I have made up some letters that reflect the kind of mail and comments I have been getting lately. Here goes: Dear Doctor Chartock: I keep hearing that Andrew Cuomo is gearing up to run for president. He can’t win, can he? Sign me, Kate in Kingston Dear Kate: Of course […]
Tag: ethics
Corrupt officials’ pensions at stake on November 7
In less than three weeks, New York state voters will have the chance to declare their frustration with the seemingly endless trail of corruption by public officials. On November 7, they will decide whether to give judges the power to revoke or reduce the pensions of legislators and other officials […]
Nonpartisan group releases list of 106 potential constitutional revisions
The Government Law Center at Albany Law School and The Rockefeller Institute for Government have released a list of possible revisions to the state Constitution if New York voters decide they want to hold a constitutional convention. The 106-point list was compiled by Scott Fein, an environmental lawyer from Albany, […]
Court overturns Silver’s corruption conviction, U.S. attorney says he will re-try case
A federal appeals court has overturned former New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver’s corruption conviction because of incorrect jury instructions. The United States Court Of Appeals For The Second Circuit in Manhattan concluded that “erroneous” jury instructions were given by the judge in Silver’s 2015 trial. The court cited a […]
2017 ballot measures: Voters face three key decisions in November
Lines are being drawn and sides are being picked as New Yorkers prepare for one of the more intriguing “off year” elections in recent memory with three ballot initiatives, including the contentious Constitutional Convention, going before voters in November. Voters will be met with more than just their local election […]
What do ticks and politicians have in common?
I was sitting on the couch when Murray, the world’s cutest dog (bar none), came and sat down next to me. It was Father’s Day so I was aware that I had to pay special attention to the little dog who, after our two grown kids, stands to inherit what […]
Payments to IDC senators a “mockery of our laws,” says legal memo from Democratic counsel
In the wake of a New York Times article that revealed several senators are being paid for leadership positions they do not hold, an attorney for the Senate Democrats has declared the practice illegal in an analysis backed up by case law and legal precedent. The Times article, published […]
Time to restore the comptroller’s full auditing powers
I don’t want to toot my own horn but I have been saying for some time that one of the most disgraceful things Andrew Cuomo and his lackeys in the Legislature have ever done was depriving Comptroller Tom DiNapoli of some his audit functions over state development projects. You […]