New York State government corruption

[Astronuc]

New York Assembly speaker charged with five criminal counts in corruption case
http://news.yahoo.com/york-assembly...inal-counts-corruption-145959633--sector.html

NEW YORK (Reuters) - New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver was charged on Thursday with five criminal counts stemming from a lengthy corruption investigation, U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara said.

The political powerbroker, in the Assembly since 1977 and its most influential Democrat as speaker since 1994, was accused of fraud, conspiracy to commit fraud and other charges . . . .

Of course, NY State is equal opportunity in these matters.

Joe Bruno, was the Temporary President of the New York State Senate and its majority leader, but . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Bruno#2009_Indictment

 

[Greg Bernhardt]

One down, how many to go?

 

[phinds]

Well, we TRY to keep up with New Jersey but it's a real slog.

 

[Astronuc]

NY Assembly speaker to vacate post amid criminal charges
http://news.yahoo.com/lawmakers-weigh-ny-speakers-fate-following-charges-073144143.html

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Sheldon Silver, the longtime leader of the New York state Assembly, will relinquish the position he has held for 21 years in the wake of federal corruption charges, a top lawmaker announced Tuesday.

The decision announced by Majority Leader Joseph Morelle came after Democratic lawmakers met behind closed doors for two days to discuss their response to the turmoil that has threatened one of the longest careers in American state politics.
. . . .

This is a big deal in NY.

 

[mheslep]

...
This is a big deal in NY.

In what manner are the Silver charges unusual?

In the past decade, more than 30 current or former state officeholders in New York have been convicted of crimes, sanctioned or otherwise accused of wrongdoing. Here are some of them.

http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/...ion-and-new-york-political-scandals.html?_r=0

 

[Astronuc]

In what manner are the Silver charges unusual?

Sadly, it's not unusual. I only indicated that Silver's indictment is a big deal. I've wondered why it took so long. There have been implications for years.

 

[Astronuc]

Ex-NY Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver indicted on 3 charges
http://news.yahoo.com/ex-ny-assembly-speaker-sheldon-silver-indicted-3-180618677--politics.html

 

[Astronuc]

One down, how many to go?

You had to ask.

NY Senate boss, charged in corruption case, claims innocence
http://news.yahoo.com/york-senate-leader-surrenders-face-corruption-charges-141535565--politics.html

NEW YORK (AP) — The leader of the New York Senate was arrested Monday on charges including extortion and soliciting bribes after investigators looking into the awarding of a $12 million contract to a company that hired his son said they captured him on wiretaps boasting of his power.

Republican Dean Skelos, 67, and his 32-year-old son, Adam, both of Rockville Centre on Long Island, surrendered at the FBI's offices in lower Manhattan as a criminal complaint was unsealed against them in federal court.

Hmmmmm.

 

[Astronuc]

New York Senate leader Skelos quits top post after arrest
http://news.yahoo.com/ap-source-ny-senate-leader-quits-top-post-193235400--politics.html

Skelos, who is keeping his legislative seat, is the sixth legislative leader to face criminal charges or scandal in Albany since 2008. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, a Democrat, stepped down from his leadership position in January.

Capitol scandals raise tough questions for New York governor
http://news.yahoo.com/widening-corruption-scandals-swirl-around-york-governor-154450667.html

I would like the DOJ look into how NY State deregulated the electrical utility industry, which was supposed to lead to reduced rates through increased competition, but in reality, that never happened, and rates have only increased. Who did the deals and how made the millions of $ on those deals. Meanwhile FERC wants to add a surcharge to electric rates in order to induced new generation.

Power prices point upward, for now
http://www.poughkeepsiejournal.com/...rc-power-cost-ruling-limits-options/25486613/

 

[Astronuc]

Ex-N.Y. legislative leaders facing U.S. corruption trials
http://news.yahoo.com/ex-n-y-legislative-leaders-facing-u-corruption-120306918.html

 

[Hornbein]

New York Assembly speaker charged with five criminal counts in corruption case
http://news.yahoo.com/york-assembly...inal-counts-corruption-145959633--sector.html
Of course, NY State is equal opportunity in these matters.

Joe Bruno, was the Temporary President of the New York State Senate and its majority leader, but . . .
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joseph_Bruno#2009_Indictment

The Speaker of the House is often the most corrupt member of the House. You get to be Speaker by bestowing favors, and the most corrupt member can maximally bestow.