Gotham Gazette

The Place for New York Policy and politics

State

State

Today's Lead: Bronx Assemblyman Guilty Of Accepting Bribes


eyeopenerbw2

Bronx Assemblyman Eric Stevenson was found guilty of federal corruption charges yesterday. A jury convicted him of accepting over $22,000 in bribes from businessmen in exchange for passing legislation barring new adult daycare centers near facilities they hoped to open. It took less than two hours for the jurors to reach their verdict. He faces a maximum sentence of 20 years on each of two counts and lesser maximums on the others. His seat is now vacant.

Other Stories We're Following

Mixed Reports On State Health Exchange (NY Times)

Make Prosecutors Reasons For Recusal Public? (Wall Street Journal)

Clash Begins Between Charter, District Schools (Daily News)

Police Critics On Bratton’s Broken Windows Push (Capital)

Medical Marijuana Bill Not Ready For Key Vote (Albany Times Union)

Council Airs Safety Ideas After High-Rise Fire (Associated Press)

FBI Arrests Fund-Raiser For Staten Island Rep. Grimm (NY Times)

Today’s Lead: Another Assembly Sex Scandal Ends in Resignation


eyeopenerbw2

Days after Gov. Andrew Cuomo recommitted his administration to this Women’s Equality Act, Democratic Assemblyman Dennis Gabryszak resigned from office yesterday after allegations from his staff of persistent sexual harassment surfaced last month. The Erie County lawmaker said he resigned because of the effect the allegations had on his family, and that he had only seen all of the accusations in the last two days and will continue to fight the allegations in civil court. Even so, Gabryszak said that he had no sexual contact with his staffers, only “mutual banter” he admits had no place in his office “because it is inappropriate in the workplace, even if it does not constitute sexual harassment.”

In a statement calling the alleged behavior "horrific," Gov. Cuomo said that he asked Gabryszak to either deny the accusations or resign immediately, adding that “this kind of alleged behavior has no place in New York State government or any other office in society."

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver now has to deal with yet another high-profile sex scandal in his house. Silver repeated his refrain of there being no place for sexual harassment in the Assembly, calling Gabryszak’s decision to step down “the right one.” Meanwhile, Manhattan Assemblyman Micah Kellner kept his job but was nontheless reprimanded last month by the body's ethics committe for sexually harassing two staffers — allegations which he still disputes. Former Assemblyman and Brooklyn Democratic party boss Vito Lopez also continues to fight accusations from two female staffers that forced an investigation and his resignation last spring.

NEW IN THE GOTHAM GAZETTE

Member Items For Mark-Viverito Ally Org Frozen by Chester Soria

City Council’s discretionary spending, a practice that frequently raises questions about favoritism and political power plays, is set to become an early wedge issue for Mayor Bill de Blasio and new City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito. As this potential clash between mayor and speaker brews, one organization close to Mark-Viverito. Community Voices Heard, has found its 2014 allocation of discretionary cash unexpectedly frozen. READ MORE

 


Other Stories We're Following

Mayor de Blasio Donors Exploited Loopholes Allowing Double, Triple Giving (Daily News)

Bill de Blasio Backing Mike’s Fights in Court (NY Post)

Immigrant Advocates Respond To Cuomo's 2014 Agenda With Goals Of Their Own (WAMC)

Why Gov. Andrew Cuomo needs Upstate New York (the Post Standard)

Mayor vs. Governor (Crain's)

Hospitals Finally Bid For LICH (Crain's)

NYC Health Care Union That Backed de Blasio, Mark-Viverito Wields New Clout (Daily News)

De Blasio Zeroes In On Planning Commissioner (Crain's)

Bill De Blasio’s Diversity Opportunity (The Daily Beast)

Joe Crowley Says He Has Made Peace With Bill de Blasio (NY Observer)

New Council Speaker Releases Five Years of Tax Returns (NY1)

Mark-Viverito Defends Late Disclosure, Questions Coverage (Capital)

New, Young and Progressive Council Members Inaugurated (WNYC)

Stringer Targets Rich with Bid to Close Tax Hole (NY Post)


Today’s Lead: Bridge Scandal Expands


eyeopenerbw2

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie apologized yesterday for lane closures on The George Washington Bridge that appear to have been ordered for retribution against his political opponents. Christie fired two aides he said were responsible for ordering the closures but did not take responsibility himself. Federal investigators and the FBI are investigating the lane closures that snarled traffic and delayed emergency responders. The case has highlighted the tension and influence of politics at the bi-state Port Authority. 

 


Other Stories We're Following

De Blasio Counsel Cuts Ties With Sampson, Cablevision (Capital)

Trump to Meet With GOP Chairman on Run For Governor (Gannett)

De Blasio’s Transition Donors Include Many With Issues Before City(Politicker)

City Study Tracks Transfers by Charter School Students (NY Times)

Cuomo’s Tax Break for Renters (NY Times)

New Schools Chancellor Promises to Mend Fences With Families (Daily News)

Republican Senate Leader Says There is No Need to Tax Rich For Pre-K(Daily News)

State Teacher’s Union Seeks No Confidence Vote For Education Commissioner (State of Politics )

De Blasio Defers to Speaker on Spoils (Capital)

De Blasio Says Bridge Scandal Raises Questions About Christie’s Leadership (Politicker)

Head of Metro-North to Retire (Albany Times Union)

NY Airports Led Nation in Delays During Cold Snap (Crain's)

Community Group Demands a Say in Central Brooklyn Budget Process(DNAinfo)



Print Friendly and PDF

Editor's Choice


Gotham Gazette: New York Voters Approve $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act
New York Voters Approve $4.2 Billion Environmental Bond Act
Gotham Gazette: 
New York City Voters Approve Racial Justice Ballot Measures
New York City Voters Approve Racial Justice Ballot Measures
Gotham Gazette: 
Housing Development in New York City Slows to a Crawl as Officials Debate Tax Incentives
Housing Development in New York City Slows to a Crawl as Officials Debate Tax Incentives
Gotham Gazette: 
City Council Examines Low Voter Turnout, Moving Local Elections to Even Years City Council Examines Low Voter Turnout, Moving Local Elections to Even Years