New York State government corruption

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers on the recent corruption charges against New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and other political figures in New York State. It explores the implications of these charges, the history of corruption in the state's political landscape, and the reactions from various participants regarding the frequency and nature of such scandals.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Sheldon Silver has been charged with five criminal counts related to corruption, which some participants note is part of a broader pattern of political corruption in New York.
  • One participant questions the uniqueness of Silver's charges, suggesting that they are not unusual given the history of over 30 state officeholders facing similar issues in the past decade.
  • Another participant expresses surprise at the length of time it took for Silver to be indicted, indicating that there have been implications of wrongdoing for years.
  • The discussion also mentions the arrest of New York Senate leader Dean Skelos on charges including extortion and soliciting bribes, with some participants noting the frequency of such scandals among legislative leaders.
  • Concerns are raised about the deregulation of the electrical utility industry in New York and the potential corruption involved in that process, with a call for further investigation into the deals made during that period.
  • One participant asserts that the Speaker of the House is often the most corrupt member, as they have the power to bestow favors, suggesting a systemic issue within the political structure.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express a general agreement that corruption is a significant issue in New York politics, but there is no consensus on the uniqueness of Silver's charges or the effectiveness of past responses to corruption. Multiple competing views remain regarding the implications of these events and the historical context of political corruption in the state.

Contextual Notes

The discussion highlights the ongoing nature of corruption investigations and the historical context of political scandals in New York, but does not resolve the complexities surrounding individual cases or the broader implications for governance.

Astronuc
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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
 
Physics news on Phys.org
Well, we TRY to keep up with New Jersey but it's a real slog.
 
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.
 
Last edited by a moderator:
mheslep said:
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.
 
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
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Greg Bernhardt said:
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.
 
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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/
 
Last edited by a moderator:
  • #11
Astronuc said:
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.
 

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