s called ‘Corruption in America.’” http://nyr.kr/1oIt25V
--“HOW ZEPHYR TEACHOUT BECAME A CONTENDER”—Sarah Jaffe in The Nation: The last few weeks have shaken up the landscape in ways that shift both the significance and, potentially, the prospects of Teachout’s campaign. As she and Wu have traveled parts of the state, they have managed to tap into some of the profound frustration that people feel with a governor who has come to symbolize the corporate-friendly wing of the Democratic party. But they have also, and perhaps far more significantly, emerged as the anti-corruption crusaders running against a candidate who has been been hit, mid-campaign, by a bruising ethics scandal.” http://bit.ly/YmVjDU
In 1994, Lenora Fulani won 21% of the Dem primary vote against Mario Cuomo. How much will
Stringer Goes Out On A Tree Limb to Get A Good Press Hit
The Art of No Deal
Donald Trump can be a political blunderbuss sometimes — okay, most of the time — but he has a good point about the state’s Joint Commission on Public Ethics: Why the hell is this supposed watchdog taking so long to investigate his complaint against Attorney General Eric Schneiderman? More than nine months have gone by since the billionaire developer accused Schneiderman of shaking down Trump’s daughter and son-in-law for campaign money and political support even as Schneiderman’s office probed Trump University for allegedly scamming students.* Five former top prosecutors are throwing their support behind state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman’s re-election campaign, citing his gun, drug, crime and public corruption policies, the Times Union reports:
Winds of A Major WFP Investigation
Will de Blasio be Subpoenaed?
Will the WFP's Data and Field Cover Up Be Exposed By These Two Men?
Subpoenas issued in alleged WFP campaign finance abuse probe(NYP)
A 5-year-old investigation of the Working Families Party is back on track with a special prosecutor issuing subpoenas in his probe for alleged campaign abuses. “This is not meant to be a fishing expedition,” said Roger Adler, who was appointed when Staten Island DA Dan Donovan recused himself from the case. “It’s meant to be targeted to people who have relevant information.” Adler is looking into allegations that City Council member Debi Rose, who was backed by the WFP, received improper support from the party’s for-profit campaign arm, Data and Field Services, during the 2009 election that made her the council’s first black lawmaker from Staten Island. According to a lawsuit filed by voters against the party, the WFP’s campaign arm provided discounted consulting and get-out-the-vote services to Rose’s campaign that were never disclosed, a violation of campaign-finance laws. Adler said he has issued subpoenas to the WFP, the Campaign Finance Board, SEIU Local 1199 and the Communications Workers of America.* Albany County DA David Soares says he’s cooperating fully with the federal probe into the Moreland Commission’s demise.
Rose Campaign Paid $100,000 + to Berlin Rosen the Spokesman for de Blasio One NY Fund
Here Comes the WFP Investigation Melt Down
A special prosecutor has begun issuing subpoenas in the long-stalled investigation into the 2009 campaign activities of the Working Families Party, with a grand jury scheduled to be impaneled next month. (Capital)
WFP, Acorn 2.0 and the New Progressive Machine
The NYT Reports on the Ending of the WFP Investigation in 2010 But Not the Opening of It Again in 2014
No Charges Against Working Families Party - NYTimes.com(2010)
Bharara Talks Corruption
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said that the culture of corruption in Albany will only change when the public says enough is enough, Gannett Albany reports:
WFP's Lawyers and Political Operatives Have Worked Hard to Stop the Data and Field Investigation
Only Staten Island Prosecutors Are Willing to Cross the WFP
Since 2009 Lawyer for WFP Have Been Trying With Much Success Stopping Investigations into Data and Field
Pol stonewalls suit on WFP campaign(NYP)A City Council hopeful won’t cough up documents related to whether
the Working Families Party is scamming the campaign finance system —
because the case could involve “criminal liability,” according to
documents released yesterday. The bombshell development was revealed at a court hearing where
lawyers for the WFP and the campaign of Staten Island candidate Debi
Rose tried to get a suit against them tossed.* No Charges Against Working Families Party - NYTimes.com * Who'll dare to probe the WFP? | New York(NYP)Like its ACORN partner, the WFP has responded to allegations by announcing an investigation of itself. With all respect to former Chief Judge Judith Kaye, whom the WFP tapped to lead the internal review, no one but an outside prosecutor will be able to hold the party accountable. On the local level, the best hope rests with Staten Island District Attorney Daniel Donovan, a Republican. Spurred by an election lawsuit filed by Randy Mastro, a top aide in the Giuliani administration, Donovan’s office has “begun a preliminary review” of Debi Rose’s WFP-boosted campaign for City Council, say sources.Rose’s lawyer refused to provide documents requested by the Mastro suit, citing his client’s Fifth Amendment right to not implicate herself in a crime. The councilwoman-elect later insisted that the Fifth wasn’t her actual grounds for refusing to cooperate with the demand for records — but failed to give another reason.Among the local prosecutors, incoming Manhattan DA Cy Vance has the most resources and largest staff. But is he willing to provoke the outrage of organized labor? A case emerging with the other Democratic DAs isn’t promising. “I need a complaint,” says Brooklyn DA Joe Hynes, who was endorsed by the WFP. State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who has been silent on the WFP matter, could open a civil case against the party’s shell corporation. And, under a statute that has been used in rare circumstances, the attorney general may ask the governor for the power to criminally prosecute abuses of election law. Aspiring to be a more radical version of Boss Tweed, the WFP is an election or two away from becoming too powerful to stop. The choice facing Democrats and prosecutors is reminiscent of that line from “The Untouchables”: “Mr. Ness, everybody knows where the booze is. The problem isn’t finding it; the problem is who wants to cross Capone.”
More About WFP Data and Field
WFP, Acorn 2.0 and the New Progressive Machine
NY's Fuck Up Election Law Has Teachout Spending Half of Campaign Fighting in Court
Good Government Group Silent as Usual
How can a challenger campaign when so much of their resources and time go to court fighting to stay on the ballot? Dozens of candidates every year a intentionally taken to court to suck money from their campaign and limit the time they can campaign. Most of the candidates who try to knock off their opponents do it with the understanding they have no hope of winning. It more a political move than a legal move. It a major emotional drainer in energy esp for first time challengers against incumbents or the machine. There a few election law specialist in this city who call August when the court challenges are tried their Christmas * Obama aide and City Councilman allowed on Bronx ballots for upcoming Democratic primary(NYDN) * Teachout lawyer responds to Cuomo appeal(Capital)
Friday Update Two of the State's Big Unions Back Teachout and Cuomo Still Trying to Knock Her Off the Ballot
Public Employees Federation backs Zephyr Teachout - UPDATED *Teachout Releases Her First Online Ad(YNN) *Cuomo snubbed by two of state's most influential employee unions(NYDN) * Martin Connor, the lawyer who brought the Cuomo campaign's residency challenge against primary challenger Zephyr Teachout, filed an appeal alleging she "retroactively" changed her residency, Capital New York reports: * The Village Independent Democrats club withdrew its endorsement of Kathy Hochul for lieutenant governor and instead threw its support behind insurgent candidate Tim Wu, Capital New York reports:
Jerry Skurnik
@unitedNYblogs Law used to challenge her is part of State Constitution - not election law
|
Fredric U. Dicker
Wow! Village Independent Democrats dumped Hochul for Wu last night on heels of PEF's endorsement of Teachout.
NY1 Puts Lobbyists On TV and They Get More Contracts
NY1 Wiseguy D'Amato Accused of Setting Up A Fake Company to Get Women Set Aside Contracts From the Feds
An ex-ally and business partner sued former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato, alleging he and others swindled her out of at least $5 million in commissions and tried to use her to deceive the federal government.
D’Amato used ally as fake executive, cheated out of $5M: suit(NYP)An ex-ally and business partner of former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato slapped the power broker with a federal lawsuit Thursday alleging he and others swindled her out of at least $5 million in commissions — and tried using her as a “stalking horse” to deceive the feds into giving them lucrative contracts set aside for women-owned businesses. Mary Arnold, a longtime DC lobbyist and Florida resident, is seeking $20 million in punitive damages and to recover at least $5 million she claims she is owed through a contract with Precision Discovery, a Manhattan-based litigation consulting firm run by the longtime New York politician and his brother, Armand D’Amato, the suit claims.The Manhattan federal suit says Precision, which is also named as a defendant, created an entity known as AEDDiscovery LLC while trying to score government contracts worth hundreds of millions of dollars to provide electronic document retrieval services for use in court. The suit claims that the defendants’ plan was to make Arnold majority shareholder in name only for AEDDiscovery as it pursued the fed contracts. But she would have no power and see little — if any — of the profits.
NY1 and Their Corrupt Lobbyists Wise Guys
BdB told the public he paid for personal vacation to Italy. But City Hall confirms NYC paid for this Mercedes-Benz. BdB recently consulted w/ lawyer to determine whether he should personally pay for commuting from Gracie. * BdB recently consulted w/ lawyer to determine whether he should personally pay for commuting from Gracie.
Michael Howard Saul
NYC Students Still Failing At Reading At Math
Twenty-nine percent of students in New York City passed in reading, up
from 27 percent; the passing rate for math rose by about four percentage
points.* TINY STEP FORWARD: New York City students make modest gains on state exams; racial achievement gap widens(NYDN) * Two-thirds of students who didn't graduate need Common Core(NYDN) * Common Core testing creates a narrative of failure (NYDN)* Score one for the Core(NYDN
Ed) Kids are learning - but there's much more to be done. Results from
the second year of Common Core state tests lead to two unmistakable
conclusions.Stuyvesant’s test isn’t the problem First, more kids are
learning. The chorus of “can’t” — made up of union
leaders, politicians and some parents and teachers who doubted children
could possibly master the material required under demanding new
standards — was wrong. If responsible adults show fortitude, and if they
have the sense to
learn from schools that are making the biggest gains, children can and
will achieve in ever-greater numbers. Second, the progress thus far,
while cause for hope, is too slow
and too slight — with nearly two-thirds of city kids still scoring
below grade level in math, and more than two-thirds falling short in
English. Which means celebrating achievement cannot for a moment breed
complacency.* De Blasio (and rivals) nod to Bloomberg on test scores(Capital) Sharing credit on modest improvements* Dept. of Ed. adjusts Common Core proficiency thresholds(NYP) * Cap NY:
"The de Blasio administration's narrative about Thursday's release of
test scores was predictable; modest gains are modestly good news, even
if the city has much more work to do on student achievement."* * For the second year in a row, New
York City girls in grades 3-8 outscored boys on state math tests, with
35.2 percent passing this year, compared to 33.4 percent of boys
passing, the Post writes: * The state should launch a study to understand why charter school
students had higher ELA and math scores on state tests in order to
improve public schools, the Daily News writes: *
Gonzalez: School officials lose $356M in special education funds over sloppy accounting(NYDN)
* * Public school teachers are suing New York City to take control of their lesson plans away from supervisors and keep them solely in the hands of teachers—a move that scored an “F” from reformers, the Post writes:
Gonzalez: School officials lose $356M in special education funds over sloppy accounting(NYDN)
* * Public school teachers are suing New York City to take control of their lesson plans away from supervisors and keep them solely in the hands of teachers—a move that scored an “F” from reformers, the Post writes:
Seven out of the state’s 15 top-scoring schools on math proficiency tests this year were Success Academy charter schools — the same network targeted by Mayor de Blasio earlier this year in a fight over classroom space.
An astounding 93.9 percent of Success students passed the Common Core math exam and 64.5 percent passed the English proficiency test, a significant jump from last year and more than double the pass rate of all public schools citywide.* New York’s test scores message: Save our students!(NYP) New York’s school leaders are citing “progress” in the state test scores released Thursday. Yet for most kids now in the public schools, the message is depressing: Even if you graduate, you probably won’t be prepared for college or a job.City Schools Chancellor Carmen Fariña actually called Thursday’s scores “wonderful news” (though she admitted they could be better). Mayor de Blasio called it “a good day” for city schools. * Test data showing thousands opting out of state exams perplexes officials(NYDN)
Success Academy is living up to its name. Seven out of the state’s
15 top-scoring schools on math proficiency tests this year were Success
Academy charter schools — the same...
This year’s Common Core tests show kids are learning but progress
is too slow, with nearly two-thirds of city kids still below grade level
in math and more than two-thirds falling short in English* Scores Remain Low, But City Students Make Progress on Standardized Exams(NY1) * The New York State United Teachers union announced it will not endorse a candidate in this year’s governor’s race. [Crain’s New York Business]* More NYC students were proficient on this year's math and reading tests, but two thirds still don't meet standards.(WNYC) * Mayor Bill de Blasio applauded the
standardized test gains made by students, half of which was under his
predecessor, but said he would look to improve with his own educational
policies, the Observer reports: *Math is for girls (NYDN Ed) Award-winning genius Maryam Mirzakhani destroys another stereotypeLess Jobs in the City, Lower Unemployment Rate, Oh Yea
How Campaign Contribution to Mayor and BP Katz Saved Corrupt Queens Library Board Member
Banana NY: Sheinkopf the Man Who Pleaded the 5th to the AEG Investigator Replace The Advance Group Under FBI Investigation
NYCLASS adds Sheinkopf to steer new mail blitz (NYO) NYCLASS, the prominent animal rights group seeking to ban horse-drawn
carriages from city streets, has added a veteran Democratic operative to
steer its new direct mail blitz. Henry Sheinkopf, who has worked as consultant for former Mayor
Michael Bloomberg, Gov. Andrew Cuomo and a host of city and state level
candidates, will lead a new mail and field operation targeting the
districts of City Council members undecided about the ban. NYCLASS, short for New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Streets,
will target the Brooklyn districts of Council members Mathieu Eugene and
Laurie Cumbo, along with the Manhattan district of Councilman Daniel
Garodnick–in addition to several others that have yet to be revealed. TOUGH HAUL FOR BLAZ: Longtime de Blasio ally, the Working Families Party, opposes horse carriage ban(NYDN) * Bill gets bucked (NYDN) De Blasio ally Working Families Party lives up to its name by standing up to the superstar mayor it helped elect, and standing up for horse carriages and their drivers
The Advance Group is Under Investigation
Banana NY: A Long History Of Sheinkopf Corruption Means Nothing To Power Brokers and Press
Banana NY:The Shame of New York
Hank Sheinkopf Thompson Consultant
Corrupt Hank Sheinkopf * Bribe $$$ As the state evaluated the billion-dollar proposals for the Aqueduct Racetrack racino in 2009, principals for the shadiest bidder gave thousands to a political committee controlled by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver — money that nobody today can account for. And months later, just before that scandal-plagued bidder was picked, Silver solicited “campaign dough” from Hank Sheinkopf, a friend who was lobbying for the company, the Aqueduct Entertainment Group. * Sheldon Silver on hot seat over racino bid as e-mails track money to political committee(NYP) Democratic Campaign Committee at the same time that he was representing AEG and its precursor with Senate Democrats. Having worked for Bill Thompson and Mike Bloomberg most recently, Sheinkopf makes kings so he can then make deals with the kings he’s made." More on Hank Sheinkopf
More About Corrupt Hank Sheinkopf
Schneiderman Puts Together A Grand Jury to Investigate Criminal Charges Against Former DA Joe Hynes
Trump Sues JCOPE over Inaction of Schneiderman Complaint
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How the Rats Took Over Frederick Douglass Houses
67% of New Yorkers Know Nothing About the Moreland Commission
A new Siena poll found
New York voters view corruption in state government as a serious issue,
yet only about a third of them have followed recent developments about
Cuomo’s disbanded Moreland Commission closely enough to be able to offer
an informed opinion.* “Three weeks after Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration was
engulfed in scandal over his office’s alleged interference with the
Moreland Commission, only a third of New Yorkers, 32 percent, have even
heard of the now-defunct ethics panel, even as the percentage of voters
who believe corruption is a “ serious problem” in state government has
climbed to 86 percent, a new Siena poll shows.”
New Yorkers believe Gov. Cuomo interfered with Moreland anti-corruption commission: Siena Poll (NYDN) Most New Yorkers don't know much about Gov. Cuomo's corruption-fighting Moreland Commission -- but nearly twice as many believe newspaper reports that he and his office tampered with it than say they were just providing information, a poll released Monday finds. "Despite the political swirl, Cuomo continues to lead Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino by 32 points, down a little from 37 points three weeks ago," shows the new Siena Poll of likely gubernatorial voters.“While 32% say they’re familiar with Moreland or its work, 67% are not. Sixty-four percent say they’ve heard nothing or not very much about the federal investigation of the Moreland Commission. And a similar 63% say they don’t have enough information to judge whether actions by the governor and his staff should be characterized as potentially criminal, simply inappropriate, or perfectly appropriate,” Siena Pollster Steven Greenberg said.* Voters Call Corruption Serious But Aren’t Following Moreland Commission Fallout(NYO) * Uneducated &/or Uninformed Voters Support Cuomo: Voters Unaware, Unconcerned About Cuomo's Ethics (Newsmax)
The television news media in America: The dumbing down of a nation!
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How the Rats Took Over Frederick Douglass Houses
Gale A. Brewer
NYCHA Blames Own Staff for Rat Scourge at Frederick Douglass Houses via @Dnainfo http://dnain.fo/1sBHkqt Thx to CM Mark Levine-forum on rats
The New New Yorkers Are Dumb Hicks and the Elected Officials, Lobbyists and Permanent Government Know it
67% of New Yorkers Know Nothing About the Moreland Commission
New Yorkers believe Gov. Cuomo interfered with Moreland anti-corruption commission: Siena Poll (NYDN) Most New Yorkers don't know much about Gov. Cuomo's corruption-fighting Moreland Commission -- but nearly twice as many believe newspaper reports that he and his office tampered with it than say they were just providing information, a poll released Monday finds. "Despite the political swirl, Cuomo continues to lead Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino by 32 points, down a little from 37 points three weeks ago," shows the new Siena Poll of likely gubernatorial voters.“While 32% say they’re familiar with Moreland or its work, 67% are not. Sixty-four percent say they’ve heard nothing or not very much about the federal investigation of the Moreland Commission. And a similar 63% say they don’t have enough information to judge whether actions by the governor and his staff should be characterized as potentially criminal, simply inappropriate, or perfectly appropriate,” Siena Pollster Steven Greenberg said.* Voters Call Corruption Serious But Aren’t Following Moreland Commission Fallout(NYO) * Uneducated &/or Uninformed Voters Support Cuomo: Voters Unaware, Unconcerned About Cuomo's Ethics (Newsmax)
When Negative Stories Are Printed by News About Airbnb or Cuomo's Moreland Problems Local TV News Makes Money and is the Main Source of News For Most Americans
Local TV News Makes More Money Keeping Us Misinformed and Giving the Special Interest News Control Though Paid Ads
Why is the agency studying 'perceived station bias' and asking about coverage choices?
The report notes the important role of television news but also
describes how cutbacks have resulted in newsrooms without deep,
beat-oriented expertise. It also says that news stations need to do a
better job disclosing paid programming and how they serve the public
interest.
Conan has done the local-news-anchors-reading-from-the-same-script bit several times before, such as a hilarious compilation of them earlier ...
How Local TV News Make Millions Rehabilitating Candidates and Cleaning Up Policies Harmful to the Public
State Democratic Party Tried to Distract Public Attention From Cuomo's Moreland Scandal
Pro-Cuomo ad blitz to soften anti-corruption panel scandal’s hit(NYP)
The state Democratic Party opened its war chest for an ad blitz
promoting Gov. Cuomo to blunt a blistering report detailing how his
administration meddled with an anti-corruption panel, records show. The
state Democratic Campaign Committee spent $281,655 for ads that began
airing July 19, one day after the governor’s office learned The New York
Times was going to print a lengthy story about how Cuomo aides
compromised the workings of the Moreland Commission panel.
Cuomo Best for Tax Payers to Close Moreland * Gov. Cuomo’s Moreland mess: He did it for us(NYP)
Rest easy, New York: In his handling of the Moreland Commission, which
was investigating Albany’s corruption, Andrew Cuomo was only doing
what’s best for us taxpayers.After five days in hiding, the governor
emerged Monday to deploy some Clintonesque grammar to explain that it
all depends what you mean by the words “interfered with.” Turns out in
Cuomo’s office it means offering “advice.”* State Democrats launch new attack ad against Rob Astorino(NYDN) *
Of the two dozen companies so far announced that will receive 10 years
of tax breaks as a part of Start-Up NY, more than half are actually
expansions of companies that already operate in New York or elsewhere, the Times Union writes:
Most of Sampson Money Comes From unindicted co-conspirator in an extortion plot that figured in the racketeering trial of ex-Gambino boss Peter Gotti
Another Pol Convicted, Baldeo
Tthe fact that Albert Baldeo lost his election does not excuse his
corrupt conduct. With today’s verdict of guilty, an impartial federal
jury has found that Baldeo lied and instructed others to lie to law
enforcement agents investigating the source of his campaign
contributions, and threatened and intimidated others in order to conceal
the truth,” Mr. Bharara said in a statement. “These practices have no
place in our politics or our justice system, and there should be no
doubt that this Office will prosecute such conduct while it continues to
vigorously investigate and prosecute political corruption in New York
City and New York State.”
Feds Get the Computer of GOP #2 Senator's Wife. Libous
City At Last Understand That Fed Cuts Mean Less Money For Housing Repairs
Public Housing In City Reaches A Fiscal Crisis(NYT)
Federal subsidies for the New York City Housing Authority have been shrinking greatly since the 2000s, and its spending has been cut, repairs uncompleted and renovations put off.* After years of shrinking government investment in public housing, NYCHA has a $77 million budget deficit this year and unfunded capital needs totaling $18 billion, its officials say.
Brooklyn Congressman Proposes Public Housing Security Legislation(NY1)
RIP Fabian Palomino
W. Averell Harriman, Hugh L. Carey and both Mario M. Cuomo and Andrew M. Cuomo used Mr. Palomino’s counsel. RIP Fabian G. Palomino,
who advised Democratic governors of New York State from W. Averell
Harriman to Andrew Cuomo and was particularly influential in the
administration of Mario Cuomo, a friend since law school.
Thanks to the Lobbyists Its No Longer A Wonderful Life For Seniors On the Westside of Pottersville
“It’s
horrible to move at our age,” said Lillian Schafer, 90, balking at the
notion of leaving the assisted-living facility Williams Memorial
Residence to go to East Harlem. A developer wants to build a luxury
development on the sight of Schafer building. “All the way up there?
East 125th Street. Oh my god! That the way the new lobbyists private
Tammany Hall unanswerable to the voters treat seniors when their is a
buck to be made for the developers and themselves. New York City being
overrun by developers has more in common with Pottersville than Bedford
Falls and their is no George Bailey to save us. Not even Clarence can't
earn his angle wings against these money hungry lobbyists, Rosen-Potter
and Kasirer-Potter and the developers they work for. They even want to
use the white seniors to push the gentrification of Harlem making new
markets for them to push long term middle class residence out of the
city. Forget about the poor door. Seniors who have built our city,
defended our country and raised our families are now treated like
lobbyists who run the new private Tammany Hall. The international
faith-based organization which will run the new Harlem senior housing,
promised it won’t increase rents for those who make the move for at
least 18 months, and moving fees will also be paid.
Lobbyists for Developers Throw Seniors Who Have Built This City Out of Their Homes
Berlin Rosen Joined At the Hip With A Congressman and AG
.
The Privatization of the Tammany Hall Machine
The
Old Tammany Hall Machine was corrupt as corrupt as the lobbyists who
have run today's New York's political system. But the machine of the
Boss Tweed era was far more responsive to voters and the communities
that it served. Terry Golway recent book explained how Tammany
Hall depended on voter turnout for power. To get votes the old machine
offered services, provided jobs and protected the neighborhood where
their votes came from. Tammany Hall governing style was responsible for
creating New York's strong Neighborhoods of old. Tammany
leader George Washington Plunkitt — the man who coined the phrase
“honest graft” — met with constituents and lesser Tammany officials in
his district several times a week to find out who was happy with
Tammany’s services and who required some special attention. Today's
lobbyist's controlled private machine gain power by getting electing
candidates and feeding them with campaign contributions from their
clients who are looking for city contracts or zoning changes, they never
meet the voters.
Lobbyists Political Consultants Have At First Worked Side by Side With Party Bosses to Cut Themselves Into Election System . . . They Are Now in the Process of Cutting Out Those Party Machines Who Brought Them In
Today's
Lobbyist Private Political Machine did not replace the old Tammany
Hall. It replaced political parties machine running on fumes, using the
election low and decreasing voter's turnout to stay in power. The
dumbing down of the press and the voting public and the end of organized
political competition after the Eleanor Roosevelt who pushed out Tammany's de Sapio and the anti-Viet Nam reform movement, have left party bosses in power unchallenged.
.
WFP Tries to Duck Subpoenas to Delay Case Which is Close to Statue of Limitations
How the WFP is Trying to Stop the Special Prosecutor
The
Working Families Party is trying to stop an investigation of a city
council election launched by Staten Island District Attorney Daniel
Donovan, the prosecutor's ex parte application to be relieved of the
case, and a judge's decision to grant the motion and appoint a special
prosecutor without revealing why. Working Families Party v. Fisher,
59, centers on a probe Donovan launched into a 2009 City Council
campaign and apparently involves the party's use of a not-for-profit arm
to promote liberal Democrats. The WFP has challenged Donovan's
authority to recuse himself and Fisher's authority to relieve the
district attorney without "a showing of actual prejudice based on a
demonstrated conflict of interest," as mandated by County Law §701. The
Appellate Division, Second Department, last August rejected the party's
petition and affirmed the appointment of Adler. It held that a writ of
prohibition is suitable to challenge the appointment of a special
district attorney only if the special D.A. is performing a
quasi-judicial function, as opposed to conducting an investigation. In
another case in the past WFP
lawyer Avi Schick has been trying to quash subpoenas from a special
prosecutor that involve a 2009 council race on Staten Island. * Boot special prosecutor in S.I. election probe, Working Families Party tells court(SI Advance)
.
Hillary Distances
IT Firm That Got Away With Citytime Corruption Wins Another Contract So Much For Cleaning Up IT Contracts
When It Comes to City IT Contracts Gartner is the Permanent Government
”DCA hired Gartner in 2007 to create an online system for businesses to
apply for licenses — a confusing process that was being handled by
multiple agencies. The project’s original contract was for $4.5 million
and was to take two years. Liu’s auditors found timesheets that appeared as if they had been
manufactured after auditors asked for them. The former controller also
raised questions about $500,000 in payments on an earlier contract
Gartner had overseeing creation of a GPS system to track city garbage
trucks. His 2011 audit questioned whether Gartner was billing for items
not related to that project. Liu sent his findings to the DOI in
February 2013, but they declined to pursue the matter because there were
no clear signs of fraud. \Gartner has seen its existing city contracts expanded by the Technology
Development Corp., a city-funded nonprofit set up in 2012 by then-Mayor
Michael Bloomberg to get control of big tech projects in the wake of
CityTime. TDC is able to hire vendors without putting contracts out to bid. TDC
does this by claiming the need for consultant work is time-sensitive,
then expanding a consultant’s existing city contract with what are
called “task orders.”More on the Citytime Cover-Up
So Much for Another Attempt to Clean Up the City's IT Contracts
In 2012, the Comptroller’s Office issued an audit finding that Hewlett-Packard had padded time sheets, reaping millions of unearned dollars on a contract related to the E-911 dispatch system.The audit highlighted how HP and its subcontractors billed the city for work unrelated to the project — even stating on time sheets that workers had spent time killing water bugs in a bathroom and that workers attended meetings when they were clearly taking the day off. It also found that HP had failed to ensure that its consultants and subcontractors were qualified to perform the duties paid for by the city, and that time sheets were sometimes approved more than two years after the work was done.As Federal Judge George Daniels stated in sentencing the con artists behind CityTime, the city’s procurement system is “an invitation for not just waste but corruption and fraud for those who would take advantage of a bureaucratic mess,” and that without significant reform, “criminal prosecutions for fraud against the city will continue to be a routine part of the court’s docket.”
WSJ Says Bharara Goes Rogue Over Cuomo's Moreland Corruption
POLITICO’s Jeff Smith says the Moreland mess has Cuomo in “serious trouble” and is “far more serious than some people believe.” CUOMO’S GIFT TO BHARARA -- Capital’s Blake Zeff: “The governor
may have given a gift to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara when he and his top
staff engineered positive statements from former Moreland Commission
members, a move that could be construed as witness-tampering, a crime
under federal law. “When the feds have expressed an interest in a
matter, circling back and trying to get people to change or clarify
their accounts really is a dangerous move,” Columbia Law professor
Daniel Richman, a former federal prosecutor in the Southern
District,told Business Week last week. “Corporate counsels are generally
careful about this, and one would have thought that the governor’s
office would be too.”
Prosecutor Plays Hardball in Cuomo Inquiry(WSJ) Bharara Publicly Criticizes New York Governor, Keeps Justice Department Out of Loop. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has charted a confrontational and independent course in his investigation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's disbanding of an anticorruption commission, former prosecutors and political observers said. Mr. Bharara has launched a broad inquiry, including publicly criticizing the governor's dissolution of the commission and using tough prosecutorial tactics, all without seeking approval from the Justice Department in Washington, according to people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors customarily inform the department of matters of national importance, current and former federal officials say, though the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office, arguably the most powerful of the 93 nationwide, is given more free rein.
Prosecutor Plays Hardball in Cuomo Inquiry(WSJ) Bharara Publicly Criticizes New York Governor, Keeps Justice Department Out of Loop. Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has charted a confrontational and independent course in his investigation of New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's disbanding of an anticorruption commission, former prosecutors and political observers said. Mr. Bharara has launched a broad inquiry, including publicly criticizing the governor's dissolution of the commission and using tough prosecutorial tactics, all without seeking approval from the Justice Department in Washington, according to people familiar with the matter. Prosecutors customarily inform the department of matters of national importance, current and former federal officials say, though the Manhattan U.S. attorney's office, arguably the most powerful of the 93 nationwide, is given more free rein.
Prosecutors are investigating allegations that the governor's aides
sought to influence the commission's investigations, including whether
they tried to stop it from referring some cases for prosecution,
according to people familiar with the matter. Mr. Bharara's tactics have included
criticizing Mr. Cuomo during a radio interview in April for agreeing to
disband the commission in exchange for lawmakers passing the
ethics-overhaul bill that he sought. Mr. Cuomo has defended the deal. Mr.
Bharara also issued preservation notices to state lawmakers and to the
governor's office, instructing them to retain all records and documents
related to the Moreland Commission. Generally, former federal
prosecutors said, U.S. attorneys simply issue subpoenas. He
took what former prosecutors called a rare step when he sent letters to
Mr. Cuomo's office and the commission, saying the administration's
contact with commissioners could represent witness tampering or
obstruction of justice. Prosecutors generally don't give warning that
actions could constitute crimes in the midst of continuing
investigations. * The Moreland Commission controversy may be starting to drain Gov. Cuomo's campaign acct according to the Daily News.(NYDN)
Big Push for Brooklyn Dem Convention
Mayor de Blasio goes easy on trash talking rivals during Day 2 of DNC 2016 pitch(NYDN) * Brooklyn Is Fighting It Out for Democratic Convention(WSJ) * Mayor De Blasio Gets a Free Ride(WSJ)
SPOTTED at Gracie Mansion last night for the DNCNYC BBQ, hosted by Mayor Blasio: Alan Patricof, David Kovner, Robert Zimmerman, Cynthia Nixon, Stuart Appelbaum, Ruben Diaz Jr., Karen Keogh, Suri Kasirer, Fred Dixon and Kathy Hochul. Along with frankfurters, fried chicken and corn muffin were cupcakes that said “NYC.”
-- MAYOR’S DNC PITCH: RIDE OUR TRAINS -- Capital’s Gloria Pazmino: “De Blasio touted the city’s ‘vast’ public transportation offerings as yet another reason why the 2016 Democratic convention should be held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. ‘We just had a lovely 25-minute subway ride from Rockefeller Center,’ … he said at a press conference in the Barclays Plaza on the second day of a tour with party officials. ‘[We] had great conversations along the way, about everything that New York City is … able to do to win this convention and make sure it’s a great convention for the Democratic Party.’” http://bit.ly/1oJ188T
--QUOTE OF DAY: “We learned a lot from the mistakes of 2004.” -- Bill de Blasio, on hosting political conventions. http://goo.gl/Zee2vd
--“De Blasio: Democratic National Convention in Brooklyn will mean 'a lot of money flowing',” by Newsday’s Emily Ngo: “The disruption to everyday commuters and residents during the summer of 2016 would be ‘limited and brief,’ … de Blasio said … The event would bring more than 30,000 attendees to the city, many of whom would stay in Manhattan hotels and travel to Brooklyn's Barclays Center … via traffic lanes, shuttles and ferries dedicated to the convention … de Blasio said the presidential nominating convention would likely take place in July or August, when more residents are on vacation, and the major events would likely occur over four nights.” http://nwsdy.li/1sU15bf
NYC giving swag bags, iPads, personalized Nets jerseys to DNC site-selection comm membrs
efore Mayor Bill de Blasio began his bid to win the 2016 convention he made sure he had the Clintons’ blessing, three people familiar with the discussions said. * PULLING OUT THE STOPS: Mayor de Blasio dishing out gifts, gala to convince DNC committee to choose Brooklyn for 2016 convention(NYDN) * Courting a National Political Convention(WSJ) Mayor Bill de Blasio plans to host a two-day fete for Democratic National Committee officials starting Monday, in a bid to convince the party that New York has the transportation infrastructure to pull off its 2016 national convention.*Bill de Blasio has a lot to gain should Brooklyn win the 2016 Democratic National Convention (NYDN) Hosting the political extravaganza would be a priceless opportunity for the freshman mayor to star on the nation's political stage. Monday Update IT'S LIKE SHOVING NEW YORK DOWN EVERYBODY'S THROATS': Big Apple emerges as one of the top contenders to host 2016 Democratic National Convention, but many think it should go to swing state(NYDN) * Can
$100 MILLION IN COMMITMENTS -- “NYC’s all-star convention roster,” by Maggie Haberman: The city “has put together a sweeping list of more than [70] people — ranging from Napster founder Sean Parker to Goldman Sachs Chairman Lloyd Blankfein to designer Diane von Furstenberg to union leaders — committed to raising the money to host the Democratic National Convention in Brooklyn in 2016. … [O]ne of the most surprising names is Parker — who has made moves to become a political force this cycle and who has ties to Deputy Mayor Peter Ragone.
“There are entertainment industry figures, like actress Cynthia Nixon, hiphop producer Russell Simmons and HBO chief Richard Plepler. There are donors with long ties to Bill and Hillary Clinton, like Alan Patricof and Ron Perelman, but also those now known primarily from the Barack Obama orbit, like financiers Robert Wolf, Mark Gallogly, Blair Effron and public-relations executive Michael Kempner. There are other Wall Street titans, like JPMorgan Chase’s Jamie Dimon and American Express’s Kenneth Chenault, real estate leaders like Douglas Durst and Marc Holliday, and business figures like Partnership for a Greater New York City president Kathy Wylde.
“
De Blasio's secret plan to nab the 2016 Democratic National Convention (NYDN)
ew York City’s effort to bring the Democratic National Convention to the Barclays Center in 2016 — a bid that could help elevate Mayor Bill de Blasio’s national profile while infusing the party with a dash of Brooklyn Cool — reached the pep rally stage on Monday, as convention officials were welcomed for a two-day tour.
True News Has Been Reporting For Months That Airbnb is Warehousing Apartments Causing Rent to Go Up
Airbnb’s threat to affordable housing (NYDN) The website is taking thousands of units off the market
Judge Rules Against NYS Housing Law to Protect Airbnb
Judge nixes illegal AIrbnb subletter’s eviction(NYP)
A court ruling this week could open the floodgates for Big Apple
apartment dwellers to sublet via the controversial home-share Web site
Airbnb. The potentially precedent-setting ruling by a Manhattan Housing
Court judge nixed the eviction of a Financial District resident who had
been subletting her apartment through the San Francisco-based
accommodations site — even though she admitted to breaking New York City
law. * In a potentially precedent-setting ruling, a Manhattan judge
overturned the eviction of a resident who sublet her apartment through
Airbnb and said the Multiple Dwelling Law is aimed at landlords, not
tenants, the Post writes: * The Post writes that when New York City landlords are
forced by politicians to rent below the market rate, they will stop
repairs and not expand supply, driving up rental prices in the
non-regulated sector:
SEX, LIES AND AIRBNB: The
debate about Airbnb is quickly devolving into a whore-a-phobia worthy
of Hawthorne, writes C&S columnist Alexis Grenell, who argues
that its foes are motivated by self-preservation: http://goo.gl/xXi8OU
Judge Kills AG Subpoena of Airbnb
A state Supreme Court has ruled in
Airbnb’s favor, quashing a subpoena from Schneiderman’s office
requesting personal information and data about the website’s users.* Airbnb doesn’t have to give out ‘host’ records: judge(NYP)
Court
decision gives Airbnb a little time, looks like that's it. AG prevailed
on every point save one techical issue w/ breadth of subpoena.New York Judge Quashes Airbnb Subpoena(WSJ)
Helen Rosenthal
Losing 13,000 units of #affordablehousing to #Airbnbbad4NYC @AGSchneiderman Not good for #UWS @efrost1 @westsiderag
Might de Blasio's DNC bid really be about spurring hotel development and expansion of AirBnB in Brooklyn? * Big-time developers involved in DNC push- --and AirBnB hired BdB's campaign manager @unitedNYblogs @AYReport
Ted Hamm
Airbnb Contributes Max to de Blasio and Other Pols
Why Pols Don't Speak Out on Airbnb It all About the Benjamins . . .
The
three men founded the popular apartment sharing website Airbnb, which
is currently locked in a standoff with New York State regulators. So it
is perhaps not surprising that in recent days each of the three gave the
maximum possible donation to Bill de Blasio, the Democratic nominee for mayor, who, if he wins, could play a significant role in the negotiations.Airbnb and Uber's Latest Lobbying Tactic: Donate to Bill De Blasio * Airbnb Really Wants Bill De Blasio To Be Cool With Airbnb ...
Lobbyist for Airbnb in NYC is Bulton St Johns
Airbnb Ads Help Support the New Online News Blogs Capital, City and State and Local TV
The
Capital News and City and State Blogs mix an advertising spin message
from Airbnb at the same time when the day after the AG forced the
company to release info to expose apartment bundlers who turned NYC
apartments into hotels. Everytime bad news about Airbnb is printed these
publication and the local TV stations get more ads.
Capital* A message from AIRBNB: DID YOU KNOW THAT BROOKLYN IS NOW A MAJOR TOURIST DESTINATION? Airbnb
hosts welcomed 118,400 visitors to Brooklyn last year, generating $89
million in new economic activity for Brooklyn businesses and families.
Airbnb guests are helping Brooklyn families afford their rent and
supporting small businesses that help Brooklyn thrive* Airbnb Forced To Hand Over Anonymous User Records *The Morning Risk Report wonders if Airbnb hosts will balk at the NY attorney general combing through their records
City and State Airbnb Ads Did you know that Airbnb will generate $768 million in
economic activity in New York City this year? Each day, more and more
New Yorkers are opening their doors to visitors from around the world.
Their guests are supporting your favorite local businesses, like pizza
parlors, bagel shops, and coffee stands. Come learn more about how
Airbnb is helping your neighborhood:
************
More about Airbnb
How NYC is Losing the Middle Class
When Negative Stories Are Printed by News About Airbnb or Cuomo's Moreland Problems Local TV News Makes Money
How Local TV News Make Millions Rehabilitating Candidates and Cleaning Up Policies Harmful to the Public
State Democratic Party Tried to Distract Public Attention From Cuomo's Moreland Scandal
Pro-Cuomo ad blitz to soften anti-corruption panel scandal’s hit(NYP)
The state Democratic Party opened its war chest for an ad blitz
promoting Gov. Cuomo to blunt a blistering report detailing how his
administration meddled with an anti-corruption panel, records show. The
state Democratic Campaign Committee spent $281,655 for ads that began
airing July 19, one day after the governor’s office learned The New York
Times was going to print a lengthy story about how Cuomo aides
compromised the workings of the Moreland Commission panel.
Cuomo Best for Tax Payers to Close Moreland * Gov. Cuomo’s Moreland mess: He did it for us(NYP)
Rest easy, New York: In his handling of the Moreland Commission, which
was investigating Albany’s corruption, Andrew Cuomo was only doing
what’s best for us taxpayers.After five days in hiding, the governor
emerged Monday to deploy some Clintonesque grammar to explain that it
all depends what you mean by the words “interfered with.” Turns out in
Cuomo’s office it means offering “advice.”* State Democrats launch new attack ad against Rob Astorino(NYDN) *
Of the two dozen companies so far announced that will receive 10 years
of tax breaks as a part of Start-Up NY, more than half are actually
expansions of companies that already operate in New York or elsewhere, the Times Union writes:
The Selling of Airbnb
Airbnb in New York: Sharing Startup Fights for Largest Market(www.businessweek.com)
Nick Reisman
START-UP NY ad and Cuomo 2014
ad touting improved credit rating and "ending political gridlock" just
ran back to back on CBS Sunday Morning
Media Slows Moreland Coverage While Cuomo's TV Campagin Attack Storms
Expect A Poll Soon That Cuomo is Holding His Lead SHOCKING
U.S. Probe Looks at Moreland Commission Referrals(WSJ)
U.S. prosecutors are examining whether New York Gov. Andrew
Cuomo or his staff directed an anticorruption commission to not refer
cases to district attorneys for prosecution, according to people
familiar with the matter. * Federal prosecutors are now
investigating whether anyone in the Cuomo administration encouraged the
Moreland Commission to Investigate Public Corruption to avoid referring
cases to Albany County District Attorney* CNN Picks Up Cuomo-Moreland Story(cnn) * Gov. Andrew
Cuomo’s re-election campaign has raised more than $600,000 since July
15, according to new campaign finance filings, State of Politics reports:
Moreland Scandal Has Been Good for Local TV and Lawyers
Gov. Cuomo spent $3.2 million from campaign account as Moreland Commission controversy raged(NYDN) * Cuomo owes $10k to lawyer in Moreland Commission probe * .@NYGovCuomo raised amid #Moreland fallout, sent $1.7M to state Dems for ads * Lawyer representing Cuomo in Moreland probe bills governor(NYP) * Cuomo's re-election campaign spent $1.1M on TV ads while fending off Moreland controversy(NYDN)
“@GannettAlbany: Astorino: Why doesn’t anyone call for Moreland special prosecutor? (VIDEO) * Cuomo management style in spotlight amid Moreland corruption accusations - Newsday @Newsday
* Media bias in the Christie and Cuomo scandals * Bharara vs. Cuomo Emerges as Battle of Two N.Y. Sheriffs - Bloomberg via@BloombergNews * NY state will pay $550/hour for the lead attorney for the Moreland Commission, per contract approved by AG's office. (WSJ)
* Moreland Attorney To Cost State Up To $300K(YNN)* Hochul: Travel Aimed At Raising Name ID(YNN)* Duffy: No Comment On Special Prosecutor(YNN) * Rangel Defends Cuomo as Moreland Controversy Simmers * Nys dem party has paid same lawyer hired by@NYGovGuomo in moreland probe (NYDN)* Nancy Pelosi has nothing to say about the Moreland Commission * Rescue New York PAC created to help money-challenged Rob Astorino in his bid for Governor(NYDN)* A
LAWYER WHO DEFENDS HIMSELF… -- “Rangel on Cuomo's defense lawyer and his tormenter”: “[Charlie]
Rangel, on hand for House minority leader Nancy Pelosi's endorsement of
Cuomo's running mate Kathy Hochul, wasn't so kind in his comments about
U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, who is probing Cuomo's involvement with
the anti-corruption panel the governor created and then abruptly
disbanded.‘No prosecutor should be critical of anybody until the case
goes before the grand jury,’ Rangel told reporters after the event on
72nd Street and Riverside Drive. ‘There’s certain people that make the
accusations just to get a headline in the newspapers.’New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is refusing to budge
from his decision not to help the Astorino financially despite growing
pressure from others in the GOP for Christie to lend a hand.
EDITORIAL: Progressives vs. pensions (NYP)
Progressives style themselves as people who look to the future. After
all, that’s the whole idea behind the word “progress.”But progressive
dreams are smacking up against a hard reality: public-sector unions.At
some point in the movement, progressives made these public workers
their priority — over the public whom they are supposed to serve. That
choice is now coming back to haunt them, because the
unsustainable promises made to these government workers are increasingly
robbing politicians of the money they need to finance their progressive
ambitions. The New York Times likens the situation to a bathtub
draining faster than the faucet is filling it. In one sentence, it sums
up de Blasio’s problem: “Instead of getting
smaller, the city’s pension hole just keeps getting bigger, forcing
progressively more significant cutbacks in municipal programs and
services every year.” That last line is the kicker: forcing
progressively more significant cutbacks in municipal programs and
services every year. Recently, city Comptroller Scott Stringer happily
announced that the
investment strategy for the city’s pension funds had managed to pull off
a 17.4 percent increase this year. That’s terrific news. But one reason
we have arrived at this dismal
place is because those running these funds time and again have assumed
high rates of return would remain constant. Truth is, they won’t. * EJ
McMahon takes a closer look at NYC’s troubled pension funds.
Brooklyn Reformers Take Both Sides
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Zephyr Teachout and Cuomo’s hand-picked LG running mate, former Rep. Kathy Hochul, attended the same Brooklyn Democratic club meeting last night.
Reformers to clash over redistricting amendment(CrainsNY)In an unusual split, New York's four major good-government groups are
set to do battle with one another at the ballot box this November. Last week, Common Cause New York and NYPIRG announced they were launching
a campaign against a constitutional amendment that would alter the
state's once-a-decade redistricting process. New York's two other major
good-government groups, Citizens Union and
the League of Women Voters, are joining the fray—on the other side. The
League of Women Voters also recently formed a campaign committee
allowing it to spend in favor of the amendment. Citizens Union, which
formed its own campaign committee earlier this year, is planning a
fundraising effort to promote the amendment, according to Dick Dadey,
the group's executive director.
Quinn and Dadey Announced Lobbying Reforms in 2008 to Cover Up the Council Slush Fund Scandal, That Were Never Passed
In 2008 Dick Dadey, executive director of the Citizens Union, joined Quinn to overhaul the lobbying rules and is now calling for all future Council appropriations to be monitored by an outside agency. “Given the speaker’s drive to create more transparency about the Council’s own budget and member items, it would have been appropriate to go public with this bad practice even if it did shine a bad light on the Council.”
Douglas Muzzio
* Media bias in the Christie and Cuomo scandals * Bharara vs. Cuomo Emerges as Battle of Two N.Y. Sheriffs - Bloomberg via
* Moreland Attorney To Cost State Up To $300K(YNN)* Hochul: Travel Aimed At Raising Name ID(YNN)* Duffy: No Comment On Special Prosecutor(YNN) * Rangel Defends Cuomo as Moreland Controversy Simmers * Nys dem party has paid same lawyer hired by
NY's Pension Time Bomb Ignored
Draining 1 Education Swamp 499 to Go
The
de Blasio administration makes a little progress in reducing the Absent
Teacher Reserve pool. Now, there's much tougher work ahead.NYC's costly
Absent Teacher Reserve will shrink by 9% as a result of buy-outs. But
where will the remaining tchrs go? * Michael Mulgrew defends Common Core: ‘I’m going to punch you in the face...These are our tools.’(NYDN) * New York state is shortchanging $5.9 billion to public schools: report(NYDN) * City Teachers, Staff Stuck in Limbo Take Buyout(WSJ) * The NY Post attacks Assembly Education Chair Deborah Glick for writing a letter
demanding a ban on new charter schools in District 2, alleging that she
is “selling out” black and Hispanic students that make up a quarter of
the district:
More on Education
NEW IN CITY HALL -- Peter Kadushin has been hired as a communications advisor to deputy mayor Richard Buery, as City Hall prepares for the September launch of their universal pre-kindergarten program. Kadushin, who started earlier this week, did media relations for the United Federation of Teachers. And despite the suit and tie.
Someone Who Relates to the Young Press?
And despite the suit and tie, he’s also a pretty zen guy. Follow him at @PeterKadushin.
More on Education
Preparing Pre-K Press Spin
NEW IN CITY HALL -- Peter Kadushin has been hired as a communications advisor to deputy mayor Richard Buery, as City Hall prepares for the September launch of their universal pre-kindergarten program. Kadushin, who started earlier this week, did media relations for the United Federation of Teachers. And despite the suit and tie.
Someone Who Relates to the Young Press?
And despite the suit and tie, he’s also a pretty zen guy. Follow him at @PeterKadushin.
One-Legged Basketball?
New York City is considering partnering with a major soda company that “had some issues with the
previous administration” as a corporate sponsor in an effort to improve
basketball courts at parks around the city City considering soda company partnership to fix basketball courts at 630 parks
EXCLUSIVE:
One of the corporate sponsors eager to cough up dollars was 'a soda
company that had some issues with the previous administration,'
according to emails obtained by The News through a Freedom of
Information request.
Brooklyn Reformers Take Both Sides
Democratic gubernatorial hopeful Zephyr Teachout and Cuomo’s hand-picked LG running mate, former Rep. Kathy Hochul, attended the same Brooklyn Democratic club meeting last night.
Dadey's Citizens Union Sells Out Agains
Quinn and Dadey Announced Lobbying Reforms in 2008 to Cover Up the Council Slush Fund Scandal, That Were Never Passed
In 2008 Dick Dadey, executive director of the Citizens Union, joined Quinn to overhaul the lobbying rules and is now calling for all future Council appropriations to be monitored by an outside agency. “Given the speaker’s drive to create more transparency about the Council’s own budget and member items, it would have been appropriate to go public with this bad practice even if it did shine a bad light on the Council.”
Flashback: Council Redistricting Corruption Silence
Many of his fellow reformer felt that Citizens Union puppet
general Dick Dadey sold out last year when he supported Albany's compromise to put off independent
redistrict for 10 years. But nothing can
compare to Dadey and the rest of the goo goos, editorial boards and reformers
silence on the corruption going on with the city council redistricting
operation. For starters the appointed
council redistricting commission is controlled by two people supporting Quinn
for mayor in 2013. The council speaker
herself and her puppet master the mayor.
Although the redistricting commission work has just begun there are
already reports that county bosses Crowley
and Lopez, ethic and minority leaders are already dealing with Quinn operatives
to cut districts favorable to them or those they support in exchange for their
endorsement for Quinn's 2013 mayoral bid.
On today's cover: Anthony Weiner eyes restaurant charity in the Rockaways (AMNY)“Anthony Weiner to open Rockaway restaurant,” by Post’s Natalie O'Neill: “[E]x-congressman
Anthony Weiner plans to open a restaurant in the Rockaways, featuring
what is described as ‘locally sourced food,’ according to a report. The
Rockaway Restoration Kitchen, which is in its early development phases,
will serve up healthy grub and provide jobs to unemployed New Yorkers,
according to the [Rockaway Times]. The eatery will sell ‘locally sourced
food that satisfies the hunger of Rockaway residents,’ according to a
description of the restaurant posted on Idealist.org.”
Lawmakers Spending Heavily On Legal Fees
Starved for Affection, More Likely Another Attemp At Image Repair
Lawmakers Spending Heavily On Legal Fees
Report: State Lawmakers Spending Heavily On Legal Fees(YNN) * State lawmakers spent over $1 million
in taxpayer funds on outside attorneys over six months, from October
2013 to March 2014, with the Assembly leading the way spending more than
$650,000, the Empire Center finds:
Lobbyists Pushing Contracts Caused $2 Million Costs Overrun and A Broken 911 System
Reviews of the project to bring the city's 911 system up to date revealed mismanagement and massive cost overruns. Controller Scott Stringer estimated costs may exceed $2.3 billion, nearly double the original $1.3 billion price tag.
The de Blasio administration has a new plan to rescue the city’s problem-plagued overhaul of the emergency 911 system. Top City Hall aides revealed the plan exclusively to the Daily News on Tuesday, following a two-month suspension of work on the mammoth technology project and a top-to-bottom review ordered by the mayor. “At every level we found issues that needed to be addressed,” First Deputy Mayor Anthony Shorris told The News. “We were probably relying too much on outside consultants, (and) had too many middlemen taking pieces of the project off the top, making it run slower and in a more costly fashion.”
Media Never Names the Lobbyist Who Made Money on the Broken 911 System . . . Will the Investigators?
What role did 911 lobbyists play in giving Verzon gifts to NYPD Assistant Chief Charles (Chuck) Dowd? The Death of Ariel Russo Did Not Even Stop the Corruption and Incompetence of the 911 System
Daily News Today Says 911 System Failed Ariel Russo But Do Not Name the Lobbyist for the Contractors or the reasons for NYPD's communication director Dowd being forced out and his aides jumping ship. Former Comptroller Liu said HP overbilled the city for $163 million and didn't properly deliver for years. In 2012 Liu callled for a review of the HP contract by Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance Jr. “because of the possibility of fraud in the solicitation and billing process.” Liu’s audit said that Hewlett Packard shouldn’t have been hired for the 911 work because it failed to meet the city’s technical requirements. Among the lobbyists to get paid by the city’s broken 911 system contractors wLiu also claimed that the city and HP hired unqualified project consultants and overbilled the city by another $50 million.as George Arzt, Mercury Public Affairs, LLC, Jennifer Carlson, Peter Barden, Jonathan Greenspun, Michael McKeon, Kasirer Consulting LLC. More on Corrupt Lobbyists More on Dark Pool Corrupt Lobbyists
More on Corrupt Lobbyists Arzt
NY Pols Duck and Cover On Cuomo and Other Corrupt Elected Officials
Elect Officials Like the Cops Have A Wall of Silence on Not Talking About Their Corrupt Colleagues
Here’s Bill de Blasio on the Moreland Commission imbroglio in which Gov. Andrew Cuomo now finds himself steeped: “I’m not following it because I have a lot of other things to do. I try to keep up a bit with the world, but when I look at the media, I am focused on the things that affect New York directly.”What a crock!bringing shame upon their colleagues by tarnishing the institutions in which they serve, our electeds say nothing.* Chuck Schumer Mum on Andrew Cuomo’s Moreland Controversy(NYO) * In Spite Of Moreland Mess, Cuomo Still Earns Praise From Republican Lawmakers(YNN)
This
is Rudy Giuliani! The crusading U.S. Attorney who made his entire career
taking on political corruption! If anyone should be cheering on Preet
Bharara, it’s Rudy! How low Giuliani has sunk since the days when he heroically brought
powerful politicians like Meade Esposito and Mario Biaggi to justice.
Has he forgotten his own words?
“I don’t think there is anybody worse than a public official who sells
his office and corrupts others—except maybe a murderer.” I guess the only remaining test for our elected officials’ tolerance
of one another’s crimes is for one of them to actually commit murder.
Then we’ll find out if that’s somehow an excusable offense, too.* Polls
Despite the governor’s continuing lead in a recent poll in the wake of
the Moreland Commission scandal, the race is far from over as we wait to
see if the scandal will release a bombshell that upends the election or
fizzles out in the coming months, Michael Goodwin writes in the Post: *Cuomo Says Staff Should Aid Inquiry(WSJ)
* “Experts say (Cuomo’s) bungling of a high-profile criminal dragnet…damaged his future as a crime-fighting policymaker.” * “Cuomo is having a bad summer, though apparently not bad enough to jeopardize his re-election chances in November.”* Astorino: Why doesn't anyone call for Moreland special prosecutor? Politics on Hudson *Democrats Seize On Astorino Inaccuracies (Updated)(YNN) * Astorino Asks For Heroes, Perhaps Longer Than Just For One Day(NY1) * NY Post: “If Rob Astorino wants to be elected governor, he’ll have to start giving New Yorkers a reason to vote for him. Soon.”
* “Experts say (Cuomo’s) bungling of a high-profile criminal dragnet…damaged his future as a crime-fighting policymaker.” * “Cuomo is having a bad summer, though apparently not bad enough to jeopardize his re-election chances in November.”* Astorino: Why doesn't anyone call for Moreland special prosecutor? Politics on Hudson *Democrats Seize On Astorino Inaccuracies (Updated)(YNN) * Astorino Asks For Heroes, Perhaps Longer Than Just For One Day(NY1) * NY Post: “If Rob Astorino wants to be elected governor, he’ll have to start giving New Yorkers a reason to vote for him. Soon.”
Campaign Updates
City should make Liu pay old $525K campaign fine: Sen. Avella(NYP) Ex-city Comptroller John Liu has let his legal challenge of $525,000 in fines against his prior campaign languish for at least 18 months — as he sits on a new campaign war chest of $444,000, his opponent charged Tuesday. Liu was hit with the fines for illegally hanging more than 7,000 posters during his successful 2009 race for comptroller.
Cuomo's Friends Circle the Wagons
TV ads keep calling his opponent corrupt while the local TV news does not report the latest Moreland developmentsCuomo Aides Use Allies to Shore Up the Governor’s Image(NYT)
Wednesday Update
What Rob Astorino needs to beat Cuomo(NYP)If Rob Astorino wants to be elected governor, he’ll have to start giving New Yorkers a reason to vote for him. Soon. Polls confirm it. * Latest governor poll data intrigues in wake of Moreland Scandal(NYP Ed)
Gov. Cuomo says U.S. Attorney has not asked to speak with him about Moreland Commission (NYDN)
Based on emails released under the Freedom of Information Law, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office tried to increase its support through other organizations.* Cuomo slip no gain for GOP rival Astorino in the polls(NYDN)* A new poll found Gov. Andrew Cuomo still leads Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino by 54 percent to 23 percent among registered voters, despite the governor’s recent bad publicity, The Wall Street Journal reports: * More than half of the 50 top donors to the state’s Republican party between 2003 and 2006 have given more to Cuomo and the Democrats this campaign cycle than they have to the GOP and Astorino, Capital New York reports: v* The Moreland Commission had 15 cases pending against lawmakers, including state Assemblyman Dov Hikind and state Sen. George Maziarz, when Cuomo pulled the plug on it, theNew York Post writes: While New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie refuses to weigh in on the scandal engulfing Cuomo over the Moreland Commission, the Republican National Committee on Monday called on the governor to "come clean," the Daily News writes: * Cuomo’s use of campaign funds to hire a criminal attorney is hypocritical as he also pushes to adopt a new campaign finance model, the Post writes * Bloomberg *didn't* give to Cuomo's campaign this year - for the first time? (Capital)
Remember when a group of mayors skewered de Blasio over pre-K? Emails show Cuomo's fingerprints.(NYT) * Watertown Daily Times | Cuomo’s Moreland controversy may derail re-election bid * Cuomo hired lawyer by May &"Rice has met multiple times with U.S. Atty". So that Moreland inner circle has known for some time. Cuomo.* the Real Estate Board of NY angle in the Moreland mess (NY1) * CUOMO’S PATAKI BASE: Andrew Cuomo has largely co-opted the state’s once-Republican donor base. More than half of the 50 top donors to the state Republican party between 2003 and 2006 have given more to Cuomo and the Democrats this campaign cycle than they have to the G.O.P. and Rob Astorino, the Republican gubernatorial candidate, an analysis by NYPIRG’s Bill Mahoney shows. Of the 50 donors who gave the most to the G.O.P. in the run-up to the 2006 gubernatorial election, 28 have given $5.5 million to Cuomo and the Democrats for the 2014 campaigns, compared to just $435,000 to Astorino and the Republicans. /1APUv9t
GOING FOR THE ‘TANGLED WEB’ OPPO -- Post’s Richard Johnson: “Sen. Chuck Schumer seems to be connected through a number of former staffers led by Preet Bharara. Bharara was Schumer’s chief counsel before President Obama picked him in 2009 on Schumer’s recommendation to be the US Attorney … ‘Schumer gave Preet his job, and Preet is still loyal to him,’ said one insider. Now that Bharara is investigating whether Cuomo interfered with the Moreland Commission before he put it out of business, a key witness could be Danya Perry, who was head of investigations for Moreland. ‘Her old boss Preet now has all her files,’ said my source.”
GOING FOR THE ‘TANGLED WEB’ OPPO -- Post’s Richard Johnson: “Sen. Chuck Schumer seems to be connected through a number of former staffers led by Preet Bharara. Bharara was Schumer’s chief counsel before President Obama picked him in 2009 on Schumer’s recommendation to be the US Attorney … ‘Schumer gave Preet his job, and Preet is still loyal to him,’ said one insider. Now that Bharara is investigating whether Cuomo interfered with the Moreland Commission before he put it out of business, a key witness could be Danya Perry, who was head of investigations for Moreland. ‘Her old boss Preet now has all her files,’ said my source.”* Astorino: Race Will ‘Shift Dramatically’(YNN) * Cuomo’s Legal Spending Draws Concern * Voters back Cuomo despite ethics concerns(NYP)* Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s use of his $35 million campaign war chest to represent his office in the ongoing Moreland Commission saga has drawn concern from Democratic state Senator Liz Krueger, as well as good-government groups, State of Politics reports: * Cuomo defended his decision to have his campaign account pay for a lawyer to represent his office in the ongoing Moreland Commission investigation by the U.S. attorney’s office, saying he could have used taxpayer dollars instead, State of Politics reports:* Cuomo released his April schedules today, which include meetings with good government groups and top Working Families Party officials weeks after dissolving the Moreland Commission, State of Politics reports: Interesting analysis from
zephyrteachout
1/2 Good morning! Two days
until Round 2 starts w Andrew Cuomo in a courthouse in Brooklyn. He is
trying to prove I don't live in New York.* Teachout Endorsed By Progressive Group(NYO)
Cuomo's Brain-Washing: TV Ads, Emails
Proof The Culture of Protecting Corruption In Albany is Strong
The WFP Nexus . . .
2009 WFP . . . Data and Field . . . Wolfe . . .
Connecting to 2013 Spending Limits
Investigator wants to speak with Mayor de Blasio aide Emma Wolfe in Working Families Party probe(NYDN) Roger
Bennett Adler sent a letter in September to Emma Wolfe, de Blasio’s
director of intergovernmental affairs, asking for a sitdown, according
to sources. The investigation is examining whether the party’s
now-dismantled for-profit arm, Data & Field Services, gave cut-rate
prices to Working Families candidates, giving them an unfair advantage
in elections. The investigation is examining whether the party’s now-dismantled
for-profit arm, Data & Field Services, gave cut-rate prices to
Working Families candidates, giving them an unfair advantage in
elections.
A special prosecutor investigating the Working Families Party’s relationship with get-out-the-vote corporation Data & Field Services wants to interview Emma Wolfe, an aide to Mayor Bill de Blasio, The Wall Street Journal reports: Since 2012, the prosecutor, Roger Bennett Adler, has been investigating the Working Families Party's relationship with Data & Field Services, a corporation formed by the left-leaning party to provide its candidates with get-out-the-vote staffing and expertise. Investigators are looking at whether the for-profit firm charged significantly lower fees than is typical for such service, potentially providing an unfair advantage to favored candidates.
WFP Lawyering Up To Stop An Investigation
More About WFP Data and Field
WFP, Acorn 2.0 and the New Progressive Machine
de Blasio Looking for Pre-K Space
Damn's the Church and State Issue
Cuomo Top Aide Schwartz to Avoid Subpoena Moves to Meet With Feds
Round 1 Teachout Still On the Ballot
RT @zephyrteachout Round 1. Cuomo's first effort to get me off the ballot, challenging 45,000+ petitions, fails. Thanks to all of you. * Included in Cuomo's subpoena, in his effort to prove I don't live where I
live: "Copies of all banks statements" of any kind since 2009.
Andrew Cuomo could take
leadership this week by explaining his role in directing assistant AG
interference w/ subpoenas to powerful friends.
Rice Might Be the Feds Guild to Document Cuomo's Interference With Moreland
Explains Bharara's Move With the AG Meet
A spokesman for Rice, who's also the Nassau County district attorney, confirmed that she's helping federal investigators, but would not comment on her role. Investigators are looking at the commission's abrupt end and whether Gov. Cuomo's administration interfered with the commission's work. Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, one of three people who co-chaired Gov. Cuomo’s anti-corruption commission, is “assisting” a federal probe into the governor’s handling of the panel, the Daily News has learned. Rice has met multiple times with U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara, whose probers are investigating the circumstances surrounding the panel’s abrupt end and, specifically, whether the Cuomo administration interfered with the commission’s work, said a source with ties to the commission.* Before the Moreland Commission was mothballed this spring, the panel’s staffers pressed Albany County District Attorney David Soares to pursue their investigations and leads.
More Meat for Bharara
Before the Moreland Commission was mothballed this spring, the panel's staffers pressed Albany County District Attorney David Soares to pursue their investigations and leads, the Times Union’s Jim Odato reports:
NYP's Dicker Says Cuomo's "Crazed With Anger"
Cuomo, “crazed with anger” and increasingly abusive to those around him, fears the first round of public polling since the Moreland Commission scandal will take a major toll on his—until-now—sky-high popularity, the New York Post’s Fred Dicker reports:
Cuomo, “crazed with anger” and increasingly abusive to those around him, fears the first round of public polling since the “Morelandgate” scandal will take a major toll on his — until-now — sky-high popularity, administration insiders tell Fred Dicker.
Cuomo's Poll Fear Cuomo fears the worst as first polls after scandal approach(NYP) Democratic gubernatorial candidate Zephyr Teachout reiterated her call for Cuomo to resign if the allegations of his administration’s interference into the commission are true.
Pataki Merges National and State Politics to Blast Cuomo
Charity lived large as it stiffed staff: suit(NYP) A Queens nonprofit — which counts indicted Democratic state Sen. Malcolm Smith and ethics-probed Rep. Gregory Meeks as benefactors — cheated its workers out of wages while throwing lavish parties for friends of the charity’s chairman and CEO, a new lawsuit charges. Five former employees are suing the now-shuttered Jamaica Business Resource Center for $250,000 saying they stopped receiving full paychecks in 2012 and then were fired in 2013 for complaining about not getting paid.
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Council Bums Even Lie About Giving Lulus to Charities
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NYT Exposes the City's Pension Shortfall
An examination of problems with New York City’s
system reveals an investment strategy that has failed to keep up with
costs, and a governing structure that permits politics to intrude.* City not getting predicted revenue from ballpark suites(NYDN)
NYP On Monday Keeps the Pressue on the AG
New York’s mute attorney general(NYP Ed) New York’s attorney general played a key part when the Moreland Commission was announced last year. Not only did he choose more than a third of the people who would become members, he later deputized the entire panel. But following a public appearance Friday, he announced, well, he would not be saying anything about the state’s top corruption case — save to confirm he was cooperating with US Attorney Preet Bharara.True, state law limits Schneiderman’s ability to take on Albany’s corruption. And if that’s what’s holding him back on Moreland, he should say so. After all, the original release announcing Moreland made clear that it had the authority to “promptly communicate any evidence of violations of existing laws to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General.” True, state law limits Schneiderman’s ability to take on Albany’s corruption. And if that’s what’s holding him back on Moreland, he should say so. After all, the original release announcing Moreland made clear that it had the authority to “promptly communicate any evidence of violations of existing laws to the appropriate law enforcement agencies, including the Attorney General.”
NYP Says the AG Be Making More Enemies Like the Bulldozer . . . They Were Not Happy With Spitzer Either
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Crying Wolf About Corruption BackFires for Cuomo and AG
Deputy FitzpartickFife
How Ending Moreland Caused the Poor Door
- A Sherlock Holmes Caper All About the Benjamins
Cuomo Moreland Real Estate Cover Up
How Albany's Manhattan Real Estate Tax Breaks Are Pushing Blacks and the Poor Out of Brooklyn
$300,000 From Excell to Cuomo
Poor Door Developer
Pols Give Tax Breaks to Lux Housing, Developers Give Money to the Pols
How New York Taxpayers and Help Luxury Developers and International Money Laundering Schemes
The real reason why the rent is too high (NYDN)
Big
developers flood politicians with cash Both major candidates for
mayor, Bill de Blasio and Joe Lhota, agree that an inadequate supply of
affordable housing is a serious problem, and both have plans to create
more. But what has not been discussed nearly enough is one of the major
causes of the shortage: the way the real estate industry uses its
massive campaign contributions to limit our affordable housing stock.
This year, after receiving tons of money from well-placed donors, the
governor and members of the state Legislature quietly gave away millions
of your tax dollars to developers of luxury towers. The deal was so bad
that it is being looked at by the Moreland Commission to Investigate
Public Corruption. The report found that four of the five developers
used high contribution limits and loopholes to give more than $1.5
million to state elected officials, political parties and real estate
PACs between 2008 and 2012, including at least $440,962 in 2012 alone.
And Cuomo, who had to sign the legislation, was the biggest single
recipient, pulling in $150,000 from the four developers in 2012.Probe these giveaways (NYDN)*
* The deal to fast track the Atlantic Yards affordable housing site
will end more than 11 years of hostilities over how downtown Brooklyn
will change, am New York writes: * "Owners of lower-priced homes have subsidized those at the top end – for years." http://lohud.us/1s0im3L Why fair revaluation is needed. The real reason why the rent is too high (NYDN)
In Exchange of Campaign Contributions NY Pols Set Up A Vehicle to Hide Money, Possibly Illegally Gotten
How the billionaire who bought $90 million NYC penthouse will get $210,000 tax break meant for low income housing (Daily Mail) Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN)* Cuomo said he has no problem with the anti-corruption Moreland Commission he convened sending subpoenas to real estate companies that have contributed to his campaign, including Extell Development, the Times Union writes: * Assemblyman Keith Wright Sent Letter Acknowledging Developer Tax Breaks In Bill(NYDN) * Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN) * How the Rich Get a Big Real Estate Tax Break - NYTimes.com
Extell Sponsor of One57 Also Paid City Officials and Candidates
Moreland Tried to Look At City Candidates Who Got Matching Funds From Extell's One57?
Gaming the System
It was not only Vito Lopez, Marty Golden, Keith Wright, Cuomo the Albany Assembly and Senate PACs of both parties that got money from Extell Development, sponsor of One57 for tax breaks. At least 6 citywide candidates got the loot from the buildings developers. Extell contributions to city officials were designed to take advantage of the public matching fund program. Most were $175 with many of the same contributors giving to more than one candidate. The Moreland Commission is looking into the state contributions and tax reductions connections, there is no indication if the commission will look into with the city pols for their cash. They should. George Arzt a flack for Extell works for at least two of the candidates who got money from the developer. If you wonder why the middle class keep getting pushed out of NYC, It has to do with the same candidates who promise to save the middle class feeding off the tit of the luxury developers.* Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) * A towering insult - NY Daily News As the Daily News revealed last Tuesday, One57 is among five residential projects that were shoehorned into a real estate tax abatement program under language mysteriously written into legislation passed in Albany. The companies that will benefit, their lobbyists and PACs have donated $1.5 million to Albany campaign accounts over the past five years. The bill’s sponsors — Sen. Marty Golden and Assemblyman Keith Wright — professed ignorance.
How Does the Media Let George Arzt Get Away With Flacking for Luxury Highrise Tax Breaks, While Running Major Campaigns?
EXTELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. Media Contact: George Arzt at 212-608-0333
Can we expect the candidates like Katz that Arzt is trying to elect this year will help him get more tax breaks for luxury highrises. Subpoenas have gone to Gary Barnett’s Extell Development, sponsor of One57
Corrupt lobbyist
More About Corrupt LobbyistsCM Miller Staffer Raises $$$ for Comrie During Work
Leroy Comrie Hungry for Money
Now the AG Has No Comment After the Meal With the U.S. Attorney . . . AG No Comment on the Independent Moreland Commission
When Governor Andrew Cuomo created the Moreland Commission to investigate public corruption, he was assisted by state Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who deputized 23 of the 25 commissioners with subpoena power. Earlier this year, Schneiderman argued in court documents that the commission was independent. "The attorney general had a critical role here," said John Cahill, the Republican candidate for state attorney general. "Once the executive order was signed, the commission, the investigation really was in the hands of the attorney general, as he states clearly in his papers that this was an independent investigation.""The attorney general had a critical role here," said John Cahill, the Republican candidate for state attorney general. "Once the executive order was signed, the commission, the investigation really was in the hands of the attorney general, as he states clearly in his papers that this was an independent investigation." "He needs to come forward and tell the people of New York, the people that he serves, what he knew about this investigation, what he knew about the political interference," Cahill said. "These deputies were required to report to the attorney general on a weekly basis. Was that done? Did he know about political interference? If he did know, what did he do about it?* Attorney general stays quiet on Moreland panel Rochester Democrat and Chronicle
What Did the Weekly Reports of the Moreland Commission to the AG Say About the Governor's Staff?
Is the Party Line Covering Up Corruption . . . You Bet
Hochul Discusses Moreland Commission While Campaigning in Queens(NY1) Things aren't exactly coming up roses for the Cuomo campaign these days,
but while the governor keeps a low profile following a rebuke from U.S.
Attorney Preet Bharara, his running mate, Kathy Hochul, is suddenly
seemingly everywhere, backing Cuomo's position that he did not interfere
with his anti-corruption commission.
de Blasio's Move to the Mansion After They Stuck Oil
The de Blasios chose the wrong way to make Gracie Mansion look like a real home.Most professional decorators will tell you that you shouldn’t buy everything in a room from one store. The de Blasios’ den, with its lacquered coffee tables, mixed-print poufs and matted black-and-white photos, looks just like a West Elm showroom. If The Daily News hadn’t pointed out that those were family snaps, I wouldn’t have known. The den shot doesn’t show the TV, but you know the succulent plants that the stylist arranged on the table are soon to be replaced with remotes, snacks and feet. I admit that I winced when I saw the photo on Front + Main of Chirlane McCray with the West Elm stylist Johanna Mele. Why? Because decorating, of course, is still the province of the first lady. Despite Ms. McCray’s significant accomplishments and her policy role in the administration, it still falls to her to get the house in order.
Even Cheating At Golf: Silver, Smith and Golden
For the people writing checks, and the politicians collecting them, the outings are seen as more enjoyable than cocktail receptions or rubber-chicken dinners.
Nobody is Enforcing the City's Conflict of Interests Law
Mayor's Slush Fund "One New York Conflict" of Interests Money
de Blasio Not So Different When It Come to PACs From the Koch Brothers
Follow de Blasio’s Money(NYP) de Blasio Campaign for One New York.is an organization that grew out of de Blasio’s campaign for mayor, is run by his former campaign associates and now lobbies only for his policies. Yet he insists it’s independent. Donors include businessmen from real-estate developer Donald Capoccia to Google founder Eric Schmidt. But the really big bucks came from — you guessed it — public-sector unions. The largest came from the American Federation of Teachers, parent organization of the United Federation of Teachers. The $350,000 contribution came just before the city came to terms with the UFT on generous teachers contract.
The next largest came from 1199 SEIU, which donated $250,000 and also represents many government workers. When asked if he is comfortable with this, Mayor Bill went straight to the legalities. His personal campaign and Campaign for One New York are, he said, “very different realities.” He also noted that while campaign-finance laws generally impose limits on contributions to the campaigns of individual candidates, “when you’re talking about an issue-oriented organization, it’s a different approach.”He’s right about that. The Campaign for One New York is a 501(c)4, which is devoted to issues and not individuals. In principle, we have no problem with these groups. But there sure seems to be a double standard. Back when the 501(c)4s in question were conservative, we had Democrats such as Sen. Chuck Schumer demanding investigations and the IRS targeting them for special treatment. But when the leaders of public-sector unions have their parent organizations make six-figure deposits into a Democratic mayor’s pet lobbying group, even while they are negotiating with him over their own salaries and benefits, suddenly it’s no longer a problem.
de Blasio Defends His Dark Money Lobbying Group That He Used To Mislead New Yorkers About Closing LICH Hospital
De Blasio defends lobbying group's contributions from firms that do business with the city(NYDN)A Dark Pool Lobbyist Slush Fund Tries to Fool the Public About A Broken Promise Not to Close A Hospital
Alarm Raised About ‘Dark Money’ Behind de Blasio’s LICH - Fortis Letter
The
backlash continues against a letter sent out by a de Blasio lobbying
group supporting the sale of Brooklyn’s Long Island College Hospital
(LICH) to a developer. The government watchdog group Common Cause
raised alarms on Tuesday about “dark money” funding the mass mailing,
and the Brooklyn Heights Association (BHA) has added its voice to those
debunking the letter's claims. The controversial June 26 letter touts
the “stand-alone ER” that will be replacing the historic hospital.
Although it was signed by Carroll Gardens’ resident Gary Reilly, the
letter was mailed from the headquarters of de Blasio lobbyists operating
under the name “The Campaign for One New York.” In the letter, Reilly
says, “I was asked by Mayor de Blasio to share my views on what [the
sale of LICH] means for families in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens,
Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Red Hook.” The
outcome, Reilly writes, “. . . is a lot better than we had reason to
think one year ago.” With SUNY selling the hospital complex to developer
Fortis Property Group, “We will have a freestanding, high quality
emergency room, with up to 20 observational beds.” The letter has evoked
a storm of criticism from residents of these neighborhoods who fought
for more than a year to save the hospital, and who supported de Blasio
in his campaign for mayor largely based on his promise to save LICH.
That promise was seemingly forgotten after the election, however.* Big city unions bankroll $1.7M to Mayor de Blasio's lobbying arm(NYDN)*
* An advocacy group set up by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s
campaign aides raised nearly $1.8 million during his first six months in
office to promote his policy agenda, The Wall Street Journal reports: * Apartment sharing website Airbnb,
which is under fire for flouting New York City law, has hired Mayor Bill
de Blasio’s former campaign manager Bill Hyers as a consultant, the Daily News reports
Daily News Reports A Conflict of Interest Violation During the Speakers Race But Does Not Do A Follow Up or A Demand to Enforce the Law
Daily News Charges Against Mark-Viverto
Daily News Reports A Conflict of Interest Violation During the Speakers Race But Does Not Do A Follow Up or A Demand to Enforce the Law
Daily News Charges Against Mark-Viverto
EXCLUSIVE: City Council Speaker candidate Melissa Mark-Viverito may have violated city ethics rules(NYDN) Mark-Viverito,
an East Harlem councilwoman, accepted unpaid assistance from the
Advance Group, a prominent lobbying firm working to further her
candidacy (Daily News 11/27/2013)
Mark-Viverito Drops Advance
Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid(NYO)
Ms. Mark-Viverito insisted today that this was not the case but out of
an “abundance of caution,” the relationship would end. Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid - Blogs(TU)
Cuomo Criminal Lawyered Up in May
Andrew Cuomo hires criminal lawyer
to represent governor's office as scandal over Moreland anti-corruption
commission grows: sources EXCLUSIVE:
Cuomo hired prominent white collar criminal defense lawyer Elkan
Abramowitz in May to represent the governor’s office, sources told The
News. Cuomo’s top aides, Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz and
counsel Mylan Denerstein, have also hired their own personal attorneys,
the sources said. Cuomo’s top aides, Secretary to the Governor Larry Schwartz and counsel
Mylan Denerstein, have also hired their own personal attorneys, the
sources said.
Cuomo to Albany: "Take the Money and Run"
Fitting Woody Allan's Lawyer Represents Cuomo
Criminal defense lawyer Elkan
Abramowitz, quietly hired several months ago to represent Cuomo in the
Moreland Commission probe, said that the governor’s office will fully
cooperate with the U.S. Attorney’s investigation, Gannett Albany reports: * Cuomo Campaign To Pay For Moreland Attorney * EXCLUSIVE: Cuomo using $35 million campaign war chest to cover legal fees in Moreland probe(NYDN) * Insider: “Moreland has become the corporate welfare for corruption defense lawyers." * Attorney representing governor's office in federal probe has no contract(NYDN) * Cuomo using $35 million campaign war chest to cover lawyer fees over U.S. attorney's Moreland probe(NYDN)
Cuomo to Albany: "Take the Money and Run"
Fitting Woody Allan's Lawyer Represents Cuomo
Cuomo apparently irked Bharara with what appeared to be a coordinated effort with some commission members on Monday to beat back criticism that the governor and his aides interfered with the panel. On a day Cuomo was set to face the press for the first time since the controversy reignited last week, four commission members released statements defending the governor’s actions.
Bruce Blakeman, who is running for Congress on Long Island against Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, who co-chaired Cuomo's Moreland commission, ripped the Democrat for thus far staying silent nad called on her to come clean by releasing all her emails on the matter. Rice spokesman Eric Phillips said that’s not going to happen.* Sources: Joe Percoco recruited Moreland support statements; even offered to draft them: * Astorino: ‘Mr. Cuomo’s Morelandgate’(YNN)
* Astorino Keeps Up Moreland Drumbeat (Updated)(YNN) * Although Cuomo hired Abramowitz three months ago, the lawyer never filed a contract with the state Attorney General’s Office for approval, the Daily News reports: * .
Albany Lawyers Up
Andrew Cuomo is in trouble — but probably not for reelectionWashington Post * For the first time, Cuomo scrambles to play defense Opinion-Newsday *Cuomo Faces Legal Issues in Moreland Wall Street Journal * US Attorney presses Cuomo on witness tampering USA TODAY *Cuomo draws scrutiny from US attorney
Buffalo News * Cuomo acknowledges federal inquiry; says office did nothing Poughkeepsie Journal * Aide seeks Cuomo aid Albany Times Union*Gov. Cuomo’s cover-up?(NYPED)Some of this contradicted earlier comments. For example, though co-chair William Fitzpatrick now says the governor honored the commission’s independence, the Times reported an e-mail in which he griped the governor’s office wasn’t treating the commission as independent. The Times says Bharara demanded that, “to the extent anyone attempts to influence or tamper with a witness’s recollection of events relevant to our investigation,” his office should be notified immediately.* A Daily News editorial notes that while Al Sharpton and other critics charge the NYPD with rampant, race-based brutality, it is unclear if de Blasio agrees, and until there is an even-handed review of over 1,000 complaints against the police force and a fair accounting of Eric Garner’s death, it will remain unclear if the brutality is endemic or isolated: http://goo.gl/gKgGDc
Big Foot vs. Big Foot–Bharara’s warning to Cuomo & Co.(NYP Ed) * It was Joseph Percoco, a longtime political aide to Gov. Andrew Cuomo, who contacted
several members of the now-shuttered commission in the past week and
encouraged them to make public statements supporting the governor and
affirming the panel’s independence. He even offered to provide drafts.* Cuomo’s Back-Room Style Draws a Potent Critic(NYT) Cuomo said his office was interested only in setting the record straight
about the role it played in the handling of the disbanded
anticorruption panel. * Trying to influence the commissioners while Bharara’s investigation is
underway “put the governor is at risk in ways he was not before,” writes legal ethics Prof. Stephen Gillers. The US obstruction statutes are incredibly broad.” * Bharara’s investigators had already questioned
delays in receiving thousands of emails and other documents they had
subpoenaed from the panel more than two months ago.* Cuomo acknowledged
having discussions with “relevant parties” about inaccuracies in news
reports about his office’s involvement with the commission. * “Andrew
Cuomo is having the roughest stretch of his political career
since flaming out of the New York governor’s race in 2002,” POLITICO’s Maggie Haberman writes. “…The mess is almost entirely of his own making.” * In short: “Cuomo is in hot water for allegedly micromanaging his response to a scandal based on his own micromanagement.”* Cuomo Faces Legal Issues in Moreland(WSJ) * good ready by @jimmyvielkind Moreland mess turns @nygovcuomo into just another Albany politician * Wife of chief Cuomo anti-corruption defender up for judgeship (NYP) * NYPost editorial: "Apparently it’s not as easy to laugh off a US attorney."(NYP Ed) * Erie County DA Frank A. Sedita III, a Moreland commissioner, defended commision co-chair, Onondaga County DA, Bill Fitzpatrick, calling him an “incorruptible public servant.”
How Come the Media Does Not Ask Teachout What She Thinks? Media Silence Also
InvestigatIon into Andrew Cuomo's dirty money for Tappan Zee.(Capital)
NJ Gov. Chris Christie, when asked to comment on the Moreland mess, said: Come up with another question; you’re wasting your time.”* Christie doubled down against GOP gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, saying: “I don’t have the juice to make a 37-point race a competitive one.” More trouble for Cuomo's incompetent, smoke and mirror administration. A 4$ billion bridge; no way to pay for it.
Cuomo Tries to Distract the Press and Public
After The New York Times story on the
governor's alleged interference in the Moreland Commission, Cuomo’s
press office released nearly twice its average number of press
releases—all on unrelated topics, Crain’s reports:
BhararaNado: Obstruction of Justice, Witness TamperingBuffalo News * Cuomo acknowledges federal inquiry; says office did nothing Poughkeepsie Journal * Aide seeks Cuomo aid Albany Times Union*Gov. Cuomo’s cover-up?(NYPED)Some of this contradicted earlier comments. For example, though co-chair William Fitzpatrick now says the governor honored the commission’s independence, the Times reported an e-mail in which he griped the governor’s office wasn’t treating the commission as independent. The Times says Bharara demanded that, “to the extent anyone attempts to influence or tamper with a witness’s recollection of events relevant to our investigation,” his office should be notified immediately.* A Daily News editorial notes that while Al Sharpton and other critics charge the NYPD with rampant, race-based brutality, it is unclear if de Blasio agrees, and until there is an even-handed review of over 1,000 complaints against the police force and a fair accounting of Eric Garner’s death, it will remain unclear if the brutality is endemic or isolated: http://goo.gl/gKgGDc
How Come the Media Does Not Ask Teachout What She Thinks? Media Silence Also
Silence in the face of crisis
is not leadership. Andrew Cuomo must tell the people of New York whether
he directed Schwartz to interfere.* The New York Times profiles Zephyr Teachout as an anti-corruption candidate who is garnering more and more
attention as Cuomo comes under increased fire for his purported
involvement in the Moreland Commission:* I am running against Andrew Cuomo because “These are Reagan policies, these are not Democratic policies.” (MSNBC)
BridgeGate II?InvestigatIon into Andrew Cuomo's dirty money for Tappan Zee.(Capital)
NJ Gov. Chris Christie, when asked to comment on the Moreland mess, said: Come up with another question; you’re wasting your time.”* Christie doubled down against GOP gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino, saying: “I don’t have the juice to make a 37-point race a competitive one.” More trouble for Cuomo's incompetent, smoke and mirror administration. A 4$ billion bridge; no way to pay for it.
Cuomo Tries to Distract the Press and Public
Preet
Bharara, the U.S. attorney in Manhattan,
threatened to investigate the administration of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo for
possible obstruction of justice or witness tampering after the
governor’s cancellation of his own anticorruption commission. The
warning, in a sharply worded letter from Mr. Bharara’s office, came
after several members of the panel issued public statements defending
the governor’s handling of the panel, known as the Moreland Commission,
which Mr. Cuomo created last year with promises of cleaning up
corruption in state politics but shut down abruptly in March.
Cuomo Says He Was Only Setting the Record Stright
Cuomo on Thursday acknowledged the existence of the letter from Bharara’s office and that his office raised “concerns with relevant parties” in response to inaccurate reporting following the Times’ story.
Cuomo added that due to Bharara requesting an end to a “public dialogue” he won’t have any additional statements to make on the Moreland issue.
At
least some of those statements were prompted by calls from the governor
or his emissaries, according to people with direct knowledge of the
situation who were unwilling to be named for fear of reprisal. One
commissioner who received a call from an intermediary on behalf of the
governor’s office said he found the call upsetting and declined to make a
statement.
Cuomo Says He Was Only Setting the Record Stright
Cuomo on Thursday acknowledged the existence of the letter from Bharara’s office and that his office raised “concerns with relevant parties” in response to inaccurate reporting following the Times’ story.
“We are aware of the letter sent by the U.S Attorney for the Southern District. The New York Times published a story last week that generated a wave of news reports across the state, some with numerous inaccuracies, and we wanted to correct them,” Cuomo said. “We discussed these concerns with relevant parties.”U.S. Attorney Rquested End to Public Dialogue and Cuomo Accepted
Cuomo added that due to Bharara requesting an end to a “public dialogue” he won’t have any additional statements to make on the Moreland issue.
“Several members of the Commission (District Attorneys and a law school dean) issued personal statements to correct the public record,” Cuomo said. “These statements reiterated comments they had made over the past year. As I believe the U.S. Attorney has made it clear that ongoing public dialogue is not helpful to his investigation, we will have no additional comment on the matter.”* In response to U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara’s warning about contact between the governor’s office and Moreland Commission members in recent days, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the communications were appropriate and that he would have nothing more to say on the matter, Gannett Albany reports:
Did DA Fitzpartick Get An Offer He Could Not Refuse?
The
letter from prosecutors, which was read to The New York Times, says,
“We have reason to believe a number of commissioners recently have been
contacted about the commission’s work, and some commissioners have been
asked to issue public statements characterizing events and facts
regarding the commission’s operation.” “To
the extent anyone attempts to influence or tamper with a witness’s
recollection of events relevant to our investigation, including the
recollection of a commissioner or one of the commission’s employees, we
request that you advise our office immediately, as we must consider
whether such actions constitute obstruction of justice or tampering with
witnesses that violate federal law.
”Just hours before Mr. Cuomo faced reporters, one of the co-chairs of the commission, William J. Fitzpatrick, released a three-page statement in which he asserted that “nobody ‘interfered’ with me or my co-chairs.”Facing questions from the news media, Mr. Cuomo repeatedly cited
the statement by Mr. Fitzpatrick, the Onondaga County district
attorney. The governor called the statement “very helpful,” explaining
that Mr. Fitzpatrick “knows better than anyone else what happened with
the Moreland Commission.” “Now we have facts that we can actually deal
with, right?” Mr. Cuomo said. Mr. Fitzpatrick’s statement seemed at odds
with frustration he had
expressed to colleagues last year; in one email reported by The Times,
he wrote that Mr. Cuomo’s office “needs to understand this is an
INDEPENDENT commission and needs to be treated as such.” Mr. Cuomo
dismissed that email as “snippets of conversations.” Mr. Fitzpatrick’s
statement on Monday also appeared to contradict
previous statements he made to federal prosecutors, according to three
people briefed on the matter but not authorized to speak on the record.
Mr. Fitzpatrick did not immediately return a call late Wednesday
seeking comment.The
letter noted “the commissioners and the commission’s employees are
important witnesses in this ongoing investigation, and information from
those with personal knowledge of facts of the investigation is highly
material to that investigation.” The
letter warned that tampering with the recollections of commission
members or employees could be a crime, and directed them to preserve any
records of “actual or attempted contact” along those lines. ** Cuomo never rescinded the executive order that established the Moreland Commission to
Investigate Public Corruption, leaving the panel in limbo and
maintaining 23 of its 25 members as deputy attorneys general, the Times Union reports: The fallout from the Moreland mess has now extended
to impact Nassau County DA Kathleen Rice, one of the commission’s three
co-chairs who has remained quiet about its demise. She’s running for
Congress, and her GOP opponent, Bruce Blakeman, has seized on this
issue. * Astorino: Cuomo’s Hole Getting Deeper(YNN) *The Fitzpatrick-Cuomo Connection(YNN) * Cuomo running mate: 'I can't imagine any pressure that would make these people.. say something that wasn't factual' *Cuomo, Responding to U.S. Attorney, Seeks to Justify Recent Contacts...(NYT) * "Fitzpatrick’s wife...is a Court of Claims Judge...up for re-appointment...." The Fitzpatrick-Cuomo Connection (YNN) * “There’s this pathological need
on the second floor for exact control – control at a level that’s not
really achievable, and not even healthy, over the long-term.” vThe Moreland mess was again addressed on ”Morning Joe,” with MSNBC host Ari Melber remarking on the “serious cloud hanging over the governor’s mansion.” Mediaite notes
that CNN, which employs Cuomo’s brother, Chris, has avoided the
Moreland scandal, even as other national outlets have picked it up.* Rocland County DA Thomas Zugibe confirmed
he was contacted by Cuomo’s office about issuing a Moreland statement,
but didn’t feel pressured to do so.*( Rocland County DA Thomas Zugibe confirmed he was contacted by Cuomo’s office about issuing a Moreland statement, but didn’t feel pressured to do so.* Cuomo aide offered draft statements to and encouraged private email exchanges w/ ex-commission members in past week
Pablo Guzmán
@yoruba69
Head of scandal-plagued Moreland Commission in line for cushy job(NYP)
The executive director of Gov. Cuomo’s anti-corruption commission —
accused of reporting its every move to Cuomo aides — is in line for a
cushy landing at the State Insurance Fund, sources said. Although Cuomo
disbanded the Moreland Commission panel in April,
Executive Director Regina Calcaterra continues to receive her
$175,000-a-year salary. One source said her move to the low-profile
insurance agency, which
sells disability and worker-compensation policies, wouldn’t come as a
surprise to anyone familiar with government. “Anything in parole or
insurance is a reward,” the source said. The governor’s office declined
to comment about what Calcaterra is currently doing or where she might
be headed.
Mayor and Brooklyn Boss Bad Timing Backs Cuomo and Sampson
De Blasio backs Cuomo through allegations of interfering with Moreland commission(NYDN)
Brooklyn Democratic boss backs a lawmaker facing criminal charges(NYDN)
How Can Former U.S. Attorney Giuliani Stay Out of This One?
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is not expected to back Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino in his run against Cuomo, but will instead remain on the sidelines, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/NCBhus *Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani won’t endorse his fellow Republican Astorino for governor because he’s “got a relationship with Andrew and thinks he’s doing a decent job.”
Cuomo Tried to Distract Before Bharara Letter
Gov. Cuomo wants Health Department to speed up medical marijuana availability(NYDN)
"@fud31: Buying silence? Head of scandal-plagued Moreland Commission in line for cushy job http://nyp.st/1lYRmKt via @nypost" Go get 'em.
zephyrteachout @zephyrteachout
@Morning_Joe re-hammers Cuomo, or: When you’re quoted saying “ipso facto,” you’re losing:
Dicker: Buying Silence? Head of Scandal-Plagued Moreland Commission in Line for Cushy Job
zephyrteachout
My running mate Tim Wu explains how Moreland meddling broke state laws via @capitalnewyork
Morning Joe "Ipso Racto" Cuomo
.Morning Joe "Ipso Racto" Cuomo
Bill Hammond
Bharara has prosecuted Al
Qaeda members, drug kingpins, mobsters, Wall Street billionaires and
mega-corporations. Not easily intimidated.* WashPost" "More trouble for Cuomo." via @washingtonpost* "Fitzpatrick’s wife...is a Court of Claims Judge...up for re-appointment...." The Fitzpatrick-Cuomo Connection (YNN)
The Short Life of an Anti-Corruption Commission(NYT, Timeline)
Dicker: Buying Silence? Head of Scandal-Plagued Moreland Commission in Line for Cushy Job
Mayor and Brooklyn Boss Bad Timing Backs Cuomo and Sampson
De Blasio backs Cuomo through allegations of interfering with Moreland commission(NYDN)
Brooklyn Democratic boss backs a lawmaker facing criminal charges(NYDN)
How Can Former U.S. Attorney Giuliani Stay Out of This One?
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani is not expected to back Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino in his run against Cuomo, but will instead remain on the sidelines, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/NCBhus *Former NYC Mayor Rudy Giuliani won’t endorse his fellow Republican Astorino for governor because he’s “got a relationship with Andrew and thinks he’s doing a decent job.”
Cuomo Tried to Distract Before Bharara Letter
Gov. Cuomo wants Health Department to speed up medical marijuana availability(NYDN)
More Trouble for Former DA Hynes
14 More Brooklyn Convictions Linked to Scarcella Are Examined(NYT)
The Brooklyn district attorney’s office has expanded the scope of its
broad inquiry into Louis Scarcella, a former New York City police
detective.* Another wrongful settlement surfaces under Hynes(NYP) * EXCLUSIVE: Brooklyn District Attorney declares man who wrongfully served 16 years in prison for killing rabbi 'innocent' (NYDN) Kenneth
Thompson believes that a 'travesty of justice happened' in the 1995
conviction of Jabbar Collins, which affect an ongoing $150 million
federal lawsuit.
CM Dromm Continues His War On Charter Schools
CM Dromm Continues His War On Charter Schools
City
Council Daniel Dromm (D-Queens), who heads the city Education
Committee, said the city has no control over the charter schools even
though they are given $13,000 per student. An investigation into harsh
discipline, rigged admissions and other allegations needs to be
completed, reads a letter the committee will send to the state.
The NYT is Counting On an Un-Elected Prosecutor to Clean Up Albany
* Bharara: “We are the people who do our jobs" (LoHud) * Bharara and Schneiderman Do Lunch(YNN)
After Closing Moreland Team Cuomo Tries to Close Team Teachout
The Affordable Housing Plan and News Conference That Nobody Understands What Affordable Is
At announcement of affordable housing seminars, celebratory air out of sync with reality of some not-so-affordable units(AYR)
 |
| The flyer is here and in Spanish here |
"We are extremely proud of our affordable housing program at Atlantic
Yards," declared Forest City Ratner's Melissa Burch, the only
developer's representative to speak at the press conference. (Forest
City will have the largest amount of subsidized units, and its CEO
co-chairs the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership.)
Actually, the affordability of the coming subsidized units was glossed
over significantly, as well as the difficulty of winning a highly
competitive lottery, even with 50% of the units set aside for residents
of the local Community Board (or Boards) where the project is located.
Subsidized ≠ "low income"
Though Rob Solano of Churches United for Fair Housing--the sponsor of the first seminar--spoke
with emotion about ten people sharing a bathroom, and people having to
sleep on couches, many of the affordable units will be out of reach of
such low-income residents. (The first seminar is tomorrow at 6:30 pm at
Brown Memorial Baptist Church, 484 Washington Avenue in Clinton Hill.
RSVP to Churches United for Fair Housing, jaylin@cuffh.org.) No one at the press conference explained who'd be eligible for the 1100
units. Nor did they appear to welcome questions. DBP President Tucker
Reed took three questions and chose, as the last questioner, someone who
clearly wasn't press (no pen, notebook, or camera).
When I asked Reed afterward how the 1100 units were split among low-,
moderate-, and middle-income units, he said he didn't know but I could
contact the developers.
As Cuomo's Moreland Shut Down Scandal Rages the U.S. Attorney Takes Credit for Cleaning Up Corruption in the Courtroom
Dan Halloran guilty of masterminding failed $200K bribery scheme(NYP)
Ex-New York Councilman Is Convicted in Corruption Case(NYT)
Ex-Queens City Councilman Daniel Halloran convicted on corruption, bribery ...(NYDN)
Former Councilman Found Guilty of Bribery(WSJ)
US Attorney Preet Bharara issued the following statement:
“With today’s verdict of guilty reached by an impartial and independent jury, the clean-up of corruption in New York continues in courtrooms.
 |
| Malcolm Smith or Vinny Tabone? |
“Dan Halloran was the lone defendant in the trial that just ended in his conviction, but he is unfortunately not alone in a crowded field of New York officials who are willing to sell out their offices for self-enrichment.”
“This Office will continue the vigorous prosecution of political corruption to secure for the people of New York – regardless of party affiliation – what they deserve: the honest labors of their elected representatives. And we will continue to partner with the FBI, whose outstanding investigative work in this case
Seabrook Reject by the Garbage
Disgraced pol Larry Seabrook to have his name scraped off Bronx trash cans (NYDN)
IDC Falling Apart SHOCKING
State Senate Democrats' coalition deal on verge of falling apart: sources(NYDN) EXCLUSIVE:
One of the breakaway Dems, Sen. David Valesky, said Tuesday that two
Democratic senators in the rebellious Independent Democratic Conference
have broken the agreement.Two Democratic senators’ continuing
support for state Senate challenger Oliver Koppell, who’s running
against Sen. Jeffrey Klein, has put the deal between the IDC and the
mainstream Senate Democrats in jeopardy of falling apart
As Profits Dive NY Times Get High On Pot
As Profits Dive NY Times Get High On Pot
New York Times Profit Slips(WSJ)* 'New York Times' legalize pot editorial pushes debate USA TODAY * The New York Times' Explanation for Why It Still Drug-Tests Employees Is ...The Slatest (blog) * The New York Times Co. Posts $88.1 Million Loss ...(NYT) * New York Times Profit Sinks 85% - Wall Street Journal * New York Times Earnings Fall 54 Percent In Second Quarter(Huff Post)
This Jill Abramson admission tells you everything you need to know about the sorry state of the@NYTimes
This Jill Abramson admission tells you everything you need to know about the sorry state of the
Salon.com
de Blasio Blamed Bloomberg But As Councilman Voted for the Poor Door
When
the lengthy text of a zoning resolution was amended by the City Council
in July 2009, then-Councilman Bill de Blasio — who arrived late to
the meeting — was among the majority who voted “aye.”
One
provision said developers of market-rate condos could include affordable
units on site, instead of off-site, while allowing for the separation
of a number of services that included the entrances. But de Blasio’s
vote didn’t stop City Hall officials last week from putting the blame
for the controversial Extell Development project at 40 Riverside Blvd. —
which will have separate entrance for subsidized tenants — solely on
former Mayor Mike Bloomberg’s team. De Blasio voted for luxury building ‘poor door’ as councilman(NYP)
Last Week True News Went After the Progressives For Allowing A Poor Door, Today A Pol Woke Up and the NYP Says Free Market Forces Will End the Poor Door
True News Keeps the Poor Door Story Alive
True News
Last Week When Giuliani Was Mayor There Was No Building With A Poor Door
Anti UFT Teacher Tenure Group Makes Its Move
the Times Union reports: * As tenure protections for teachers come under scrutiny nationwide, a look at recent disciplinary cases shows termination attempts often ended with fines, The Wall Street Journal reports: ** An obvious way to encourage more talented educators is to compensate teachers for excellence, rather than solely for seniority and advanced degrees, Chris Fazio, a Queens high school teacher, writes in the Daily News: ** An obvious way to encourage more talented educators is to compensate teachers for excellence, rather than solely for seniority and advanced degrees, Chris Fazio, a Queens high school teacher, writes in the Daily News:*The Department of Education is phasing out unhealthy lunch and breakfast items containing high levels of sodium and fat—which it promised to ban from school menus over a year ago, the Post writes: * NYC fired 40 teachers over past 2 years, but hundreds more paid fines or still face hearings …(WSJ) Tuesday Update Early School Parents Mad Parents in uproar as over 450 city schools make start time earlier to comply with new teachers union contract (NYDN)* The state should rethink tenure as a way to reward teachers so that public schools become enterprises of learning, not a jobs program for bad teachers, the Post writes: Seven families brought together by a new advocacy group created by ex-CNN anchor Campbell Brown filed their long-anticipated suit against New York yesterday, saying that tenure and seniority protections for teachers violate students’ rights to a sound basic education. Brown, who got teary announcing the lawsuit, played down her role in it, saying she’s “just proud to be holding the coats” of the plaintiffs. The much-hyped Campbell Brown-backed lawsuit challenging the state’s teacher tenure law will be filed in Albany on Monday,* New York Educators Fight Back on Attacks to Tenure(NYT) * A report from the Families For Excellent Schools advocacy group shows that at nearly a quarter of New York City schools, 90 percent of students fail to read or do math at grade level, the Daily News reports:
The United Federation of Teachers sent out a memo defending tenure laws after two parents groups in New York filed lawsuits to challenge it.
Do Lobbyists Have Anything to Do With the City Not Cleaning Up Its Corrupt Commputer Contract System? YOU BET
The Lobbyist Who Made Money on the Broken 911 System
Both
Mercury and George Artz have been lobbyists for Hewlett-Packard which
was the main contractor of the city's 911 emergency system that crashes a
lot. The city 911 system is now being sued by the parents of 4-year-old
Ariel Russo who claim she died because an ambulance to take the little
girl to the hospital was delayed by a 911 crash. Among the lobbyists to
get paid by the city’s broken 911 system contractors was George Arzt,
Mercury Public Affairs, LLC, Jennifer Carlson, Peter Barden, Jonathan
Greenspun, Michael McKeon, Kasirer Consulting LLC. More on Corrupt
Lobbyists More on Dark Pool Corrupt Lobbyists
SHOCKING The City's Largest Lobbying Firm Kasirrer Was Deep Into the Corrupt of the Citytime Scandal
The city’s top lobbyist has been retained to restore the battered reputation of a national company at the center of the CityTime scandal, one of the biggest rip-offs in municipal history. Records show that Suri Kasirer, who consistently reports earning more than any lobbyist working in city government, was hired Feb. 15 to work on behalf of Spherion Atlantic Enterprises. The company hired the two computer consultants whom prosecutors charged with pulling off one of the biggest heists ever by embezzling $80 million of the $722 million in spending to build a new timekeeping system. Kasirer Consulting, the firm founded by Suri Kasirer. Her firm raked in about $6 million—about a tenth of all of the city lobbying dollars spent in 2012. The firm also earned nearly twice as much as its nearest competitor. Lobbyists Lined Up To Help Host Million-Dollar Bill de ...(NYDN)Oct 22, 2013 - The host committee of Bill de Blasio's million-dollar Monday-night ... Hospital, and A-list lobbyist Suri Kasirer, who has met with de Blasio on ...
SHOCKING The City's Largest Lobbying Firm Kasirrer Was Deep Into the Corrupt of the Citytime Scandal
The city’s top lobbyist has been retained to restore the battered reputation of a national company at the center of the CityTime scandal, one of the biggest rip-offs in municipal history. Records show that Suri Kasirer, who consistently reports earning more than any lobbyist working in city government, was hired Feb. 15 to work on behalf of Spherion Atlantic Enterprises. The company hired the two computer consultants whom prosecutors charged with pulling off one of the biggest heists ever by embezzling $80 million of the $722 million in spending to build a new timekeeping system. Kasirer Consulting, the firm founded by Suri Kasirer. Her firm raked in about $6 million—about a tenth of all of the city lobbying dollars spent in 2012. The firm also earned nearly twice as much as its nearest competitor. Lobbyists Lined Up To Help Host Million-Dollar Bill de ...(NYDN)Oct 22, 2013 - The host committee of Bill de Blasio's million-dollar Monday-night ... Hospital, and A-list lobbyist Suri Kasirer, who has met with de Blasio on ...
Holtzman Should Give the City Her Lobbying Fees From From the Corrupt Citytime Project
Ms.
Holtzman's lobbying firm was paid $120,000 in 2009, $90,000 in 2010,
and $200,000 in 2011 by SAIC, the maker of CityTime, to lobby New York
City politicians in order to keep NYC.gov paying CityTime's huge cost
overruns. Eventually, it was estimated that SAIC over-billed New York
City by $600 million, and Ms. Holtzman was one of the principal lobbyist
being paid to keep that gravy train rolling. Her lobbying firm was paid
$410,000 to keep the CityTime gravy train rolling into Ms. Holtzman's
station. Holzman lobbied Borough President - Queens, NYC Council
Members. Comptroller's Office, Office of Management & Budget
(OMB), Office of The Mayor (OTM), Office of the Contract Services
Moreland Shut Down Breaking the Spirit of A Citizen Trying to Clean Up the Independence Party
Charges Against Cuomo: Shut Down Moreland Get the Independence Line
Friday Political dissident says Cuomo got endorsement after Moreland disbanded(NYP)But a political dissident who asked Gov. Cuomo’s anti-corruption panel to look into a top Independence Party official thinks the way things turned out just stinks.Two months after Tom Reddy’s last interview with an investigator, the commission closed for business — and soon after Cuomo won the Independence Party ballot line. “They were looking into it. The next thing you know, the Moreland Commission was disbanded and Cuomo gets the Independence Party endorsement,” said Reddy, a former Westchester detective.In a letter to the panel and Cuomo last August, Reddy pleaded for an investigation of Westchester Independence Party leader Giulio Cavallo. In a letter to the panel and Cuomo last August, Reddy pleaded for an investigation of Westchester Independence Party leader Giulio Cavallo. “Mr. Cavallo has been boasting for years about his ability to squeeze elected officials for patronage jobs in exchange for the IP party line,” Reddy wrote. He also claimed Cavallo personally benefited by holding down a number of government jobs “for which he has done no work.” Initially, Reddy said the Moreland Commission panel took his charges seriously. He said he was contacted by chief investigator Robert Addolorado in December 2013 and again in January 2014.
Feds Would Have Used Rapfogel to Take Down Others . . . AG Politics = Containment
AG Does Nothing to Clean Up Albany
Rapfogel Sentenced to Three and a Half Years for Stealing From Charity(NYT)
Here Comes the $3.50 Fare Right After the Election
More on the MTA
Queens Tammany Hall Library No More
Former Queens Library Trustees File Suit Against Borough President, State AG (NY1)
8 Are Removed as Queens Library Trustees(NYT)
The
dismissed members voted in April not to fire the director of the
library system, who is under investigation. Eight members of the Queens
Library
board of trustees were dismissed by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio
and the borough president, Melinda Katz after they voted in April
against firing Thomas Galante* LONG OVERDUE: De Blasio, Queens borough president dump 8 library trustees who voted to save bookworm Gallante (NYDN)
Queens Boss Crowley Blows Up Trader Van Bramer's Queens Library Political Machine
In
a letter to Queens Library trustees, Queens Borough President Melinda
Katz demands that they rein in library President Thomas Galante and cut
the $2 million payout he’d receive if he is dismissed, the Daily News’s Juan Gonzalez writes:
* Flashback: City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer explodes at colleagues(NYDN) Van Bramer's colleagues questioned whether Van Bramer's ties to the Queens Library would compromise his ability to hold a hearing on the library's finances
More on the Queen's Library Scandal
F.A.A. Lifts Ban on U.S. Flights to and From Israel(NYT) * F.A.A. Lifts Ban on U.S. Flights to and From Israel(Time) * Why I Flew to Israel Featured-Bloomberg View * Mike Bloomberg in Israel: FAA wrong In-Depth-Politico* The Politics Behind the FAA's Israel Flight Ban
As Brooklyn Boss Supports Indicted Sampson Reformers Close Their Eyes
SEDDIO BACKING SAMPSON: State
Sen. John Sampson’s political future has looked bleak ever since he was
indicted on multiple federal corruption charges, but a powerful segment
of the Brooklyn Democratic establishment is doing all it can to keep
him in office, City & State reports:
Why Did the Daily News Leave Out the Name of Brooklyn Boss Seddio's PR Man?
First,
the PR man said Seddio would release the file only after the vote for a
new boss. Then, the PR man said Seddio had entirely ruled out going
public because the documents refer to other people whose privacy could
be infringed. Then, the PR man said Seddio would allow the Daily
News to look at portions of the files with names blanked out, but no
copying would be permitted. And he’d make the arrangements sometime
after the vote. We’re not holding our breath. As the song goes, meet the
new boss, same as the old boss.Frank Seddio picks up George Arzt for his push ... - * Capital New York One of George Arzt's clients is Extell, and
Extell is the sponsor of the exclusive, luxury condo called One57 that
is the target of an investigation for possible corruption. Extell has
funneled approximately $75,000 in campaign contributions to Christine
Quinn. According to this report, generated moments ago from the New York
City Campaign Finance Board Web site, Mr. Arzt has contributed $90,500
in political donations to municipal candidates Judy Menin Manhattan BP race run by Belin Rosen and George Arzt can you find out who told her to hire Melvin Lowe Melvin Lowe Under Investigation Hired by Menin truenewsfromchangenyc.blogspot.com *Menin’s
spokesman George Arzt confirmed that Lowe was hired by the campaign to
assist with petitioning, and said campaign ended its relationship with
Lowe “after a very brief period” just as the news of Huntley’s wiretap
list broke. Arzt Gave almost $100,000 in campaign contributions to NY state candidates spread out over many years.* 2013-10-29 George Arzt - NYS Board of Elections Contributions - Disclosure.pdf George Arzt represents Excell One57 and dozens of other developers * George Arzt - NYC Lobbyist Search Result * More George Arzt is A Bad Guy * Extell George Arzt Moreland Commission * George Arzt Communications, Inc. - NYC Lobbyist Search Result
It's About What the Reformers Don't Know or Want to Know
Queens Boss Crowley Blows Up Trader Van Bramer's Queens Library Political Machine
* Flashback: City Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer explodes at colleagues(NYDN) Van Bramer's colleagues questioned whether Van Bramer's ties to the Queens Library would compromise his ability to hold a hearing on the library's finances
More on the Queen's Library Scandal
Bloomberg Continues the Tradition of NY Mayors Making An Impact on Foreign Policy
Tablet Magazine* CITY HALL MANAGES A CRISIS -- Insiders discuss their strategy: While
Bill de Blasio vacations in Italy, top City Hall officials gave the
Times and Eyewitness News a tick-tock, behind the scene look at how they
handled the aftermath of Eric Garner’s death. The administration allied
itself with Garner’s family, expressing sympathy for their loss,
removing the gun and the badge from the main officer involved, and
signaling deeper change is coming to the NYPD. In the long run, the
administration will be judged by what tangible changes come to the NYPD
in the wake of Garner’s death. * BLOOMBERG SPARS WITH STATE DEPARTMENT, WOLF BLITZER -- Capital’s Sally Goldenberg:
Former mayor Michael Bloomberg said he "couldn't disagree more" with
the U.S State Department's travel warning for Israel during a
contentious televised interview on Wednesday afternoon. "Everybody seems
comfortable," Bloomberg said, standing beside Jerusalem mayor Nir
Barkat during an interview on CNN with Wolf Blitzer. Bloomberg grew
testy when Blitzer followed up by asking if the department's decision
was "political." "Don't be ridiculous. Why would you think that?"
Bloomberg began, calling the question "an outrage."* WARM WELCOME: Former Mayor Bloomberg gets presidential treatment on supportive visit to Israel(NYDN)* Mayor's Absence During Garner Ordeal Draws Ire(WSJ)
As Brooklyn Boss Supports Indicted Sampson Reformers Close Their Eyes
Frank Seddio resigned a judgeship while under investigation by the state's judicial watchdog agency
Daily News asked Seddio to Release documents of his Investigation to Them in the Name of His New Push for transparency Seddio
- Many other people involved who Privacy should be kept. Never a
decision made We are not going to release the documents. Would Seddio
ask the panel to open the files? And, just as important, would Seddio
open the documents before the regulars voted on whether to make him
party chairman? This did seem in keeping with Seddio’s vow to bring
transparency to party operations.First, the PR man said Seddio would
release the file only after the vote for a new boss. Then, the PR man
said Seddio had entirely ruled out going public because the documents
refer to other people whose privacy could be infringed. Then, the PR
man said Seddio would allow the Daily News to look at portions of the
files with names blanked out, but no copying would be permitted. And
he’d make the arrangements sometime after the vote.Why Did the Daily News Leave Out the Name of Brooklyn Boss Seddio's PR Man?
New
Brooklyn Boss Frank Seddio visited a reform club last week and told the
members that there is no corruption in the Kings County courts, told
them patronage is not a bad thing and promised more transparency, as he
served them cannolis he brought for them. A couple of days before his
visit the Daily News called his word worthless because he went back on
his promised
to release documents related to a state Commission on Judicial Conduct
investigation of his conduct while running for Surrogate judge. The
problem the reformers have with Seddio is that except for the Daily News
warning the press has done very little to inform them who is the real
Frank Seddio. There is a lot to be learned by investigating how Seddio
used the machine and government to make $$$ and remain * Brad Lander @bradlander I think Frank Seddio may be the first Brooklyn Democratic County Leader ever to attend #CBID annual dinner!* * THE HIGH COST OF LOW LIFES: The
taxpayer money being spent to defend disgraced politicians like Vito
Lopez could have been saved if Speaker Sheldon Silver had prioritized
employee safety over the Assembly’s reputation, Alexis Grenell writes in City & State: * True News: Seddio: Leave the Gun Take the Cannolis
Before Anything Will Change in This City, State and City the Public Has to Heed This Advice On the Video
Even With the media Feeding us Thorazine 24/7 and None Politician David Perdue Beat Georgia's Congressman Jack KingstonDark Money For A Dark Money Fund
The Creation of A Secret Govt to Rule NYC
School bus operators who need New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s help to retain lucrative city contracts contributed nearly $40,000 to a mayoral nonprofit—but took steps to hide the donations from public view
A City Council BOE Takeover?
Four people vying to become the newest Board of Elections commissioner—Lenore Kramer, Louise Dankberg, Leonard Kohen and Alan Schulkin—will line up to be grilled by the City Council in a series of private interviews tomorrow, the Daily News reports: http://goo.gl/geqDihThe Kasirer Reps Rapfogel's Met Council Forest City Ratner Nexus
Berlin Rosen is Working for Michael Blake Campaign
It New Yorkers Face Cheney Like Fake Reality (Brainwashing) and Tammany Hall Corruption
de Blasio Primary: Hospital Not Condos
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
de Blasio Primary: Hospital Not Condos
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
A Lobbyists Who Grew Out of the WFP's Data and Field Swamp is Not Telling New Yorkers How to Think?
The Real Build New York Campaign
NYP Left Out that Assembly Wright As NY County Leaders Gets Judges Their Jobs
NYP Left Out that Cumbo Campaign Was Fined By the CFB Because Her Consultant the Advance Group Mixed Citizen United $$$ With Her Campaign Contributions
More Member Items Abuse
Once again our City Council is proving — with your tax dollars — that even a good cause can start to lookugly when it looks to political connections for funding. The latest example is Brooklyn Councilmember Laurie Cumbo’s $1.4 million taxpayer-financed gift to the Museum of Contemporary Arts. Her donations will be matched by another $1.4 million in the mayor’s executive budget, for a grand total of $2.8 million for this museum. That’s a nice chunk of change. One other relevant point: Cumbo is the founder of this museum.
We don’t suggest that any of this is illegal. But that’s the smelly part, at least with regard to council member items. This is money that the council’s politicians take from taxpayers and ladle out to their pet projects and causes without even a vote. The worthiness of the cause being supported is irrelevant. In fact, we think by participating in a process so open to abuse, non-profits risk their good names. Remember, member items were part of William Rapfogel’s scam at the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty. So we’re with Mayor de Blasio on this. End member items. And let these worthy causes raise money the old-fashioned way — either by persuading private benefactors to contribute, or, when taxpayer dollars are involved, by holding an up or down legislative vote.
The CFB Finds the Advance Coordinated PAC NYCLASS $$$ and Campaign $$$
The Investigation Of the Advance Group NYCLASS Corruption Continues With Fines Against Two CN Cumbo and Levenson
City council members fined over money from anti-horse carriage group(NYP)Two city council members were slapped with hefty fines for accepting prohibited campaign contributions from a group at the center of the Central Park horse carriage brouhaha. Freshman member Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) was fined $7,868, and newbie Mark Levine (D-Manhattan) was fined $8,686 by the city’s Campaign Finance Board for accepting over-the-limit funding from a “prohibited source.” The board found that the funding source for both campaigns – New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and Safe Street (NYCLASS) – was too intertwined with the candidates’ consultant, The Advance Group (TAG).Campaigns are prohibited from coordinating with third-party groups that make “independent” expenditures. Yet TAG president and lobbyist Scott Levenson was political director for NYCLASS, and both groups shared the same office space.* Two NYC campaigns fined over cash from animal rights group(Newsday) But NYCLASS and The Advance Group were intertwined -- NYCLASS' political director doubled as The Advance Group's president, for example -- and spending by NYCLASS "could not be and" was "not independent" of the campaigns, the finance board said. The contributions were over the $2,750 limit as nonindependent spending and weren't reported by the campaigns, the board said. Cumbo and Levine responded with a joint statement, saying their campaigns are opposed to outside spending in elections.* 2 City Council members fined thousands for accepting improper campaign funds from anti-carriage horse group NYCLASS(NYDN)
Tale of
Extell Wants to Segregate the Poor
This
is rich! The poor will use a separate door under plans for a new Upper
West Side luxury tower — where affordable housing will be segregated
from ritzy waterfront condos despite being in the.
As the Millions in Tax Breaks to Excell Has Shown Real Estate Developers Already Own Albany and the Governor
In an interview, Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York,
a government watchdog group, indicated that the multimillion-dollar
effort was a significant shift in city politics and might alter the
nature of campaigning on the local level. “The entire point of a City
Council race is to reflect the needs of the neighborhoods in a
district,” Ms. Lerner said. “This undercuts the neighborhood-based
nature of a district and replaces neighborhood concerns with industry
concerns.
How Real Estate $$$ Run Politics in NYC
Cuomo $300,000 from Extell
On Real Estate Contributors Subpoenas
Cuomo
said he has no problem with the anti-corruption Moreland Commission he
convened sending subpoenas to real estate companies that have
contributed to his campaign, including Extell Development, the Times Union writes:
Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) Corporations
and people affiliated with Extell Development made more than $300,000
in donations to Cuomo since May 2012, around the same time the governor
and lawmakers were weighing a housing bill that would save Extell
millions over a decade.Two corporations tied to Extell Development each
contributed $50,000 to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign the same day the
Assembly passed a housing bill with tax breaks for five developers,
including Extell, the Daily News reports: *Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN) * Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) Corporations
and people affiliated with Extell Development made more than $300,000
in donations to Cuomo since May 2012, around the same time the governor
and lawmakers were weighing a housing bill that would save Extell
millions over a decade.* Towering corruption (NYDN) Commission must find the truth about Albany's tax breaks for luxury highrises* New
York City real estate companies are exploiting a loophole in state
election law that considers limited liability corporations as
individuals, allowing them to contribute up to $150,000 through LLCs
that they own for different sites, Crain’s Insider reports
True News Exclusive: Will Moreland Look At City Officials/ Candidates Who Got Matching Funds From Extell's One57?
Gaming the System
It
was not only Vito Lopez, Marty Golden, Keith Wright, Cuomo the Albany
Assembly and Senate PACs of both parties that got money from Extell Development, sponsor of One57 for tax breaks. At least 6 citywide candidates got the loot from the buildings developers. Extell contributions
to city officials were designed to take advantage of the public
matching fund program. Most were $175 with many of the same
contributors giving to more than one candidate. The Moreland Commission
is looking into the state contributions and tax reductions connections,
there is no indication if the commission will look into with the city
pols for their cash. They should. George Arzt a flack for Extell works
for at least two of the candidates who got money from the developer. If
you wonder why the middle class keep getting pushed out of NYC, It has
to do with the same candidates who promise to save the middle class
feeding off the tit of the luxury developers.
Extell Wants to Segregate the Poor
This
is rich! The poor will use a separate door under plans for a new Upper
West Side luxury tower — where affordable housing will be segregated
from ritzy waterfront condos despite being in the.
As the Millions in Tax Breaks to Excell Has Shown Real Estate Developers Already Own Albany and the Governor
In an interview, Susan Lerner, the executive director of Common Cause New York,
a government watchdog group, indicated that the multimillion-dollar
effort was a significant shift in city politics and might alter the
nature of campaigning on the local level. “The entire point of a City
Council race is to reflect the needs of the neighborhoods in a
district,” Ms. Lerner said. “This undercuts the neighborhood-based
nature of a district and replaces neighborhood concerns with industry
concerns.
How Real Estate $$$ Run Politics in NYC
Cuomo $300,000 from Extell
On Real Estate Contributors Subpoenas
Cuomo
said he has no problem with the anti-corruption Moreland Commission he
convened sending subpoenas to real estate companies that have
contributed to his campaign, including Extell Development, the Times Union writes:
Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) Corporations
and people affiliated with Extell Development made more than $300,000
in donations to Cuomo since May 2012, around the same time the governor
and lawmakers were weighing a housing bill that would save Extell
millions over a decade.Two corporations tied to Extell Development each
contributed $50,000 to Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s campaign the same day the
Assembly passed a housing bill with tax breaks for five developers,
including Extell, the Daily News reports: *Sheldon Silver aided Gov. Cuomo in sneaking through tax breaks for luxury developer(NYDN) * Gov. Cuomo's long-time city developer donor got more generous when it stood to get $35 million in tax breaks(NYDN) Corporations
and people affiliated with Extell Development made more than $300,000
in donations to Cuomo since May 2012, around the same time the governor
and lawmakers were weighing a housing bill that would save Extell
millions over a decade.* Towering corruption (NYDN) Commission must find the truth about Albany's tax breaks for luxury highrises* New
York City real estate companies are exploiting a loophole in state
election law that considers limited liability corporations as
individuals, allowing them to contribute up to $150,000 through LLCs
that they own for different sites, Crain’s Insider reports
True News Exclusive: Will Moreland Look At City Officials/ Candidates Who Got Matching Funds From Extell's One57?
Gaming the System
It
was not only Vito Lopez, Marty Golden, Keith Wright, Cuomo the Albany
Assembly and Senate PACs of both parties that got money from Extell Development, sponsor of One57 for tax breaks. At least 6 citywide candidates got the loot from the buildings developers. Extell contributions
to city officials were designed to take advantage of the public
matching fund program. Most were $175 with many of the same
contributors giving to more than one candidate. The Moreland Commission
is looking into the state contributions and tax reductions connections,
there is no indication if the commission will look into with the city
pols for their cash. They should. George Arzt a flack for Extell works
for at least two of the candidates who got money from the developer. If
you wonder why the middle class keep getting pushed out of NYC, It has
to do with the same candidates who promise to save the middle class
feeding off the tit of the luxury developers.
A towering insult - NY Daily News
As the
Daily News revealed last Tuesday, One57 is among five residential
projects that were shoehorned into a real estate tax abatement program
under language mysteriously written into legislation passed in Albany.
The companies that will benefit, their lobbyists and PACs have donated
$1.5 million to Albany campaign accounts over the past five years. The
bill’s sponsors — Sen. Marty Golden and Assemblyman Keith Wright —
professed ignorance.* How the Rich Get a Big Real Estate Tax Break - NYTimes.com * Assemblyman Keith Wright Sent Letter Acknowledging Developer Tax Breaks In Bill(NYDN)
Wright Tries to Blame Vito Lopez
Wright
is furious at Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for dragging him into a
controversy over tax breaks awarded to five city developers, the Daily
News’s Ken Lovett writes: http://nydn.us/15ZsRDH
Wright inherited the bill after Silver replaced former Assembly Housing
Committee Vito Lopez, who was removed because of his sexual harassment
scandal. The bill is the subject of an investigation, in which
high-level politicians allegedly received money from real estate
developers
Albany's Tax Breaks Turn Into Foreign Aide for the Rich
Silver Builds Affordable Housing for the Residents of Qatar Not Middle Class and Poor New Yorkers Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse
How Much Has New York Lost To Florida? * Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse
International Office Investment Up Also
New York’s improving economy coupled
with high demand from global investors have driven Manhattan
office-building values back to where they were before the crash, The Wall Street Journal writes:
As the
Daily News revealed last Tuesday, One57 is among five residential
projects that were shoehorned into a real estate tax abatement program
under language mysteriously written into legislation passed in Albany.
The companies that will benefit, their lobbyists and PACs have donated
$1.5 million to Albany campaign accounts over the past five years. The
bill’s sponsors — Sen. Marty Golden and Assemblyman Keith Wright —
professed ignorance.* How the Rich Get a Big Real Estate Tax Break - NYTimes.com * Assemblyman Keith Wright Sent Letter Acknowledging Developer Tax Breaks In Bill(NYDN)
Wright Tries to Blame Vito Lopez
Wright is furious at Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver for dragging him into a controversy over tax breaks awarded to five city developers, the Daily News’s Ken Lovett writes: http://nydn.us/15ZsRDH Wright inherited the bill after Silver replaced former Assembly Housing Committee Vito Lopez, who was removed because of his sexual harassment scandal. The bill is the subject of an investigation, in which high-level politicians allegedly received money from real estate developers
Albany's Tax Breaks Turn Into Foreign Aide for the Rich
Silver Builds Affordable Housing for the Residents of Qatar Not Middle Class and Poor New Yorkers Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse
How Much Has New York Lost To Florida? * Qatar Prime Minister – New Owner of the $100 Million New York’s Most Expensive Penthouse
New York’s improving economy coupled
with high demand from global investors have driven Manhattan
office-building values back to where they were before the crash, The Wall Street Journal writes:
How Does the Media Let George Arzt Get Away With Flacking for Luxury Highrise Tax Breaks, While Running Major Campaigns?
Extell Corrupt Lobbyist Arzt Flacks for Brooklyn Boss Seddio
“Frank
left the job because the bench was less-than-scintillating,” said
Seddio spokesman George Artz. “Frank is a people person, and he found
the post wasn’t for him.” You think after losing with Hynes Artz would
have gotten out of Brooklyn?* * 2013-10-29 George Arzt - NYS Board of Elections Contributions - Disclosure.pdf George Arzt represents Excell One57 and dozens of other developers * George Arzt - NYC LobbyistSearch Result * More George Arzt is A Bad Guy LobbyistsWho has done a lot of harm(True News) * One of George Arzt's clients is Extell,and
Extell is the sponsor of the exclusive, luxury condo called One57 that
is the target of an investigation for possible corruption. * George ArztCommunications, Inc. - NYC Lobbyist Search Result
More on Arzt and Other Corrupt Lobbyists
EXTELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. Media Contact: George Arzt at 212-608-0333 Can
we expect the candidates like Katz that Arzt is trying to elect this
year will help him get more tax breaks for luxury highrises. Subpoenas
have gone to Gary Barnett’s Extell Development, sponsor of One57 *Extell Lobbyist Money is Also Flying At the Hudson Yards
Real Estate Developers, Tax Breaks and Politics
How Does the Media Let George Arzt Get Away With Flacking for Luxury Highrise Tax Breaks, While Running Major Campaigns?
Extell Corrupt Lobbyist Arzt Flacks for Brooklyn Boss Seddio
“Frank
left the job because the bench was less-than-scintillating,” said
Seddio spokesman George Artz. “Frank is a people person, and he found
the post wasn’t for him.” You think after losing with Hynes Artz would
have gotten out of Brooklyn?* * 2013-10-29 George Arzt - NYS Board of Elections Contributions - Disclosure.pdf George Arzt represents Excell One57 and dozens of other developers * George Arzt - NYC LobbyistSearch Result * More George Arzt is A Bad Guy LobbyistsWho has done a lot of harm(True News) * One of George Arzt's clients is Extell,and
Extell is the sponsor of the exclusive, luxury condo called One57 that
is the target of an investigation for possible corruption. * George ArztCommunications, Inc. - NYC Lobbyist Search Result
More on Arzt and Other Corrupt Lobbyists
More on Arzt and Other Corrupt Lobbyists
EXTELL DEVELOPMENT COMPANY. Media Contact: George Arzt at 212-608-0333 Can
we expect the candidates like Katz that Arzt is trying to elect this
year will help him get more tax breaks for luxury highrises. Subpoenas
have gone to Gary Barnett’s Extell Development, sponsor of One57 *Extell Lobbyist Money is Also Flying At the Hudson Yards
Real Estate Developers, Tax Breaks and PoliticsHas the City Council Forgoten Something?
1. ID for undocumented aliens, transgender people or anyone else who for whatever reason doesn’t possess legal proof of identity, the municipal ID card has been presented as a means of integrating a shadowed community of New Yorkers into society. Council member Danny Dromm, the lead sponsor of the muni ID bill, has repeatedly said that the card will become the “must-have accessory” for all “real” New Yorkers. Councilmember Mark Weprin echoed this sentiment, saying during the vote on the bill that “we live in the coolest city in the world, right? And now we’re going to have a membership card, and people will want to be part of that club.”
3. The new budget may not raise taxes, but that doesn’t mean the City Council isn’t trying to nickle and dime in other ways. Council member Brad Lander wants the city’s stores to start levying a 10-cent fee (which the stores will keep) for every bag they give customers to carry their stuff out of the store. Handleless bags for use inside the store, such as for produce, are exempt, as are bags for pharmacy prescriptions. It hasn’t come to a vote yet.
4. Perhaps the biggest piece of legislation was overriding Michael Bloomberg’s veto of the paid-sick-leave bill and passing an expanded version of the bill.
Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal writes dozens of animal rights bills — winning favor of animal activists(NYDN)
NYT Who Endorsed Rangel's Opponent Never Forgets
Charlie Rangel's Charitable Giving Shrinks Along With Fund-Raising Clout(NYT) When Charlie Rangel was riding high as Chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, one way Mr. Rangel, a Harlem Democrat, helped his profile was by giving hundreds of thousands of dollars to charitable organizations. Those days are long gone.Labor Commissioner Hires His Ex Company
Labor commissioner gives no-bid contract to firm he founded(NYP) The city’s top labor negotiator turned to some familiar faces to help hammer out dozens of municipal contracts, by bringing on the consulting firm he founded.Three months after Robert Linn was appointed labor commissioner, the city inked a $99,500 no-bid contract with Linn & Logan Consulting, Inc., founded by Linn in 1995.He served as executive director until January’s appointment. Linn got clearance from the Conflicts of Interest Board. Mayor de Blasio spokesman Phil Walzak said the urgency of contract talks precluded soliciting bids.It Was Cuomo's Best of Days and Worst of Days
U.S. Issues Subpoena in Inquiry on Cuomo’s Closing of Moreland Commission(NYT) Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed the assistant to the panel’s former executive director to testify, suggesting that the criminal inquiry has moved to a new stage. Federal agents served the subpoena on the assistant, Heather Green, on Wednesday morning, appearing at her doorstep before 7 a.m., the people said. Ms. Green, who is not believed to be a target of the inquiry, worked as an executive assistant to the anticorruption panel’s former executive director, Regina Calcaterra, until Mr. Cuomo announced he was disbanding the panel, known as the Moreland Commission, on March 29.
The subpoena, according to two people who have seen it or been briefed on its contents, asked for documents and correspondence, including any communications with Mr. Cuomo and his senior aides. It also directed Ms. Green to appear July 28 to testify before a grand jury in Manhattan, the people said. Separately, Mylan L. Denerstein, counsel to the governor, has agreed to be interviewed in early August by federal prosecutors about her involvement with the panel, one of the people said. The U.S. Attorney Preet.Bharara appeared on a radio show days later and, in an unusual move, sharply criticized Mr. Cuomo’s decision, saying his actions made it appear as though the governor had bargained away corruption cases as part of a political deal. Mr. Bharara also referred to allegations that Mr. Cuomo and his aides had interfered with the commission’s investigations, steering them away from the governor and his allies.The direction of Mr. Bharara’s criminal inquiry remains unclear, but it appears to be focused on whether shuttering the panel, or any actions before it, interfered with any prospective federal investigations. It was not immediately clear how Ms. Green’s testimony fit into the criminal inquiry. While news reports have disclosed that several subpoenas had already been served in connection with the investigation, all of those were for documents and other materials, not for testimony.
How Cuomo got his picture-perfect LIRR moment(Capital) “[T]he deal looks like a significant win, allowing him to collect credit for averting a … costly transit mess, and avoiding a confrontation with a union fresh off tamping down a near-revolt on his left at the recent Working Families Party convention. … [T]he governor's late appearance in the drama … comes straight out of the Cuomo playbook. (He did a similar thing in April as the M.T.A. and its Transport Workers Union Local 100 reached a tentative contract for about 34,000 bus and subway workers.) So Cuomo only became involved in the LIRR talks—publicly at least—in the day leading up to the accord. “He had previously suggested that it was an issue for Congress, not the governor (even though he effectively controls the M.T.A.). Then his staff got involved with negotiations behind the scenes … Experts on labor negotiations say that it was always unlikely for Cuomo to become involved in the railroad talks unless he a knew there was a deal to be made, particularly in an election year. And … the union negotiators were unlikely to agree to terms until a few days before the strike was set to occur. If they came back three weeks ago with a tentative deal, their membership may have rejected it believing more could be done
Bill Hammond @NYDNHammond
NYP is Demanding the Mayor's PAC One NY Give Back the UFT $$$
NYPD Getting Good Press On Its Efforts to Stop the Increase in Shootings
Three gang members charged in shooting of gathered mourners(NYP)*Cops bust eight alleged gun runners in Brooklyn(NYP)
For Six Months True News Has Been Reporting That the Council Speaker Paid A Lobbyists Who Was Lobbying Her . . . Today the Daily News Reports the Same Info As Exclusive
Daily News Dumb Crook Reporters?
A kick in the teeth (NYDN Ed) The Daily News delivers nearly 40,000 carriage horse petitions to City Hall, but Mayor de Blasio has blinders on
As Reported in True News for Months
Lobbyists Are the New Party Bosses
Melissa Mark-Viverito spent big bucks on speaker's race, campaign filings show
Flashback Why Did the Daily News Keep Out Its Own Story About the Advance Group Illegally Working for Speaker Mark-Viverito?
Daily News Charges Against Mark-Viverto
EXCLUSIVE: City Council Speaker candidate Melissa Mark-Viverito may have violated city ethics rules(NYDN) Mark-Viverito,
an East Harlem councilwoman, accepted unpaid assistance from the
Advance Group, a prominent lobbying firm working to further her
candidacy (Daily News 11/27/2013)
Mark-Viverito Drops Advance
Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid(NYO)
Ms. Mark-Viverito insisted today that this was not the case but out of
an “abundance of caution,” the relationship would end. Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid - Blogs(TU)
To the Winner Lobbyists Goes the Spoils (City Council)
Since
the 2013 elections Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin has picked
up of 70 clients to lobby for. 51 clients to lobby the city council, 17
to lobby the office of the mayor
Another big winner of 2013 made a similar argument. Jon Del Giorno, sitting in his firm's 28th-floor conference room a few blocks from City Hall, downplayed the notion that his closeness with Ms. Mark-Viverito will help his firm, Pitta Bishop Del Giorno & Giblin, which has hovered near the bottom of, or just out of, the top-10 list. Pitta Bishop has done Ms. Mark-Viverito's election-law compliance since 2005, and last year Mr. Del Giorno quarterbacked her uphill speaker bid. In a clever and unprecedented move, the firm set up a 2017 campaign account for an unspecified office with the state Board of Elections, which allowed Ms. Mark-Viverito to raise $100,000 and hire a full staff for her run, despite needing just 26 votes from council colleagues to win. More than $21,000 of the money reportedly came from Pitta Bishop's long roster of business and labor clients, and gave Ms. Mark-Viverito an edge over her rivals. Common Cause New York said the new speaker was "exploiting" the state's lax campaign-finance system.
The Speakers Lobbyists Cash In
After 6 Months Building Commissioner
Leaders Named for Buildings Dept. and Police Review Board(NYT)
Mayor Bill de Blasio named a commissioner to the Department of
Buildings, which is responsible for making sure that the nearly one
million buildings in New York City are safe.* Mayor Appoints Buildings Commissioner, Seeks Changes (WSJ)
Host of de Blasio's One NY Slush Fund Fund Raiser is A Lobbyists for A Queens Developer Whose Project Will Destroy de Blasio Afforable Housing Goals
Davidoff and Malito Represents 2030 Astoria Developers Who Want to Build Astoria Cove Waterfront Development Which Will Raise Rents In Queens
Monday the NYT Was Wrong When They Said Lobbyists Davidoff Was Adopt de Blasio's Agenda
From the NYT Lobbying Group Adopts de Blasio’s Agenda(NYT)
The One New York event was hosted by the lobbying firm of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Sid Davidoff, one of the firm’s partners — who was married at City Hall earlier this year in a ceremony officiated by the mayor* The One New York event was hosted by the lobbying firm of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Sid Davidoff, one of the firm’s partners — who was married at City Hall earlier this year in a ceremony officiated by the mayor
Mayor de Blasio says donors to his lobbying group expect nothing in return(NYDN)
de Blasio's One New York Lobbyist Works to Bring Brooklyn Gentrification and Rising Rents to Queens
Who is Funding the One New York PAC
Wendy Neu Who Funded NYCLASS Also Funding One NY
The NYT Left Out Two Other Attempts to Game the CFB NYCLASS and Data and Field
“It
makes it seem as if public policy and the people’s business is up for
sale to the largest bidder,” Susan Lerner, the executive director of
Common Cause New York, a government watchdog group. “This is getting
around New York City’s campaign finance system in an unseemly way,” she
added.
Notice What the NYT Left Out
1. Jonathan Rosen Who Runs UPKNYC is Not A Registered Lobbyists
2. Johnathan Rosen was Representing the Developer in the Dominos Sugar Deal With the City
3. Johnathan Rosen in 2009 Worked for All the Candidates That Got Help from Data & Field
On
Tuesday, the Campaign for One New York will file a list of contributors
with the state. Lobbyists are required to disclose only donations
exceeding $5,000, but a spokesman for the group, Jonathan Rosen, said in
a statement that it would disclose “all of our fund-raising and
spending, beyond what the law requires.” Mr. Parikh said in the post on
his company’s website that the event was hosted by the lobbying firm of
Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Sid Davidoff, one of the firm’s
partners — who was married at City Hall earlier this year in a ceremony officiated by the mayor — referred questions about the event to Dan Levitan, who works for Mr. Rose
de Blasio Slush Fund 1NY Update . . . Where the $$ Comes From . . . BHA Debunks Letter About Saving the Hospital and NYT Spins More Crap to Protect Mayor
Does the NYT Think Than An Emergency Room That Does Not Even Treat Heart Attacks is A de Blasio Achievement?
Installation cost the city plenty, but there’s no monitoring
When residents of several public housing complexes learned three years ago that new closed circuit cameras would be installed in their lobbies and elevators, they were optimistic that safety in their buildings would greatly improve.Three years later, however, residents of one complex say that the New York City Housing Authority has so badly mismanaged the project that they feel no safer now than they did before the cameras were installed.
Moore Houses on East 149th St. near St. Mary’s Park was one of five local complexes that received the cameras, electronic keys and mechanical door locks as part of an initiative to take a bite out of crime, thanks to a $3.2 million allocation from City Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo in 2011.
But residents contend that NYCHA has never assigned anyone to watch a bank of monitors that the cameras’ images are transmitted to, on the ground floor of one of Moore’s four residential buildings. When they have complained to housing officials that the expensive cameras are going to waste, they say the agency has told them it lacks the manpower to oversee the project.
Residents have urged NYCHA to allow tenants themselves to oversee the monitors, but housing officials have declined.
- See more at: http://www.motthavenherald.com/2014/07/08/safety-cameras-bust-say-nycha-tenants/#sthash.5zfURTPW.dpuf
Safety cameras are a bust, say NYCHA tenants
Alarm raised about ‘dark money’ behind de Blasio’s LICH - Fortis letter
The
backlash continues against a letter sent out by a de Blasio lobbying
group supporting the sale of Brooklyn’s Long Island College Hospital
(LICH) to a developer. The government watchdog group Common Cause
raised alarms on Tuesday about “dark money” funding the mass mailing,
and the Brooklyn Heights Association (BHA) has added its voice to those
debunking the letter's claims. The controversial June 26 letter touts
the “stand-alone ER” that will be replacing the historic hospital.
Although it was signed by Carroll Gardens’ resident Gary Reilly, the
letter was mailed from the headquarters of de Blasio lobbyists operating
under the name “The Campaign for One New York.” In the letter, Reilly
says, “I was asked by Mayor de Blasio to share my views on what [the
sale of LICH] means for families in Cobble Hill, Carroll Gardens,
Brooklyn Heights, Boerum Hill, Downtown Brooklyn and Red Hook.” The
outcome, Reilly writes, “. . . is a lot better than we had reason to
think one year ago.” With SUNY selling the hospital complex to developer
Fortis Property Group, “We will have a freestanding, high quality
emergency room, with up to 20 observational beds.” The letter has evoked
a storm of criticism from residents of these neighborhoods who fought
for more than a year to save the hospital, and who supported de Blasio
in his campaign for mayor largely based on his promise to save LICH.
That promise was seemingly forgotten after the election, however.* Big city unions bankroll $1.7M to Mayor de Blasio's lobbying arm(NYDN)* * An advocacy group set up by New York
City Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign aides raised nearly $1.8 million
during his first six months in office to promote his policy agenda, The Wall Street Journal reports:
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Sal Albanese @SalAlbaneseNYC
@HammerDaily hopefully we are not returning to the days of
@BarrettNation & Jack Newfield's book "City For Sale"
Safety cameras are a bust, say NYCHA tenants
Who Will Investigate Berlin Rosen Who Worked for Brooklyn DA Thompson, AG Schniderman, de Blasio and the Council Speaker?
The NYT Left Out The Fact That A Major Promise of the Mayor's Campaign Was to Keep LICH A Full Service Hospital, He Even Got Arrested Protesting the Proposed Closing
Since the city received state funding for prekindergarten, the group has turned to other issues. Recently, it sent a letter
to residents of Brooklyn, defending the outcome of the long legal
battle over the closing of Long Island College Hospital, as well as Mr.
de Blasio’s role in it. Some have criticized
the mayor for declaring in February that he had “saved” the hospital,
after which it effectively closed. It is being sold to a developer to be
turned into condominiums; there will be some health care services,
including a free-standing emergency room, on the site. The
letter, signed by Gary Reilly of the Carroll Gardens Neighborhood
Association, said that, thanks in part to Mr. de Blasio, the outcome was
“a lot better than what we had reason to think one year ago.”
True News Wags the NYT Wrote About the UPKNYC Hospital Mailing Last Week
It New Yorkers Face Cheney Like Fake Reality (Brainwashing) and Tammany Hall Corruption
de Blasio Primary: Hospital Not Condos
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
de Blasio Primary: Hospital Not Condos
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
Mayor's Flack: Condos No Full Hospital
A Lobbyists Who Grew Out of the WFP's Data and Field Swamp is Not Telling New Yorkers How to Think?
The UPKNYC event was hosted by the lobbying firm of Davidoff Hutcher & Citron. Sid Davidoff, one of the firm’s partners — who was married at City Hall earlier this year in a ceremony officiated by the mayor
De Blasio Performs First Marriage at City Hall(NYO) between lobbyists Sid Davidoff. and Linda Stasi, a columnist for the Daily News.Sid Davidoff, an early de Blasio backer and longtime friend whom insiders view as one of the big winners of the 2013 elections. Has gotten the following contracts in 2014 to lobby the mayor:
Telebeam Telecommunications Corporation, New York Cosmos LLC, Association of Water and Sewer Excavators Inc., Madelaine Chocolate Novelties, Inc., AMERICAN RECYCLING TECHNOLOGIES INC., Election Systems & Software, Inc., Touro College, Abbott Laboratories, Times Square District Management Association, Inc., Oxford Nursing Home, Inc., New York Community Bancorp, Inc., Marshall E Bloomfield ESQ,Palladia, Inc., RCN Telecom Services, LLC, AbbVie, Inc, 2030 Astoria Developers, LLC., HUNTS POINT TERMINAL PRODUCE COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION INC, Taxicab Service Association Inc., Master Plumbers Council of the City of New York, Inc, American Recycling LLC, FIGLI DI SAN GENNARO, INC. ***Here is City Hall lobbyist Davidoff telling Earl Lewis on NY1 that the mayor will be OK
Lobbyists the New Permanent Government
\
How Come Berlin Rosen Answered A NYT Reporter Question For City Hall?
Berlin Rosen Operates In the Dark Pools of Power and NYC Lobbyist
NYT Michael Powell - A couple of weeks back, I called the mayor’s press office and asked about Mr. de Blasio’s perhaps too-optimistic cost projections for prekindergarten. Twenty minutes later, I heard from Dan Levitan of Berlin Rosen, which is the “it” P.R. firm of the city’s left and a close adviser to the mayor. He advised that I should study the mayor’s proposals carefully if I presumed to take “a skeptical look” at prekindergarten. I asked if Berlin Rosen had a contract to handle queries placed with the mayor’s office. He replied that he handled the “campaign” for pre-K. Lobbyists Search for Berlin Rosen * When Campaign Aides Are Lobbyists, Questions Mount - City Limits(City Limits) * 8 Lobbyists Consultants and Citizen United * True News (The Bund): Dark Pools * City Hall's new 'in' crowd of lobbyists (CrainsNY) Lobbyists behind the campaigns of ascendant power brokers are now poised to cash in.* The Perma-Campaign: For Bill de Blasio, the Race Never Ends(NYO)
More $$$ for Berlin Rosen?\
How Come Berlin Rosen Answered A NYT Reporter Question For City Hall?
Berlin Rosen Operates In the Dark Pools of Power and NYC Lobbyist
NYT Michael Powell - A couple of weeks back, I called the mayor’s press office and asked about Mr. de Blasio’s perhaps too-optimistic cost projections for prekindergarten. Twenty minutes later, I heard from Dan Levitan of Berlin Rosen, which is the “it” P.R. firm of the city’s left and a close adviser to the mayor. He advised that I should study the mayor’s proposals carefully if I presumed to take “a skeptical look” at prekindergarten. I asked if Berlin Rosen had a contract to handle queries placed with the mayor’s office. He replied that he handled the “campaign” for pre-K. Lobbyists Search for Berlin Rosen * When Campaign Aides Are Lobbyists, Questions Mount - City Limits(City Limits) * 8 Lobbyists Consultants and Citizen United * True News (The Bund): Dark Pools * City Hall's new 'in' crowd of lobbyists (CrainsNY) Lobbyists behind the campaigns of ascendant power brokers are now poised to cash in.* The Perma-Campaign: For Bill de Blasio, the Race Never Ends(NYO)
You’ve Got Mail: Fund-Raising Emails Bombard Inboxes More Frequently Than Ever(NYO)
| Sal Albanese @SalAlbaneseNYC |
 |
I think these guys are as good as Cheney in creating their own reality. It's the "progressive" version
|
In the End Media Coverage Drives Crime Policy
Why Does it Take A Murder of A Child to OK NYCHA Cameras to Be Installed?
Nearly a year after NYCHA got $500,000 in taxpayer dollars to install security cameras in all the lobbies at the Boulevard Houses, the city approved the plan — a day after the tragic stabbing attack on two children in a Boulevard elevator. Witnesses say the attacker fled via the lobby after the brutal assault. Why the cameras had not yet been installed remained unclear.* DE BLASIO’S SAFETY PLAN: “Everything we have”: Responding to a surge in violence in the city's public housing projects, and a particularly violent weekend in which 13 people were wounded by gunfire and a 6-year-old was murdered, the Mayor said last night that the city will use “everything we have” to curb violence at public housing developments: “We are going to see a much more visible presence of the NYPD in some of the housing developments that have the worst troubles.”*Homeless Families to Public Housing NYCHA to Allocate Approximately 750 Units a Year to Homeless Families Dozens of Suspected Gang Members Arrested in Raid of 2 Harlem Housing Projects: The police raid was aimed at...
The Media Held A Black Mayor Accountable to Increase In Shootings?
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Dave Do Something
During
the Dinkins administration a front-page headline in the New York Post
had screamed: “Dave do something!”— a direct call to then mayor David
Dinkins to get crime down fast. Today shooting in the city are up after
years of going down. Not only is the press not digging into the
reasons for the increase, but they are not holding the mayor’s feet to
the fire while New Yorkers are shot. With the press of the press and
the resulting public press Dinkins' with the help of Albany and the
council speaker dramatically increase the size of the NYPD. Today we
have a press that allows mayor and his flacks to chose the issues that
are covered in the media. Nobody in the media wants to talk about the
growing shooting problem and the reason for it. The press will not
hold today's incumbents feet to the filed like that did former Mayor
Dinkins.
More on Lobbyists the New Permanent Government
NYT Supports the Brooklyn DA Low Level Pot Policy
A Sensible Marijuana Policy in Brooklyn(NYT Ed)
The district attorney served justice and common sense in saying he wouldn’t prosecute low-level pot cases.
de Blasio Goes to Bat for His Political Union Machine
More on the Campaign to Control the State Senate
And $$$ Reports
The abrupt retirement of Sen. George Maziarz gives
the Senate GOP another seat to defend, which means less resources for
other challengers and incumbents facing tough re-election campaigns.
When the Republicans were redesigning district seats to help protect
vulnerable members a couple of years ago, they figured
Maziarz was so politically strong that he could take on a bunch of
Democratic voters from Buffalo Sen. Mark Grisanti and absorb them into
his district without fear of losing. That move may come back to bite
them. “The landscape keeps changing and the map keeps getting more difficult for Republicans,” said Queens Sen. Michael Gianaris, head of the Democrats’ campaign committee.* * State Senate Republicans will have
nearly $5 million in the bank as of the latest campaign finance filing,
the caucus reports, including $3.7 million raised in the last six
months, the Daily News reports: * But no member of the conference
has contributed so far to Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob
Astorino’s campaign, Gannett Albany writes: http://goo.gl/hqfvlc * John Liu has raised more than half
a million dollars and has $440,000 in cash on hand in his bid against
Sen. Tony Avella, who has raised only $132,000 this period, with $88,000
on hand, State of Politics reports: http://goo.gl/iu7xlZ* GOP Attorney General candidate
John Cahill has raised $1.67 million, while his Democratic opponent,
incumbent Eric Schneiderman, reported having $6 million on hand back in
January, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/9PCuGf * Rep. Michael Grimm raised just
$23,430 last month, according to campaign finance reports, with nearly
all of it coming from 18 mostly local donors, the Observer reports: http://goo.gl/BGQqGY* Cuomo’s Campaign Holds a Wide Lead in Fund-Raising(NYT)*S.J. Jung and Toby Stavisky Neck and Neck in Cash War(NYO) * Skelos And Klein Lead In Senate Fundraising(YNN)* Klein Campaign Knocks Koppell For Delayed Disclosure(YNN)*Klein Mob $$$ IDC Leader Jeff Klein took a $10,000 campaign donation from a mafia-linked realty company – the same firm he rents his district office space from.* Senate Republicans warn of ‘leftist’ de Blasio takeover(Capital) Republicans claim Dems are in pocket of de Blasio and W.F.P.
Arroyo Gambling Ways
Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo not only won reelection last year despite nearly getting kicked off the ballot for signature fraud, she also reported $5,000 to $44,000 in gambling winnings in 2013
Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo’s income was boosted with gambling winnings*JACKPOT:
Lucky City Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo wins big - reporting
$5G to $44G in winnings - during monthly 'gambling' trips to the racinos(NYDN)
* Slotsa luck for mom-and-daughter pols(NYP).* Cuomo hauls in $8.4M for re election campaign(NYP)* Cuomo raises $8.5M, leaves Rob Astorino trailing behind in polls(NYDN) * Rep. Michael Grimm's fundraising in dumps following indictment(NYDN)* * Gov. Andrew Cuomo has raised $33 million for his campaign, including large donations from charter school backers and a variety of real estate, financial and entertainment elites, The New York Times writes: * The campaign of Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is set to announce having raised $2.6 million during the most recent six-month filing period, with $6.9 million on hand, State of Politics writes:
* Teachout-Wu Raise $277K(YNN)* Steven Spielberg and his wife gave Cuomo $30K via @capitalnewyork* Per disclosure report, @NYGovCuomo Reaches Out To JewishDonors and Voters * @NYGovCuomo friend and donor Ken Langone and his wife Elaine gave $82,000 to the GOP attorney general candidate, @CahillForAG* Gianaris: State Senate Republicans Are Running Scared(NYO)* Pretty mindblowing stat: Cuomo has raised four-fifths of his campaign money from donors giving $40 *thousand* or more, per @mahoneyw* Why pols don't change NY state's porous election laws: MT @YanceyRoy Developer Leonard Litwin has given Cuomo $1M through subsidiaries.* With Few Campaign Dollars, Smith and Sampson Limp Towards Election Day(NYO)* The Conscious Uncoupling of Skelos and Klein(YNN)* Astorino On Cuomo’s ‘Transactional’ Donations(YNN)* NYPIRG: Cuomo’s Big Dollars Versus Astorino’s Small Dollars(YNN)* Cuomo And Astorino Give A Tale Of Two Economies(YNN)* Analyzing Astorino’s Filing, Democrats Point To Hydrofracking Donors(YNN)* Sen. George Maziarz is leaving office with $1.1 million in his campaign account. *Republican comptroller hopeful Bob Antonacci wonders why it took Democratic incumbent Tom DiNapoli this long to audit the “Open For Business” campaign.* Scandal-scarred Sens. John Sampson and Malcolm Smith have less than $16,000 between them for re-election fights against contenders with far more cash and institutional support.* Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams failed to include rental income on his financial disclosure form.* Langones Give To Cahill(YNN)
And $$$ Reports
Arroyo Gambling Ways
Councilwoman Maria del Carmen Arroyo not only won reelection last year despite nearly getting kicked off the ballot for signature fraud, she also reported $5,000 to $44,000 in gambling winnings in 2013
* Slotsa luck for mom-and-daughter pols(NYP).* Cuomo hauls in $8.4M for re election campaign(NYP)* Cuomo raises $8.5M, leaves Rob Astorino trailing behind in polls(NYDN) * Rep. Michael Grimm's fundraising in dumps following indictment(NYDN)* * Gov. Andrew Cuomo has raised $33 million for his campaign, including large donations from charter school backers and a variety of real estate, financial and entertainment elites, The New York Times writes: * The campaign of Democratic Attorney General Eric Schneiderman is set to announce having raised $2.6 million during the most recent six-month filing period, with $6.9 million on hand, State of Politics writes:
* Teachout-Wu Raise $277K(YNN)* Steven Spielberg and his wife gave Cuomo $30K via @capitalnewyork* Per disclosure report, @NYGovCuomo Reaches Out To JewishDonors and Voters * @NYGovCuomo friend and donor Ken Langone and his wife Elaine gave $82,000 to the GOP attorney general candidate, @CahillForAG* Gianaris: State Senate Republicans Are Running Scared(NYO)* Pretty mindblowing stat: Cuomo has raised four-fifths of his campaign money from donors giving $40 *thousand* or more, per @mahoneyw* Why pols don't change NY state's porous election laws: MT @YanceyRoy Developer Leonard Litwin has given Cuomo $1M through subsidiaries.* With Few Campaign Dollars, Smith and Sampson Limp Towards Election Day(NYO)* The Conscious Uncoupling of Skelos and Klein(YNN)* Astorino On Cuomo’s ‘Transactional’ Donations(YNN)* NYPIRG: Cuomo’s Big Dollars Versus Astorino’s Small Dollars(YNN)* Cuomo And Astorino Give A Tale Of Two Economies(YNN)* Analyzing Astorino’s Filing, Democrats Point To Hydrofracking Donors(YNN)* Sen. George Maziarz is leaving office with $1.1 million in his campaign account. *Republican comptroller hopeful Bob Antonacci wonders why it took Democratic incumbent Tom DiNapoli this long to audit the “Open For Business” campaign.* Scandal-scarred Sens. John Sampson and Malcolm Smith have less than $16,000 between them for re-election fights against contenders with far more cash and institutional support.* Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams failed to include rental income on his financial disclosure form.* Langones Give To Cahill(YNN)
Reporters Spin Political Outcomes . . . Mayor Quinn
Heading off Cuomo’s Tim Wu problem(Capital) Growing up running his father’s races and helping him govern has made Andrew Cuomo a political operator of exceedingly rare skill. Having seen the old man’s mistakes and misfortunes first-hand, Cuomo has reacted with determination and force at the merest possibility of anything similar befalling him. Hence the spectacle of the governor’s newly reconfirmed ally, the Working Families Party, taking a shot at a little-known lieutenant governor candidate, Tim Wu, on Thursday. The cause of the broadside, like its target, was relatively obscure. (Wu, a Columbia Law professor and leading advocate of net neutrality, had told a radio host he’d like to relieve small businesses of “red tape,” a comment that caused W.F.P. to “strongly disagree” with his “slippery slope” position on the Scaffold Law.) Cuomo, as has been widely discussed, has picked former Western New York congresswoman Kathy Hochul to be his lieutenant governor. In the general election, she may help him do better in the region than he did last time, when he ran against area bu
City Government Needs A Cash Fix?
Almost From Out of Nowhere, Some of NY's Most Established Industries are Now Finding Their Business Models Under Siege, Thanks to New Technology
Weakness of Elected Prosecutors In Political Corruption Cases
Crain's New York Business (blog)-Wills says he refused to wear wire * Rangel aide linked to nonprofit looted by Wills: officials(NYP)
Escaping Schneiderman? It Looks Like Huntley Ran to the Feds After the AG Indicted Her
State Senator From Queens Is Indicted(NYT, Aug 27, 2012) The charges were filed by Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman in Mineola because the nonprofit agency lists a Nassau County address as its headquarters.Second Albany Legislator Secretly Taped Colleagues(NYT) May 3, 2013* Former state Sen. Shirley Huntley has no regrets about secretly recording her colleagues for the feds: 'I could care less what the politicians think about me'(NYDN)*
Wills Opponents Attacked in His 2010 Campaign for the Mission Profit Money
Shirley Huntley Explains How Everyone Was Totally Out to Get Her(NYO, 6/22/13) A month from serving a year-long prison sentence, Ms. Huntley claimed, for example, that she was singled out for an investigation because she didn’t tell her constituents that the current attorney general’s electoral opponent was “a racist and only locks up black people” during the campaign.“He was upset with me about certain things that he wanted me to do,” Ms. Huntley said of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a former colleague in the State Senate before he ran for higher office in 2010. Mr. Schneiderman faced a crowded field in the Democratic primary, including Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, whom Ms. Huntley alleged she was asked to malign.“I was not a fan of Kathleen Rice because I don’t know her but I was not going to do anything that was going to damage her reputation,” Ms. Huntley explained. “I wasn’t going to do that. I was not going to go to black folks and tell them they need to jump up and down and say, ‘Kathleen Rice is a racist and only locks up black people.’”* A month from serving a year-long prison sentence, Ms. Huntley claimed, for example, that she was singled out for an investigation because she didn’t tell her constituents that the current attorney general’s electoral opponent was “a racist and only locks up black people” during the campaign. “He was upset with me about certain things thaat he wanted me to do,” Ms. Huntley said of Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, a former colleague in the State Senate before he ran for higher office in 2010. Mr. Schneiderman faced a crowded field in the Democratic primary, including Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice, whom Ms. Huntley alleged she was asked to malign. “I was not a fan of Kathleen Rice because I don’t know her but I was not going to do anything that was going to damage her reputation,” Ms. Huntley explained. “I wasn’t going to do that. I was not going to go to black folks and tell them they need to jump up and down and say, ‘Kathleen Rice is a racist and only locks up black people.’”* Queens Councilman Ruben Wills arrested by AG (May 7, 2014)
Daily News Say Schneiderman would show great courage by backing out on principle by Not Defending A Lawsuit to Do Away With Teacher Tenure
Blame the Elected Officials Who Fail to Treat the Mentally Ill for the Jail Horror
Campaign Consutants Lobbyists Who Run the Council Take Over the BOE - Ballot Knock Offs of Candidates Who Don't Hire Them?
Back Continuing The Tammany Hall Future
Board of Elections President Greg Soumas quits ahead of possible ouster in City Council power play(NYDN)
Ahead of his possible ouster by the City Council, Board of Elections
President Gregory Soumas quit in a terse Friday note."By this letter, I
resign my position as commissioner of the Board of
Elections of the city of New York effective immediately," the Manhattan
Democrat wrote to Board Secretary Michael Michel.Soumas, an attorney and
former district leader, was first appointed to the 10-member bipartisan
Board in 2005. As first reported in the Daily News Monday,
Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito was poised to potentially ignore
Manhattan Democratic Chairman Keith Wright's hopes of keeping Soumas on.
But because Wright missed a legal deadline to tell the Council he
wanted to reappoint Soumas, the Council seized control of the
appointment process. By replacing Soumas with a candidate of her own, Mark-Viverito could intensify her influence over the Board and its host of patronage jobs.But Soumas's resignation could potentially throw the speaker's plan off track. As news of his bow-out spread Friday, there were conflicting arguments about whether the appointment power still rested with Mark-Viverito and the Council, or whether it would reset the clock for Wright to make another pick.Frederic Umane, the Manhattan Republican commissioner, said the Council would pick a replacement for Soumas -- but said the timing of his departure, right during petition season, was tough and that it would be hard to find a new commissioner "as talented and knowlegeabe as Commissioner Soumas.* Councilwoman funds expansion of museum she founded via @capitalnewyork
SHOCKING Campaign Promises of Less Tickets Untrue
Another Return to Coney Island? de Blasio Test Dunks the Speaker to Possible Return of Shoot the Freak Booth
Donovan Richards @DRichards
I thought I was loved by @MMViverito until she dunked me
#LMAO
..
Stringer Tracking of Court Costs Questioned
Comptroller's New Claim-Mapping Tool Shows Trends, HasGlitches (Gotham)* New York City
Comptroller Scott Stringer’s Claimstat will not save taxpayers money as
long as the city keeps making “bad judgment calls” like the
precedent-setting $40.7 million payout to the Central Park 5, the Post
writes: http://goo.gl/iWymm8
Media Covers Pols Promises As Mission Accomplished
He spoke a day after a new audit by city Controller Scott Stringer found a shocking one-third of nearly 1,500 school buildings were overcrowded in 2012.
A Clue Of No Education Leadership
Running Against Bloomberg's Education Policy is Not Policy
de Blasio 180 on 420
Drone Gentrification
Hazardous skies as city’s drone unchecked population soars(NYP)What CrainsNY Should Look At Who Gets Chin's Member Item Dollars? Not Seniors?
COUNCILWOMAN CHIN: CRAIN’S ARTICLES ARE “ILL-INFORMED AND POORLY-REASONED”: In an opinion piece in the Observer, Councilwoman Margaret Chin took Crain’s Thornton McEnery to task for two news articles on bus stop clocks. McEnery wrote that “City Council members are throwing millions of dollars at a problem that the Metropolitan Transportation Authority has, to a large extent, already solved.” In her reply, Chin said his “tone and one-sided perspective” are “clear.” She also called his “reasoning … false, disappointing and, based on the facts of the matter, also somewhat confusing.”Vito and Kellner Live On As District Leaders?
SAFE HOUSE: New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio announced a comprehensive plan today to improve the safety of NYCHA developments around the city. City & State’s Azure Gilman breaks down five of the key changes:
Forget the Patronage Gain, Will The Council Speaker Become the New Political Boss?
Melissa Mark-Viverito A Gatekeeper Deciding Who Will Run in New York
Tuesday Update
Speaker Says in the Council Hands - Wait She Control the Council
Melissa Mark-Viverito on elections board prez's future: "It's in the Council's hands."(NYDN( City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito personally
acknowledged Monday that lawmakers might ignore the recommendation of
Manhattan's Democratic Party boss and appoint a new Board of Elections
commissioner of their own choosing. In discussing the possibility -- raised by
the News -- Mark-Viverito did not tip her hand as to whether Board President
Gregory Soumas would be replaced. By taking over the commissioner selection
process, Mark-Viverito stands to gain influence over patronage hiring and
firing at the Board.
Elected Officials Take Over the Political Machine
What is next if you try to run against an incumbent councilman you get knock off the ballot?
EXCLUSIVE: Melissa Mark-Viverito may replace Board of Elections head with her own pick(NYDN) City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito may dump election president Gregory Soumas for a pick of her own, giving her power and control of a host of patronage jobs. One of the perks of being a county boss is having the power to appoint elections commissioners.—expanding her power and control of a host of patronage jobs
Michael Benjamin @SquarePegDem
Council Speaker Mark-Viverito should focus on city policy,
rather than political revenge scenarios for her pal,...
Elected
officials have for the most part taken over the role of district
leaders. Is anyone looking at the centralization of power into the hands
of elected officials?
de Blasio Raise Funds for A Democratic State Senate . . . Where is the Trust
IDC Said They Would Join Democrats?
The Senate Dems in January reported having virtually no money in their coffers after retiring a multimillion-dollar debt. Besides the mayor, Wednesday’s event drew state Controller Thomas DiNapoli, city Controller Scott Stringer and powerful union heads who helped create a coalition with de Blasio aimed at winning the Senate for the Dems. NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio de Blasio helped Democrats raise a half-million dollars last week toward reclaiming control of the state Senate, headlining fund-raiser that drew more than 200 people at up to $25,000 a head. Neither Cuomo nor IDC Leader Jeff Klein attended.* Queens BP Melinda Katz broke from the Democratic pack and endorsed her former rival, NYC Comptroller John Liu, in his primary challenge to Sen. Tony Avella.* Klein Files 9,000 Petition Signatures(YNN)* Queens Borough President Melinda Katz backed former rival John Liu in his bid to unseat State Sen. Tony Avella, who is a member of the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference, the Daily News reports:
NYT A Year Laters Discovers That Albany's Redistricing Reform is Bull Shit
Why is There No Journalism School Looking At the Quality of Reporting
How the City Council Going To Name A Street After Thomas Paine if They Don't Even Know Who He Is?
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The
Burial Site of 11,500 New Yorkers, Many Who Gave Their Lives Fighting
For America Again Goes Unnoticed on the Nations Birthday
The Prison Ship Martyrs' Monument in Brooklyn's FortGreenPark..
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A Challenge From A Left Activists Against Cuomo? Is the WFP Behind It, Or is This Don Quixote?
zephyrteachout @zephyrteachout
"Cuomo’s office refuses to say if he
intends to challenge those signatures." We are ready for court and the
primary! Did political operatives for Gov. Cuomo bully The New York Times into changing its headline ?
Is Rangel Going Rogue?
Rangel gets payback on teachers union, boosts charter schools(NYP) Hell hath no fury like a congressman scorned. Harlem Rep. Charles Rangel is giving the teachers union a lesson in political retribution for snubbing him and endorsing his rivalDaily News Bangs Rangel for Opposing Downsizing Subsidies Apartments
Pandering in a crisis (NYDN Ed) The fix to a housing problem is staring us in the face. Because Congress has disastrously cut housing programs, the city’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development has no choice but to push such downsizing. Many of the tenants live in buildings that used to be part of New York’s middle-income Mitchell-Lama program. As that expired, the buildings became market-rate luxury properties, Single occupants like the one in Tribeca are being shifted to studio apartments. Their rent will stay constant, but the city’s subsidy will fall and the savings will be diverted to others. Regardless, at a City Hall rally on Wednesday, politicians, including Reps. Charlie Rangel and Carolyn Maloney, decried the de Blasio administration’s actions.
The Mayor's Disconnect With Some
.
Brooklyn BP Slush Fund OK With City's Ethic Board
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams cleared to raise money for his One Brooklyn Fund(NYDN) Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams thinks Brooklyn doesn’t get enough charitable dollars –and the fund he’s creating to remedy that is now a step closer to reality. The city’s ethics board in June cleared Adams to fundraise on behalf of the One Brooklyn Fund as a city-affiliated non-profit.A spokesman for the Borough President's office denied previously published reports that Adams solicited checks for the non-profit before the fund even existed.* Nonprofit run out of Adams’ office hit up donors before city OK(NYP)de Blasio At A Secret Meeting with Muslim Leaders
Discusses Shutdown of NYPD Demographics UnitMayor de Blasio discusses shutdown of NYPD Demographics Unit at Ramadan dinner(NYDN) “Muslim New Yorkers are still fighting for basic human rights,” de Blasio said at the Gracie Mansion dinner, according to prepared remarks distributed by his office. “We recently shut down the Demographics Unit at NYPD, which conducted surveillance on Muslim New Yorkers. Because it’s unfair to single out people on the sole basis of their religion.” De Blasio’s Iftar dinner was initially listed on his schedule as open to the press, but aides later updated the schedule to say the press would not be allowed in. His office distributed a copy of his prepared remarks.
de Port Authority buried Bad News With A Holiday Dump
PortAuthority report "punting several thorny issues" on a Thursday beforea holiday. (WNYC) The Port Authority has drawn scorn, derision, and multiple federal and state investigations in the wake of the Bridgegate scandal, which has exposed the Authority as dysfunctional — and possibly criminal in its actions.The five-page document, delivered on a hasty schedule by demand of the governors themselves, mostly restated problems that have been extensively aired in the wake of Bridgegate: that the Authority needs to restoreits mission and reform the way its leadership is currently chosen. The Authority's current leadership model might be described as the governors of New York and New Jersey dividing the baby in two.US Attorney Seeks Pension of Former Councilman Convicted of Stealing Public Cash
Former
City Councilman Miguel Martinez, who was serving a federal
sentence for stealing public cash, appeared in federal court in
Manhattan Wednesday, as the U.S. attorney wants something else from him:
his pension. Former City Councilman Miguel Martinez, who was serving a
federal
sentence for stealing public cash, appeared in federal court in
Manhattan Wednesday, as the U.S. attorney wants something else from him:
his pension. Martinez is one of the first former elected officials to
face that question after spending years behind bars. U.S. Attorney Preet
Bharara has a long list of public officials he
has put in cuffs. In the last week alone, he brought charges against
upstate state Senator Thomas Libous and now-former Assemblywoman
Gabriela Rosa. That lengthy resume of catching so-called corruption,
though, is not enough. Bharara wants their pensions, too. On top of
Martinez, Bharara is going after former City Councilman
Larry Seabrook's pension. Seabrook is serving time for directing public
cash to his friends and family. The U.S. attorney also has also
his eye on state Senator Malcolm Smith, who will be facing a public
corruption trial next year. If convicted, Smith's pension could be on
the line, too. (Video NY1)
It Is Going to Get More Experience to Live and Work in New York
The exchange, which has prided itself on being affordable, is facing
requests for increases as high as 28 percent next year for some
customers. New York’s health exchange, which has
prided itself on being affordable, is now facing requests for increases
as high as 28 percent next year for some customers of MetroPlus—the most
popular plan on the exchange. “In our case, the advertised rent is triple what we are now
paying. We aren’t alone. In the past year, all kinds of pioneering
restaurants that helped set the table for their respective neighborhoods
— including Mesa Grill, in the Flatiron district, and WD-50 on the
Lower East Side — have each lost out to untenable rent escalations. My
hunch is that they won’t be replaced by restaurants that will become
similar pillars of their neighborhood.”*Assemblyman Richard Gottfried, the
chair of the Assembly Health Committee, is seeking a probe of
double-digit rate increases that New York insurers are requesting for
new Affordable Care Act policies
Sally Goldenberg @SallyGold
Why property tax bills will rise, despite de Blasio's boast
“Many
New York City homeowners are facing another spike in their property tax
bills even though the overall tax rate is not increasing and the mayor
said this week he is “proud” his Fiscal Year 2015 budget did not raise
taxes. … due to a combination of factors, including an
increase in overall assessed value, a Fiscal Year 2015 budget that banks
on more money from the real-estate levy than last year and a
state-mandated increase in bills, most homeowners will indeed pay more
this fiscal year.”
Rents Going Up for Restaurants Also
There Goes the Neighborhood Cafe(NYT)Rising rents are killing off Manhattan’s local restaurantsSubways and Railroad Fares Going Up After the State Elections
Middle class commuters are being unfairly squeezed by the Long Island Rail Road union workers who are threatening to strike and Gov. Andrew Cuomo must step up to protect them, the Post writes:
Shocking Building Inspectors Still Corrupt
2 Companies Accused of Faking Safety Checks at Building Sites(NYT)
Seven people were charged in a scheme that paid untrained people to
visit far more construction sites than a trained safety manager could
inspect in a single day.* Seven Indicted in Connection with Buildings Inspection Fraud(NY1)
The Fish Stinks At the Columbia University Head
EXCLUSIVE: City's building design boss will continue side job at Columbia University with pay, housing and tuition benefits(NYDN) Feniosky
Pena-Mora received a waiver from ethics rules so can keep teaching at
Columbia University and receive a salary, housing and tuition benefits.
The compensation is on top of the $205,180 he earns as the city's design
and construction commissioner. Feniosky Pena-Mora, New York City’s
new design and construction commissioner, received a waiver from ethics
rules so he can continue teaching at Columbia University and receive
housing and tuition benefits, on top of his $205,180 city salary.Just What NY's Corrupt Pols Need About Pot of Slush Funds
New York officials must take the $4.4 billion settlement gained from FNP Paribas and devote it to long-term investments in infrastructure rather than pouring it into pet programs for which there will be no funding when the money runs out, the Daily News writes: * Cuomo needs to resist inevitable calls to splurge with BNPP$$$Update of the Senate IDC Primaries
Unwinding The Senate Primaries(YNN)* 32BJ Endorses Klein(YNN)* Influential union 32BJ SEIU backs Sen Klein in effort tounite IDC with Dems to form Dem majority in Senate(Newsday)* After IDC Deal With Democrats, John Liu Soldiers On(NYO)* Senate Republicans have unleashed a new fund-raising email attacking NYC Mayor Bill de Blasio and his attempts to help the Democrats grab control of the chamber.Astorino says he can win the “ground game” against Cuomo this fall.It appears NYC Councilman Fernando Cabrera’s primary challenge to Sen. Gustavo Rivera would fail IDC Leader Jeff Klein’s litmus test.
GOP AG candidate John Cahill differs from Astorino on the Common Core, and also blames AG Eric Schneiderman in part for tis bothced rollout.
In the heat of campaign season, emails begging for cash are bombarding inboxes with ever increasing frequency.
More labor endorsements for IDC Leader Jeff Klein.
True News Had the Whole MirRam Member Item Story June 25th . . . CrainsNY and the Clueless NYP Followed
Council Speaker Campaign Gives the Most Member Items $$ to Her Campaign Consultants Lobbyists MirRam
After a Bad Night for Their Client Espaillat MirRam Still Made Money Today
Melissa Mark-Viverito Paid MirRam $35,000 for Her Campaign
Hispanic Federation gets biggest @NYCCouncil member item:$400K out of speaker's pot. (Capital)The federation has ties to almost every Hispanic lawmaker in The Bronx, including Rivera, but primarily benefits two men: political strategist Luis Miranda, who co-founded it and once served as its president, and Roberto Ramirez, a former Bronx Democratic Party boss. The men run a private political consulting firm, the MirRam Group. It’s paid by the Hispanic Federation and is hired by politicians who steer taxpayer money to the nonprofit.Flashback Twi$ted web of political nonprofits in Bx.(NYP)
What the NYP left out was that MirRam that group that profited from the graft was illegally working on the the campaign to make Melissa Mark Viverito Speaker. The lines that the NYP did not copy from the CrainsNY piece was the most important to point out how MirRam acted illegally. CrainsNY - "Last November, during the heart of the City Council speaker race, an employee of the MirRam group fielded a press request from Crain's on Ms. Mark-Viverito's behalf for an article about her past refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. But on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for MirRam said any work done for Ms. Mark-Viverito was only related work for her 2013 City Council campaign, though it had ended weeks before the press request was fielded by MirRam. The firm was not paid to assist her speaker campaign." Another lobbying firm close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, the Advance Group, landed in hot water for providing free consulting services during Ms. Mark-Viverito's speaker campaign.
Advance Got In Hot Wate, WTF
WHERE ARE THE PROSECUTORS?
As the Daily News Reported
Daily News Charges Against Mark-Viverto City Council Speaker candidate Melissa Mark-Viverito may have violated city ethics rules(NYDN) Mark-Viverito,
an East Harlem councilwoman, accepted unpaid assistance from the
Advance Group, a prominent lobbying firm working to further her
candidacy (Daily News 11/27/2013) Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid(NYO)
Ms. Mark-Viverito insisted today that this was not the case but out of
an “abundance of caution,” the relationship would end. Melissa Mark-Viverito Drops Advance Group for Speaker Bid - Blogs(TU)
Pathetic NYP: Said "someone should cry foul" First They Should Study the City's Ethic Law
One Week After True News and 3 Days After CrainsNY Pick Up Our Story the Post Discovers Their Own Story About Hispanic Federation and MirRam
Wednesday Honest graft(NYP
Ed) Crain’s is reporting that more than $1.31 million is headed to a
powerful, politically connected Bronx nonprofit called the Hispanic
Federation. To put that in perspective, this is more than a four-fold
jump over what the same group got last year. And $833,333 of it will
come from a fund controlled by Speaker Melissa Mark Viverito . In 2012,
The Post reported the Hispanic Federation had received $24 million in
taxpayer funds since 1998. And between 1998 and 2008, the federation in
turn paid MirRam and another firm tied to Miranda $681,644.Now MirRam
has lobbied its client, Speaker Mark-Viverito, to hand $1.31 million in
new taxpayer money to a group that pays it handsomely in return.The real
crime here is that, so far as we know, none of this is illegal. We’re
not saying the federation, which funds other Bronx nonprofits, never
does any good work. But when taxpayer dollars are steered to politically
connected groups through a process that doesn’t even require a council
vote, someone should cry foul.
A nonprofit organization founded and represented by NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s top political consultant saw its pork-barrel funding quadruple in the first budget deal she brokered.
A
nonprofit organization founded and represented by the chief political
consultant of Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito saw its pork-barrel
funding quadruple in the speaker's first budget, Crain’s reports:
Of the $1.3 million windfall allocated to the nonprofit Hispanic Federation in the city budget passed last Wednesday, more than $830,000 came from a newly created program funded by monies directly under Ms. Mark-Viverito's control. The lobbying firm that serves as her campaign consultant, the Manhattan-based MirRam Group, specifically lobbied lawmakers including Ms. Mark-Viverito to create the fund. Luis Miranda, a founding partner of the MirRam Group, who is close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, founded the influential Hispanic Federation in 1990 and now serves as its paid lobbyist. The Hispanic Federation has also paid more than $680,000 for "consulting" to MirRam and a firm registered to Mr. Miranda and his wife, the New York Post reported in 2012. he Hispanic Federation, an umbrella group that provides grants to Latino nonprofits and advocates on issues such as immigration, employs MirRam on an $8,500 monthly retainer, according to state lobbying records. Besides serving as Ms. Mark-Viverito's main City Council campaign consultant, MirRam quietly provided assistance in the midst of Ms. Mark-Viverito's council speaker campaign last fall, though it denies the work was related to the speaker race. The firm has become a force in the city's political landscape, especially among minority elected officials in Manhattan and the Bronx. The firm's other founding partner is Roberto Ramirez, the former Bronx Democratic Party leader. he Hispanic Federation, an umbrella group that provides grants to Latino nonprofits and advocates on issues such as immigration, employs MirRam on an $8,500 monthly retainer, according to state lobbying records. Besides serving as Ms. Mark-Viverito's main City Council campaign consultant, MirRam quietly provided assistance in the midst of Ms. Mark-Viverito's council speaker campaign last fall, though it denies the work was related to the speaker race. The firm has become a force in the city's political landscape, especially among minority elected officials in Manhattan and the Bronx. The firm's other founding partner is Roberto Ramirez, the former Bronx Democratic Party leader. MirRam also lobbied Queens Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, the council's finance committee chairwoman. Another lobbying firm close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, the Advance Group, landed in hot water for providing free consulting services during Ms. Mark-Viverito's speaker campaign.
New
York City has assessed $105,075 in fines to campaigns in the 13th
Congressional District for illegally posting signs on public property as
they campaigned ahead of the June 24 primary, Capital New York reports:
After a Bad Night for Their Client Espaillat MirRam Still Made Money Today
Melissa Mark-Viverito Paid MirRam $35,000 for Her Campaign
Hispanic Federation gets biggest @NYCCouncil member item:$400K out of speaker's pot. (Capital)The federation has ties to almost every Hispanic lawmaker in The Bronx, including Rivera, but primarily benefits two men: political strategist Luis Miranda, who co-founded it and once served as its president, and Roberto Ramirez, a former Bronx Democratic Party boss. The men run a private political consulting firm, the MirRam Group. It’s paid by the Hispanic Federation and is hired by politicians who steer taxpayer money to the nonprofit.Flashback Twi$ted web of political nonprofits in Bx.(NYP)
The NYP is Wrong About Honest Graft . . . If They Are Going to Copy That Should at Least Understand What they Copy
Memo to NYP Political Director: David Seifman: MirRam Violated the City's Ethics LawWhat the NYP left out was that MirRam that group that profited from the graft was illegally working on the the campaign to make Melissa Mark Viverito Speaker. The lines that the NYP did not copy from the CrainsNY piece was the most important to point out how MirRam acted illegally. CrainsNY - "Last November, during the heart of the City Council speaker race, an employee of the MirRam group fielded a press request from Crain's on Ms. Mark-Viverito's behalf for an article about her past refusal to recite the Pledge of Allegiance. But on Wednesday, a spokeswoman for MirRam said any work done for Ms. Mark-Viverito was only related work for her 2013 City Council campaign, though it had ended weeks before the press request was fielded by MirRam. The firm was not paid to assist her speaker campaign." Another lobbying firm close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, the Advance Group, landed in hot water for providing free consulting services during Ms. Mark-Viverito's speaker campaign.
Advance Got In Hot Wate, WTF
WHERE ARE THE PROSECUTORS?
As the Daily News Reported
Pathetic NYP: Said "someone should cry foul" First They Should Study the City's Ethic Law
One Week After True News and 3 Days After CrainsNY Pick Up Our Story the Post Discovers Their Own Story About Hispanic Federation and MirRam
A nonprofit organization founded and represented by NYC Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito’s top political consultant saw its pork-barrel funding quadruple in the first budget deal she brokered.
Of the $1.3 million windfall allocated to the nonprofit Hispanic Federation in the city budget passed last Wednesday, more than $830,000 came from a newly created program funded by monies directly under Ms. Mark-Viverito's control. The lobbying firm that serves as her campaign consultant, the Manhattan-based MirRam Group, specifically lobbied lawmakers including Ms. Mark-Viverito to create the fund. Luis Miranda, a founding partner of the MirRam Group, who is close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, founded the influential Hispanic Federation in 1990 and now serves as its paid lobbyist. The Hispanic Federation has also paid more than $680,000 for "consulting" to MirRam and a firm registered to Mr. Miranda and his wife, the New York Post reported in 2012. he Hispanic Federation, an umbrella group that provides grants to Latino nonprofits and advocates on issues such as immigration, employs MirRam on an $8,500 monthly retainer, according to state lobbying records. Besides serving as Ms. Mark-Viverito's main City Council campaign consultant, MirRam quietly provided assistance in the midst of Ms. Mark-Viverito's council speaker campaign last fall, though it denies the work was related to the speaker race. The firm has become a force in the city's political landscape, especially among minority elected officials in Manhattan and the Bronx. The firm's other founding partner is Roberto Ramirez, the former Bronx Democratic Party leader. he Hispanic Federation, an umbrella group that provides grants to Latino nonprofits and advocates on issues such as immigration, employs MirRam on an $8,500 monthly retainer, according to state lobbying records. Besides serving as Ms. Mark-Viverito's main City Council campaign consultant, MirRam quietly provided assistance in the midst of Ms. Mark-Viverito's council speaker campaign last fall, though it denies the work was related to the speaker race. The firm has become a force in the city's political landscape, especially among minority elected officials in Manhattan and the Bronx. The firm's other founding partner is Roberto Ramirez, the former Bronx Democratic Party leader. MirRam also lobbied Queens Councilwoman Julissa Ferreras, the council's finance committee chairwoman. Another lobbying firm close to Ms. Mark-Viverito, the Advance Group, landed in hot water for providing free consulting services during Ms. Mark-Viverito's speaker campaign.
The Incumbent Protection Campaign Poster Law
In A City Where Few Vote, Why is the City Giving Out Fines 4 Posters Designed to GOTV?Parking After the Street Sweepers Council Bill Again . . . Pandering?
de Blasio Like Bloomberg Says Proposal Will Lead to Dirtier Streets
Street sweeping 2.0(NYDN Ed)
A bad Council idea could lead to a better plan for alternate-side parking. Ultimately, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez’s bill reflects both the Council’s overblown belief that every difficulty can be outlawed and an utter lack of creative thinking during an era of high-tech innovation. City buses are equipped with GPS devices. You can use a smartphone to see exactly where they are. Ditto snow plows and a growing number of cabs and livery cars. If street sweepers were similarly equipped, a sweeper driver could post that a block was open for parking as soon as cleaning was finished. Drivers and enforcement agents alike could then keep track electronically.
New York Council Bill Aims to Ease a Parking Burden(NYP)
A bad Council idea could lead to a better plan for alternate-side parking. Ultimately, Councilman Ydanis Rodriguez’s bill reflects both the Council’s overblown belief that every difficulty can be outlawed and an utter lack of creative thinking during an era of high-tech innovation. City buses are equipped with GPS devices. You can use a smartphone to see exactly where they are. Ditto snow plows and a growing number of cabs and livery cars. If street sweepers were similarly equipped, a sweeper driver could post that a block was open for parking as soon as cleaning was finished. Drivers and enforcement agents alike could then keep track electronically.
New York Council Bill Aims to Ease a Parking Burden(NYP)
Legislation
that will have a hearing before the City Council would allow drivers to
return to parking spaces once street sweepers pass on
alternate-side-parking days.* .@NYCSanitation says changing the alternate-side parkingrules would be unworkable.(WNYC)*
New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio and the Sanitation Department warned
against a proposal to loosen alternate-side parking rules, saying it
will lead to dirtier streets, the Daily News reports: * PUMP YOUR BRAKES: Mayor de Blasio objects to easing of rules on alternate-side parking during street sweep days(NYDN) “The department objects to the bill, officials said, because it would
impede their ability to go back and double-clean streets, a common
practice especially during the fall. ‘If we didn’t need to go back
around the block, it wouldn’t be an issue. But very frequently we’ve had
to go back,’ said Paul Visconti, the department's assistant chief of
cleaning operations. It is a ‘misconception,’ Visconti said, that anyone
sitting in a parked car is immediately issued a summons when street
cleaners approach.”de Blasio's Trash 180 * De Blasio voiced support for
reforming alternate side parking rules a day after his Sanitation
Department testified that such changes could leave many streets jammed
with trash, the Observer reports:
Jacqueline Saved More Than Grand Central Station
“Grand Central Entrance Named For Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis,” by CBS New York: “A
newly-renovated entrance at Grand Central Terminal has been named for
former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.A special dedication
ceremony was held Monday.In 1975, Onassis led a movement against a plan
to build a 55-story tower on top of the landmarked building. Three year
later, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld the city’s Landmark Law, which was
being challenged by developers. … The Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Foyer
at Park Avenue and East 42nd Street features a plaque honoring her
efforts.”
Jacqueline Saved More Than Grand Central Station
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes? NY DA Interconnected With the Corrupt Campaign Consultant Advance Group and Their Partners
"Who will guard the guards themselves?"
What Are the Reasons for New York's Political Corruption Storm?
1st The founding fathers granted Freedom of the Press to
guard the city's guardians in order to protect the public has failed
with this generation of none investigative passive reporting.
2. It is No Secret That the DAs Played A Major Role in Metastasizing With Corruption NY's Politics
99%
of the political corrupt cases against NY's elected officials have come
from federal prosecutors. The dirty little secret of city district
attorneys was since the days of Tammany Hall rule that that they did not
go after the political machines and elected officials that elected
them. Now
as campaign power has shifted from machines to campaign consultants
lobbyists it is becoming increasing clear that the city's DAs not only
depend on them during election time, but look the other way when
political corrupt is connected to them. While the old political machine
pulled out the people it gave services to the consultants depend on manipulate voters with spin. It is also now becoming clear that many of these campaign consultants will brake election laws and organize conspiracy with others to elect their candidates to office. Which is exactly with the the FBI and the CFB are investigating the Advance Group for their role in the NYCLASS PAC.
Prosecutors and Campaign Consultants Worlds Collide
The
AG Has Not Publicly Said He is Investigating the Advance Group, Berlin
Rosen, Arzt and Brandford, Now He May Be Forced To Now
The Hynes Investigation Nexis
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reportedly
subpoenaed consultant Mortimer Matz and Jerry Schmetterer as he looks
into possible criminal charges against former Brooklyn district attorney
Charles Hynes Daily News "Still,
sources close to Hynes say the majority of Matz’s emails were sent out
on his own time in early morning hours. Matz defenders contend he was
an integral part of the press office who routinely attended press
conferences.. "Wayne Barrett wrote in the Village
Voice in 2010. that campaign consultant lobbyist "Sheinkopf one of the
worse consultant lobbyist, makes kings so he can then make deals with the kings
he’s made."
Campaign Consultant Conflicts for the AG Investigation of Hynes
The
Advance Group, Gorge Arzt and Brandford will be used by the defense of
Matz as the consultants that were running the Hynes campaign in the
primary. Hynes and Schneiderman both used the same consultant, Brandord Communications. How
can the AG investigate Hynes and not investigate Hynes consultant the
Advance Group which is already being investigated by the FBI and CFB?
Branford Worked for Bronx DA Johnson, Brooklyn DA Thompson and AG Schniderman
Branford
who Worked for Both Brooklyn DA Thompson, Bronx DA Johnson and AG
Schniderman. Brandford candidates CM Maisel. Cabrera, Gibson, Rose and
Andrew J Cohen received mailings from United for the Future PAC
controlled by both Advance and Red Horse. Advance's candidate CM Mark
Levine and Laurie Cumbo were fined for his connection to Advance.
Branford worked with Berlin Rosen for Daniel L Squadron for Public
Advocate. Branford work with both Advance and Red Horse with Bronx BP
Rubin Diaa,Jr. Branford worked with Berlan Rosen for AG Schniederman.
The
CFB Fined Two City Council Members Because the Advance Group Ran Their
Campaign and They Received Funding By A PAC Controlled By Advance
Two City Council members were slapped with fines Wednesday for taking off-limits contributions
from animal rights group NYCLASS, which bankrolled Mayor de Blasio's
mayoral campaign for his pledge to ban horse-drawn carriages. Council
members Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) and Mark Levine (D-Manhattan) have to
pay back money they were given by New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and
Safe Streets because they shared the same political consultant — the
Advance Group — as the anti-carriage group. "The penalties levied today
against the Cumbo and Levine City Council campaigns represent only the
first step in this proceeding," said Board Chair Rose Gill Hearn. ” Both
Cumbo and Levine were fined for being connected to Advance PAC
NYCLASS. But were not fined to date for another PAC Advance worked for
and contributed to both campaigns, United for the Future.
How the Advance Group Infected Other Consults Who Worked for District Attorneys
Advance Infected Berlin Rosen Who Worked for Brooklyn DA Thompson and AG Schniderman
Berlin Rosen
Both
the Advance Group and Berlin Rosen worked for Comptroller Stringer and
CM Mark Levine and Laurie Cumbo were fined for his connection to
Advance. Berlin Rosen also worked for NYS AG Schniderman. Mayor de
Blasio and Comptroller Stringer. Brandford worked with Berlin for the AG
and for Comptroller Stringer along with the Advance Group.
Red Horse
Red
Horse worked for Brooklyn DA Thompson campaign along with Berlin Rosen.
Both Red Horse and Advance Group worked for the UFT's PAC United for
the Future (the UFT attempted to covering up Advance involvement by
paying them through a fake company) Red Horse worked for Manhattan DA.
Red Horse worked for Brooklyn BP Adams, Bronx BP Diaz and PA James. Red
Horse worked for Manhattan DA Cy Vance. Red Horse worked for Pitta
Bishop for Brooklyn BP Adams. Red Horse worked with George Arzt in the
Queens BP campaign.
8 Of Red Horse Council Clients Received Funding by the UFT PAC United for the Future which Advance Also Worked for:
Councilman
James Vacca used Red Horse as a consultant and received mailing from
United for the Future even though he had no race. Another Red Horse
client CM Annabel Palma received funding by United for a Future.Austin
Shafran another Red Horse client was funded by UF the UFT PAC that Red
Horse Worked for. CM Daneek Miller another Red Horse client got mailing
from UF. Red Horse client CM Antonio Reynoso also received help from
UF PAC. CM Helen Rosenthal A Red Horse Client got mailing from UF PAC
another Red Horse client. CM Richard Torres A Red Horse Client got
mailing from UF PAC another Red Horse client. CM Paul Vallone A Red
Horse Client got mailing from UF PAC another. NYS DEMOCRATIC SENATE
CAMPAIGN COMMITTEE (NYS DSCC)
Why
Has the CFB Not Gone After Advance's Clients Who Got Funding From the
UFT's PAC United for the Future Which Advance Also Worked for?
Months ago CrainsNY reported that the Advance Group through a fake group Strategic Consultants was
working for the UFT PAC United for the Future. What is also not known
is another consultant that worked for many candidates in 2013 also
worked for the UFT PAC, Red Horse. Both the Advance Group and Red Horse
worked for Bronx BP Ruben Diaz, Jr. Both Advance and Berlin Rosen work
for Mark Levine in the 7th council district. Both Advance and Berlin
Rosen also worked for Ydanis A Rodriguez. Red Horse Served as a
consultant to Jenifer Rajkumar by received funding by the Citizens
United PAC who the Advance Group worked for. Advance work for Manhattan
BP Jackson who also was funded by Advance's PAC United for the Future
Advance Group
Brandford worked with the Advance Group in the DA Hynes campaign
In the 2013 Elections Berlin Rosen Was Interconnected with Both Red Horse and Advance
In
the 3rd council district Berlin Rosen candidate Corey Johnson received
mailing from United for the Future, Red Horse worked for UF. In the 19
council district Red Horse worked on Austin I Shafran campaign along
with consultants Berlin Rosen and PITTA BISHOP. In the 1st congressional
district Red Horse worked for Jenifer Rajkumar against Berlin Rosen
candidate Margaret S Chin. In the Manhattan BP race Red Horse worked for
Jessica Lappin against Berlin Rosen candidate Julie Menin. In the 6th
congressional district Red Horse worked for Helen Rosenthal against
Berlin Rosen candidate Marc Landis.
Mark Guma Who Worked With Cy Vance and DA Brown Also Worked With Red Horse
Red Horse worked with Mark Guma for Jessica S Lappin.
"Who will guard the guards themselves?"
What Are the Reasons for New York's Political Corruption Storm?
1st The founding fathers granted Freedom of the Press to
guard the city's guardians in order to protect the public has failed
with this generation of none investigative passive reporting.
2. It is No Secret That the DAs Played A Major Role in Metastasizing With Corruption NY's Politics
99%
of the political corrupt cases against NY's elected officials have come
from federal prosecutors. The dirty little secret of city district
attorneys was since the days of Tammany Hall rule that that they did not
go after the political machines and elected officials that elected
them. Now
as campaign power has shifted from machines to campaign consultants
lobbyists it is becoming increasing clear that the city's DAs not only
depend on them during election time, but look the other way when
political corrupt is connected to them. While the old political machine
pulled out the people it gave services to the consultants depend on manipulate voters with spin. It is also now becoming clear that many of these campaign consultants will brake election laws and organize conspiracy with others to elect their candidates to office. Which is exactly with the the FBI and the CFB are investigating the Advance Group for their role in the NYCLASS PAC.
Prosecutors and Campaign Consultants Worlds Collide
The
AG Has Not Publicly Said He is Investigating the Advance Group, Berlin
Rosen, Arzt and Brandford, Now He May Be Forced To Now
The Hynes Investigation Nexis
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reportedly subpoenaed consultant Mortimer Matz and Jerry Schmetterer as he looks into possible criminal charges against former Brooklyn district attorney Charles Hynes Daily News "Still, sources close to Hynes say the majority of Matz’s emails were sent out on his own time in early morning hours. Matz defenders contend he was an integral part of the press office who routinely attended press conferences.. "Wayne Barrett wrote in the Village Voice in 2010. that campaign consultant lobbyist "Sheinkopf one of the worse consultant lobbyist, makes kings so he can then make deals with the kings he’s made."
State Attorney General Eric Schneiderman reportedly subpoenaed consultant Mortimer Matz and Jerry Schmetterer as he looks into possible criminal charges against former Brooklyn district attorney Charles Hynes Daily News "Still, sources close to Hynes say the majority of Matz’s emails were sent out on his own time in early morning hours. Matz defenders contend he was an integral part of the press office who routinely attended press conferences.. "Wayne Barrett wrote in the Village Voice in 2010. that campaign consultant lobbyist "Sheinkopf one of the worse consultant lobbyist, makes kings so he can then make deals with the kings he’s made."
Campaign Consultant Conflicts for the AG Investigation of Hynes
The
Advance Group, Gorge Arzt and Brandford will be used by the defense of
Matz as the consultants that were running the Hynes campaign in the
primary. Hynes and Schneiderman both used the same consultant, Brandord Communications. How
can the AG investigate Hynes and not investigate Hynes consultant the
Advance Group which is already being investigated by the FBI and CFB?
Branford Worked for Bronx DA Johnson, Brooklyn DA Thompson and AG Schniderman
Branford
who Worked for Both Brooklyn DA Thompson, Bronx DA Johnson and AG
Schniderman. Brandford candidates CM Maisel. Cabrera, Gibson, Rose and
Andrew J Cohen received mailings from United for the Future PAC
controlled by both Advance and Red Horse. Advance's candidate CM Mark
Levine and Laurie Cumbo were fined for his connection to Advance.
Branford worked with Berlin Rosen for Daniel L Squadron for Public
Advocate. Branford work with both Advance and Red Horse with Bronx BP
Rubin Diaa,Jr. Branford worked with Berlan Rosen for AG Schniederman.
The
CFB Fined Two City Council Members Because the Advance Group Ran Their
Campaign and They Received Funding By A PAC Controlled By Advance
Two City Council members were slapped with fines Wednesday for taking off-limits contributions
from animal rights group NYCLASS, which bankrolled Mayor de Blasio's
mayoral campaign for his pledge to ban horse-drawn carriages. Council
members Laurie Cumbo (D-Brooklyn) and Mark Levine (D-Manhattan) have to
pay back money they were given by New Yorkers for Clean, Livable and
Safe Streets because they shared the same political consultant — the
Advance Group — as the anti-carriage group. "The penalties levied today
against the Cumbo and Levine City Council campaigns represent only the
first step in this proceeding," said Board Chair Rose Gill Hearn. ” Both
Cumbo and Levine were fined for being connected to Advance PAC
NYCLASS. But were not fined to date for another PAC Advance worked for
and contributed to both campaigns, United for the Future.
How the Advance Group Infected Other Consults Who Worked for District Attorneys
Advance Infected Berlin Rosen Who Worked for Brooklyn DA Thompson and AG Schniderman
Berlin Rosen
Red Horse
8 Of Red Horse Council Clients Received Funding by the UFT PAC United for the Future which Advance Also Worked for:
Why Has the CFB Not Gone After Advance's Clients Who Got Funding From the UFT's PAC United for the Future Which Advance Also Worked for?
Advance Group
Brandford worked with the Advance Group in the DA Hynes campaign
In the 2013 Elections Berlin Rosen Was Interconnected with Both Red Horse and Advance
In the 3rd council district Berlin Rosen candidate Corey Johnson received mailing from United for the Future, Red Horse worked for UF. In the 19 council district Red Horse worked on Austin I Shafran campaign along with consultants Berlin Rosen and PITTA BISHOP. In the 1st congressional district Red Horse worked for Jenifer Rajkumar against Berlin Rosen candidate Margaret S Chin. In the Manhattan BP race Red Horse worked for Jessica Lappin against Berlin Rosen candidate Julie Menin. In the 6th congressional district Red Horse worked for Helen Rosenthal against Berlin Rosen candidate Marc Landis.
Mark Guma Who Worked With Cy Vance and DA Brown Also Worked With Red Horse
Red Horse worked with Mark Guma for Jessica S Lappin.
Haggerty Loses Appeal
.jpg)
The state Court of Appeals upheld the
conviction of political consultant John Haggerty for siphoning $750,000
from the 2009 re-election campaign of then-New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg,
The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of GOP operativeJohn Haggerty … * Court Of Appeals Upholds Haggerty Conviction(YNN)
The state Court of Appeals upheld the
conviction of political consultant John Haggerty for siphoning $750,000
from the 2009 re-election campaign of then-New York City Mayor Michael
Bloomberg,
The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of GOP operativeJohn Haggerty … * Court Of Appeals Upholds Haggerty Conviction(YNN)
The Court of Appeals upheld the conviction of GOP operativeJohn Haggerty … * Court Of Appeals Upholds Haggerty Conviction(YNN)
Spinning the Spinner Loeser Reach Out to WFP to Expand His Base
Loeser Who Represents Charter Schools Hires WFP Flack Who Fought Against Them for the UFTLoeser hires Working Families spokesman(Capital) Stu Loeser & Co., the consulting firm founded by a longtime spokesman for Michael Bloomberg, has hired Khan Shoieb, who will leave his job as the New York communications director for the Working Families Party. Shoieb recently defended the W.F.P.'s deal with Governor Andrew Cuomo, in aconfidential memo to state committee members that was leaked to the press. According to Shoieb, the party was minutes away from endorsing one of Cuomo's more liberal challengers, but was able to convince the governor to help the liberal-leaning party achieve a number of priorities, including raising the minimum wage and helping Democrats take control of the State Senate. “What else was the WFP supposed to get?” Shoieb asked in the memo. Loeser's firm represents a number of pro-business, pro-growth clients, but he said Shoieb's progressive background won't create a conflict.* A report on the state of public education by New York City’s budget oversight agency found schools in the city are becoming more crowded and the number of students in temporary housing situations, including homeless shelters, has shot up, The New York Times writes: * 'WE'RE LOOKING AT A CRISIS': Number of homeless students struggling through school leaps in 2012-2013(NYDN)
Question to the NYT: Where are the None Weak Points in the City's Education System?
Amid de Blasio’s Pre-K Push, a Bid to Boost Learning at a Weak Point in the Pipeline(NYT) With prekindergarten classes set to grow under Mayor Bill de Blasio’s ambitious plan, the ad hoc in-home day care providers that serve thousands of city children are getting fresh attention.* Public education needs to move from a system where the government’s sole concern is about running its own schools to where it gives every child options by encouraging more good schools, no matter where they come from, the Post writes:* A children’s crusade (NYDN Ed) Lawsuit fights the good fight to put good teachers in every classroom * New York City will allocate another $23 million for arts education in the upcoming school year to hire 120 new teachers and help rehabilitate dilapidated arts facilities in dozens of schools, the Associated Press reports: * Mayor Bill de Blasio and Schools Chancellor Carmen Farina defended hiring uncertified teachers—including college grads with no experience or teaching certificate—for pre-kindergarten programs, the Daily News reports: * New York City’s Public Schools Are Poorer and More Crowded, Report Says(NYT)* City summer school student numbers fall by 25%(NYDN)
FARIÑA on ‘the only thing that’s going to change the system’ -- Capital’s Eliza Shaprio:
“New York City schools chancellor Carmen Fariña laid out a partial
blueprint for improving student performance across the school system in
an interview with Capital on Wednesday, after months of questions on how
she plans to implement the sorts of systemic change she's talked about
in broad terms. ...’I believe strongly that what we missed in the past
was that we worried so much about structures, that we forgot that real
change happens in the classroom,’ said Fariña. “Fariña said she does not believe the school system can ‘handle” a
series of large, system-wide changes, as were implemented during the
Bloomberg years. ‘This is not about making change for its own sake to
create a chaos theory,’ she said, adding that professional development,
which she called a ‘missing piece’ during the Bloomberg years, ‘is the
only thing that’s going to change the system.’”*Earlier city school start times due to teachers’ contract(NYP)
The Homeless Real Estate Establishment Strickes Back
Rent Cuts for Housing Homeless Hit a Snag(NYT)
The de Blasio administration is working to reduce the high rates it pays
to private landlords to house homeless people, but at least one such
landlord is threatening to sue the city and evict families if his rent
payment is cut.
.
.
.
Moral Compass Reporters Generation Lost: Kemptem, Breslin, Hamill, Barrett, Newfield
What
has become increasing clear in the first 6 months of this new city
government is that this new brand of progressives is mostly a spin to
gain public support at the polls.mToday's progressives are very
different from the progressives that reformed government 100 years ago.
These new progressives spin social issues while ignoring the government
reforms that protect those social issues. Today's progressive city
council use member items slush funds for their reelection campaigns and
help the campaign consultants that elected them lobby city agencies on
behalf of their clients who have hired them. As life long progressive
reporter Wayne Barrett demands to know why are progressives protecting a
teachers union over students needs? Today's progressives pols protect
the UFT because of the major role that union played in getting them
elected. It takes a neighborhood to build a moral compass. As the city
continues to gentrify it is destroying local neighborhood structures
that helped build our city's moral compass. Even the black church's of
central Brooklyn are selling to the real estate developers. The question
must be asked what has happen to the moral compass that made New York
for generations a class act. It was in NYC that FDR's new deal reforms
moral compass was born.
Defining Deviancy Down Progressive Selfies
In
1993, a man from from the greatest generation described what is
happening to today's New York moral compass. When most of today's city
council were in diapers Sen. Daniel P. Moynihan published an most
important pieces of social theory entitled" Defining Deviancy Down."
that explains their governing behavior. Moynihan believed that there is
a limit to the amount of deviant behavior any community can "afford to
recognize" His basic idea is that we had moved the bar for what we, as a
culture and political behavior, defined as acceptable, down. Moynihan
believed “we have been redefining deviancy so as to exempt much conduct
previously stigmatized, and also quietly raising the ‘normal’ level in
categories where behavior is now abnormal by any earlier standard.”
Moynihan would not be shocked by the fact that New York's voters have
continue to reelect their Albany and City Council legislatures despite
the dysfunctionalism and corruption that has destroyed the economy of
the state and sent dozens of elected officials to jail, the poor into
depression like suffering and the middle class fleeing the city.
.
.
.
Moral Compass Reporters Generation Lost: Kemptem, Breslin, Hamill, Barrett, Newfield.
.
Cuomo Uses the NYT Today to Spin For Gay Votes On this Pride Weekend
Cuomo Plan Seeks to End New York’s AIDS Epidemic(NYT)
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo said he would announce on Sunday a plan for
more-aggressive testing and treatment, a result of months of
negotiations with AIDS activists.* Gov. Cuomo sets goal of ending AIDS epidemic by 2020(NYDN)
How Can the Mayor's Flacks Bully A Press That is Already Dead?
PressNecrophilia . . In America Today More Important to Spin or Control the Press Than Fixing Government
Amazing How the Press Reports Campaign Spin As Real . . . Learned Nothing From Mayor's Race . . . Pathetic
State Republicans slam Mayor de Blasio's push to regain Senate for Democrats(NYDN) The push by the mayor for Democratic control in Albany is being vilified as 'a city-led agenda that will stop at nothing to take from suburban taxpayers.'
IDC-Dem Deal Really? No details formally announced. But sources say the alliance between Jeff Klein and Andrea Stewart-Cousins will "mirror" current IDC-GOP pact * IDC Agrees to Unite With Democratic Conference in Albany(NYO) * Why won’t the IDC and regular Senate Democrats reunify until after the November election? It’s a question of numbers. * Breakaway faction of Democrats in state Senate will joinparty in 2015 (NYDN) * Klein: To Be Clear, IDC Isn’t Rejoining Regular Dems(YNN) * IDC-Dem Deal Could Bring Valesky A GOP Challenger (Updated)(YNN)
Why Does Reporters Not Assume Doubt After the 2013 Promises Died?
Is Rangel the Only Pol In This City That Will Not Be Bullied?
WFP More Powerful in Threatening Pols Than Winning Elections
No Unity Yet
Sharpton abruptly cancels planned "unity rally"with Rangel and Espaillat (NYDN) * Rev. Al Sharpton cancels ‘unity rally’(NYP)
News Disaster Chief Former Top Cop
Joseph Esposito, who led the New York City Police
Department’s responses to Hurricane Sandy and the Sept. 11 attacks, was named
emergency management commissioner.* Emergency Chief Is Appointed (WSJ)
Beetle Lopez Juice Lives
Councilman Steve Levin conferred an additional $7,000 on Ridgewood Bushwick.* Three Brooklyn councilmen once tied to disgraced ex-Assemblyman Vito Lopez designated more than $440,000 in the NYC budget for the controversial non-profit Lopez founded.
The deal, brokered in part by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, would unify the two factions of Democrats in a coalition, with Jeff Klein as one of its co-leaders, a source with knowledge of the offer tells City & State: * De Blasio met yesterday with IDC members in hopes of convincing them to return to the regular Democratic conference. Gov. Andrew Cuomo and top labor leaders were reportedly at the same meeting, at which an offer to reunite the IDC and mainline Dems was put on the table.* CUOMO, MAYOR MEET – “De Blasio huddles with IDC to talk about reconciliation,” by Capital’s Jimmy Vielkind: “New York City mayor Bill de Blasio met on Monday afternoon with state senators from the chamber's Independent Democratic Conference to discuss the possibility of a reconciliation with the chamber's mainstream Democrats, three people familiar with the meeting said.“The talks were described as still in the preliminary phase, one person said, and come as an array of Democratic officials and allied groups—including de Blasio himself—has threatened to back primary challengers to the five I.D.C. senators unless they agree to some sort of rapprochement.” http://capi.tl/1v2oLZa-- “Secret offer on the table to reunite Senate Dems and IDC: Source,” by City and State’s Jon Lentz, Nick Powell and Morgan Pehme: “An offer is on the table to reunite the mainline Senate Democrats and the Independent Democratic Conference as the new State Senate majority … The offer came together … at a secret meeting in New York City that included Gov. Andrew Cuomo, New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, State Senate Majority Coalition Co-Leader Jeff Klein and representatives from several of the state’s most powerful unions. …“Klein would continue as co-leader of the Senate with a representative of the mainline Democrats—presumably either Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins or State Sen. Michael Gianaris, the leader of the Senate Democratic Conference’s campaign committee—replacing current Coalition Co-Leader Dean Skelos, the Senate Republican leader.
“If the deal is accepted by all of the parties involved it would instantly bring about a profound sea change in New York politics, potentially deposing the Senate Republicans from power next session and moving the state farther to the left. It would also open up the possibility for a slew of progressive legislation to pass that has been stymied up to date as a result of opposition from the State Senate Republicans.” http://goo.gl/wMUjTg * De Blasio huddles with I.D.C. to talk about reconciliation(Capital)* The talks that took place were described by a source to Capital New York as still in the “preliminary phase.”* Cuomo’s Senate Republican Ties Remain Strong(YNN)* “I think we end up w/ an absolute majority & the IDCwould be making a mistake if they break the coalition,” Ed Cox. * Even after Gov. Andrew Cuomo vowed to help Democrats retake full control of the state Senate, Republicans are still appearing alongside the incumbent governor at events around the state, State of Politics reports:
Lipstick on the Election Law Pig
Bill Hammond: “Cuomo will fittingly share the ballot this November with a proposed constitutional amendment that — depending on whom you ask — will either end the ugly practice of gerrymandering or merely put lipstick on the pig.”
Union Deals
Bill de Blasio Strikes Tentative Labor Deal With Nurses and 1199 Members(NYO)*
* The state Nurses Association and the 1199 SEIU United Healthcare
Workers East settled their contracts with New York City in a $879.3 deal
that mirrors the pattern set by UFT, the Daily News reports:
NYPD to Examine If Decline of Stop and Frisk Increases Crime
The NYPD is analyzing data to determine if the decline in the number of stop, question and frisks is causing an increase in crime in the city, the J
NYPD to Examine If Decline of Stop and Frisk Increases Crime
The NYPD is analyzing data to determine if the decline in the number of stop, question and frisks is causing an increase in crime in the city, the J
A Hint At the Empty Values of NY's New Campaign Operatives
Jail PR War Continues
Union vs New Commission and DOI (Mayor) All Dropping Stories Daily
The city's most dangerous inmates will get more intensive mental health treatment — part of an effort to stave off violence behind bars. Mayor de Blasio earmarked $32.5 million, split between the correction and health departments, to create four observation units for the most aggressive inmates. Officials say about 20 to 40 inmates at a time — all of them with severe mental illnesses — will get customized treatment in the special units.
NYC Unemployment Continues to Lags
New York City Unemployment Continues To Lag(YNN) Meanwhile, unemployment in the Bronx stands at 10.6 percent and in Kings County, it’s 8.6 percent.
Brooklyn BP None Profit Trip
Brooklyn Borough President Eric Adams and his deputy, Diana Reyna, took an 11-day trip to China to promote economic development and tourism paid for by a nonprofit run by a volunteer staff member, the New York Post reports:f
NYP Attacks Pirate de Blasio On Economy But Ignores the Naked Ladies . . . Boring
Pirate Bill and the de Bluesios: NYC mayor in Mermaid Parade(NYP) His
scoundrel-of-the-sea costume dripped with irony, critics charged. “You
could call it a pirate theory. It’s finding a way to reach into
the pockets of people who have worked hard and done well for
themselves,” said Mike Long, chairman of the Conservative Party of New
York State. “His city budget increased by 5 billion — ultimately,
someone will have to pay for that.” Paradegoers also feared the lanky
seaman will sink the city’s economy. “It’s good that he’s a pirate. It
screams liberal. I’m a little
worried. The economy might collapse under him,” said Jacob Bouchard,
36. De Blasio is the first mayor to ever march in the wet-and-wild
event,
for which his children, Dante and Chiara, wore blue body paint and led
the parade dressed as its King Neptune and Queen Mermaid. * De Blasios don costumes for Mermaid Parade in Coney Island(NYDN)* * The 2014 Mermaid Parade: Dante and Chiara de Blasio's Coney Island Coronation(NYMAG)de Blasio Wedding Man and Taking the Tale of 2 Cities National
De Blasio is launching a national mayoral task force to address issues of economic inequality, which he called “a threat to our fundamental values.”* In July, de Blasio will officiate at his sixth wedding since taking office, an average of about one ceremony a month. That is twice as many weddings as his predecessor, Michael Bloomberg, performed over 12 years.* “De Blasio Seeks to Alter Entry Plan for NYC Elite Schools,” by Bloomberg’s Henry Goldman: “de Blasio … said he wants to end a 43-year policy that restricts admission at the city’s elite high schools to students who score highest on a standardized test. The rule has been debated since a 1971 state law made the test the only criteria to gain entry to eight specialized public schools that offer college-preparatory curriculum … Bills in the legislature backed by the teachers union and set to be reintroduced next year would allow use of other measures, including grades, attendance and scores on other exams.“‘I do not believe a single test should be determinative, particularly for something that is as life-changing for so many young people,’ de Blasio said last week. … His son, Dante, attends Brooklyn Technical, one of the specialized high schools that would be affected. … De Blasio’s criticisms echo questions about high-stakes testing that former Mayor John Lindsay raised more than 40 years ago.” * --“Mayors Led by De Blasio Create Inequality Task Force,” “U.S. mayors led by … de Blasio are creating a task force to examine ways to combat the economic inequality in America’s cities. … De Blasio, who has made universal pre-kindergarten and affordable housing priorities of his administration, announced the creation of the task force during the annual meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Dallas along with Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, president of the cities’ group.” * The Daily News writes that some of the Mayor's recent effortscreated unreasonable expectations(NYDN)
* New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio nominated two people to serve on the Landmarks Preservation Commission, but withdrew another nominee because of potential conflicts of interests resulting from her job at a land-use firm, the Daily News writes: http://goo.gl/47ChMe
