NY officials arrested, convicted and investigated for acting like NJ politicians

[bijou]

In times past, we could gaze across the Hudson River and give thanks that it separated us from the cesspool of corruption known as the State of New Jersey.

Lately, the bridges and tunnels span two realms that no longer seem so different.

Every day seems to bring word of some new investigation into yet another New York official.

Bernard Kerik came from New Jersey, but we made him the NYPD commissioner and even named a jail after him before he pleaded guilty to eight felonies.

New Yorkers convicted of corruption include former state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, former state Controller Alan Hevesi, former Liberal Party head Ray Harding, former Brooklyn Democratic boss Clarence Norman, four former state legislators and a former city councilman.

Another city councilman, Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx), has been charged with a crime spree involving more than $500,000. “Cash and Carry Larry” at one point allegedly doctored a receipt so he would be reimbursed $177 for a $7 bagel and soda.

“Bagels can be expensive,” his lawyer actually said.

Among those under investigation are Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), along with former Rep. Floyd Flake, state Senate President Malcolm Smith (D-Queens), state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), Assemblyman Peter Rivera (D-Bronx), Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo (D-Bronx) and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. Hevesi is being eyed in a “pay-to-play” scandal unrelated to the crime for which he has already been convicted.

No longer can we hear of a New Jersey official such as the one in Millville who was arrested for stealing $20,000 in Little League funds and tell ourselves such a thing could happen only across the Hudson. ...

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2010/04/04/2010-04-04_new_york_officials_arrested_convicted_and_investigated_for_acting_like_new_jerse.html#ixzz0kAPjnTDp

[NHSparky]

Funny, didn't see too many Republicans in that list.  Guess Nancy has a bit of a job on her hands to try and "drain the swamp."

[skipuno]

Nice to see Tammany Hall is still alive and well in NYC.

[Linda]

I know that republicans aren't perfect, but how did they manage to miss out on all this free publicity...must have been one of those democrat only free for alls.....

[DumbAss Tanker]

Believe me, NY and NJ Republicans aren't any kind of saints, they just aren't anywhere near as connected with the people making payoffs as the Dems.  They are so far out of the trough, and the Dems have been so embedded in it for so long, that it's easy for them to run on a 'Clean government' line.  If they ever got the upper hand long-term, they'd probably be just as thoroughly seduced by easy money.