Portal:Government corruption
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- Transparency blocking
- Indictments
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Judge seals documents in UND nickname case Feb 09, 2012
"A judge has sealed all future documents in the University of North Dakota "Fighting Sioux" nickname lawsuit against the NCAA and delayed a hearing, hoping to aid settlement talks.
"Both parties have continued good faith negotiations with an eye toward settling the issues of this litigation amicably," Northeast Central District Judge Lawrence Jahnke said in his order. "At such time as it appears to the court that settlement negotiations have reached an impasse and trial will be necessary, this order will be immediately rescinded."" Template:2.default
Española School Board's Secret Agenda Dec 16, 2011
"The Española School Board has claimed transparency will be the hallmark of its superintendent hiring process. So far, the Board has gone as far as skirting state open meetings and public records laws to keep the process under wraps.
The Board may have violated the state Open Meetings Act during a Nov. 1 closed-door meeting where it discussed the superintendent search process and other topics it is required to discuss publicly, according to an agenda of the meeting viewed by the SUN.
An agenda of the meeting distributed to the public stated the Board would meet in closed session to evaluate Superintendent David Cockerham and discuss a land transaction. Once behind closed doors, the Board followed a separate, different agenda listing six separate items, which had been kept from the public until Tuesday." Template:2.default
Illinois Freedom of Information Act and Lisa Madigan Sep 08, 2011
New Mexico Supreme Court to require I.D. to view court records Feb 24, 2011
Santa Fe, NM The New Mexico Supreme Court has altered their rules for requesting records from the court system and will begin requiring an I.D. from requesters prior to release. The rule was adopted in February 2 and went into effect the week of February 14. The rule is a companion rule to a decision made by the court last year to begin requiring attorneys to submit two copies of court paperwork, one with identifying information for court use and one with that information redacted, for release to the public. The court argues that due to non-compliance with the previous rule, the I.D. requirement and a log of information relating to individuals requesting documents is necessary in order to protect the privacy interests of those associated with the courts. The New Mexico Foundation for Open government opposes the new rule, stating, ""It could be a violation of the Constitution if they deny records to people because they don't have I.D. There is a potential for abuse."[1]
SCRA Chairman Calls for Investigation into CEO Dec 03, 2010
South Carolina Research Authority board Chairman Bill Masters has called for "an independent investigation into the trustworthiness" of Research Authority CEO Bill Mahoney after Mahoney explained raises for SCRA employees two different ways.
During a Nov. 17 SCRA board meeting in Charleston, Masters also charged that Research Authority executives have disseminated some of his SCRA e-mails through their home computers. He said the action "indicates a breach of security within our organization."
None of the other board members present at the meeting spoke in favor of Masters’ comments about probing Mahoney’s actions.
Many of the Research Authority’s board members are top-ranking state officials, including the presidents of the state’s major publicly funded universities, the state commerce secretary and the chairman of the S.C. Commission on Higher Education.
The SCRA is a state-created and controlled technology and real estate company. It is the central player in efforts by state government and some local governments in South Carolina to develop a "knowledge-based economy." As such, the SCRA functions as a nebulous and unusual, if not unique, public-private entity. It does not receive any direct state appropriations. But the Research Authority was chartered under state law, in 1983, and granted 1,400 acres and $500,000 in start-up capital. Template:2.default
Critics Say Recovery Website Reveals Little Nov 24, 2010
The Recovery website, Recovery.gov, discloses information such as the amount of ARRA money awarded to each state, the amount of ARRA money spent so far in each state, the number of jobs created by the ARRA in each state, the contracts that are funded by ARRA money, and the government agencies receiving ARRA money. The website discloses a wealth of information but critics say, however, that it is not enough[2]. Template:2.default
Details hard to find at S.C. State Nov 24, 2010
Getting details on how millions of state and federal program dollars for the James E. Clyburn University Transportation Center have been spent over the past 12 years will be tough.
A preliminary review by the Charleston Post and Courier of some of South Carolina State University's records on the center reveals a convoluted system of record-keeping, with no central control and records on the same subject located in different offices or buildings.[3]
The newspaper's findings are echoed in a recently completed consultant's report obtained by the Post and Courier. The report by the financial consulting firm Elliott Davis found that the scattered approach to grant management not only makes it more difficult to learn how grant money has been spent, but it also makes it more likely the school will fail to comply with grant requirements.
The Orangeburg-based school has responded to a request from the newspaper under the state's Freedom of Information Act for access to financial records for transportation center programs from its launch in 1998 to the present. But it remains unclear how long it will take to sort through the financial information, and how much detail the school ultimately will be able to provide.
That's because getting to the bottom of how money was spent presents somewhat of a scavenger hunt, with pieces of the financial puzzle in different campus locations.
"Details are available on the campus, but not all in this office," John Smalls, senior vice president for finance and facilities, said of the Office of Grants and Contracts.
In that office, financial documents on grants are available in thick folders. There are numerous folders for each grant that makes up the $31.7 million for transportation programs that has flowed to the center since the program was launched 12 years ago.
For instance, the center has received $5.8 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Research and Innovative Technology Administration. But the office has dozens of folders of financial documents on that money, school officials said.[4]
And those folders don't contain much detail on where the money specifically went.
For example, in one folder, the Post and Courier found a list of 11 "contractual services" in a particular year, and corresponding amounts that ranged from $2,500 to $38,402. But the folder contained no detail on what the money was used for, to whom it was paid or what was accomplished with it.[5]
For more on this story, go to: Details hard to find at S.C. State, Charleston "Post and Courier," Aug. 19, 2010
Richert: Stimulus money should be discussed in the open Nov 24, 2010
"Gov. Butch Otter has assembled a team of experienced experts to sort through the 1,100 pages of the newly passed economic stimulus law.
The flipside to tapping people with experience, of course, is that they have connections. They work with companies or agencies that have a potential stake in how Idaho spends upwards of $1 billion in stimulus dollars.
And their work, while advisory in nature, will occur behind closed doors." Template:2.default
Where did the money go? Nov 24, 2010
"County treasurer reported that nearly a million dollars has been spent from the landfill fund, but neither Brown nor Pasley has provided any information on where this money has gone.
Williamsburg County Supervisor Stanley Pasley told The Weekly Observer on Dec. 10, that he believed in open government, and the rest of the requested records would be provided shortly, however, as of deadline day, Friday, Dec. 19, none have been received from the county supervisor’s office or the county treasurer, though they are nearly a month past due." Template:2.default
Let taxpayers see where the money goes Nov 24, 2010
"It's not a difficult concept.
Public records that are paid for with public money, compiled for some public purpose and maintained as public property ought to be accessible for public viewing.
But over and over, in town halls and state capitols across the nation, public officials too often eschew openness in favor of secrecy, forgetting that they work for the people whose access they stall or block." Template:2.default
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Pennsylvania "Bonus-gate" Jun 01, 2012
Critics have alleged that then-Attorney General Tom Corbett tried to have it both ways as he ran two statewide campaigns — a re-election bid for attorney general in 2008 and his campaign for governor — while prosecuting other elected officials for political activity on state time.[1] Some have said that Corbett has a double standard, engaging in the same activity of he was prosecuting. Two Bonusgate defendants filed a private criminal complaint against Corbett.[1] Corbetts' campaign spokesman said, "This is another attempt by two corrupt politicians to shift blame away from their own crimes."[1]
The House Democrats, House Republicans, Senate Democrats and Senate Republicans each have their own caucus, and the caucus hires all legislative staffers -- from party research specialists to the part-time secretary in a district office -- paid for by a lump sum of money given by the state to caucus leadership every year for the leaders then divide as they see fit.[2]
Bonuses to staffers were awarded by the four legislative caucuses in the Pennsylvania General Assembly with House Democrats handing out $2.3 million, House Republicans - $919,000, Senate Democrats - $41,000 and Senate Republicans $366,000. [3]
The investigation's early focus on the House Democratic caucus and Attorney General Corbett's 2010 gubernatorial aspirations have led to charges from that the investigation may be politically motivated.[4]
Democratic state representative Mark B. Cohen suggested an "apparent reluctance of Attorney General Tom Corbett to go after Republicans giving and getting bonuses after doing campaign work with the same zeal as Democrats..."[5]
Florida ophthamologist indicted for fraudulent PAC and lobbying scheme Nov 24, 2010
Dr. Mendelsohn helped oversee three different PAC's in Florida. Most notably, he served as the chief fundraiser for the Florida Medical Association's PAC[6]..
Dr. Mendelsohn allegedly told contributors to the PAC's that their money would be spent on political and media campaigns. The over two million dollars of contributions that he received, however, were not all spent for this purpose. Some three hundred and fifty thousand dollars was diverted by Dr. Mendelsohn for personal use[7]. Template:2.default
No jail for Mr. Ross in $4 million scheme Nov 24, 2010
John Ross and his wife created a fraudulent book scheme, extorting more than $4 million from Davis School District. John Ross was sentenced November 4 to pay a fine of $500, without jail time.
He will be required to forfeit almost $800,000 from bank accounts he and his wife, Susan Ross, own. The two are required to turn over two vehicles and homes in Layton, South Weber and Mountain Green. Template:2.default
Illinois Gov. Blagojevich arrested on corruption charges Nov 24, 2010
According to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of Illinois, the 76 page FBI affidavit charges Blagojevich and Harris with conspiracy to commit mail and wire fraud, and solicitation of bribery.
In a statement, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald said, "The breadth of corruption laid out in these charges is staggering. They allege that Blagojevich put a 'for sale' sign on the naming of a United States Senator; involved himself personally in pay-to-play schemes with the urgency of a salesman meeting his annual sales target; and corruptly used his office in an effort to trample editorial voices of criticism."[8]
The day before his arrest, Blagojevich was joking about being recorded, "I think there’s nothing but sunshine hanging over me." He went on to say, "I appreciate anyone who wants to tape me openly and notoriously. And those who feel that they want to sneakily and wear taping devices, I would remind them that kind of smells like Nixon and Watergate."[9]
Washington teachers fined for not working Sep 16, 2009
Judge Darvas, a King County Superior Court Judge, ruled that the teachers striking in what a September 3 hearing declared to be an illegal strike must pay $200 per day not in their classrooms. The teachers' union, the Kent Education Association, is fined $1,500 per day. All of these fines began September 14 and will be retroactive to September 8.
The district's 1,700 teachers were on strike between August 28 and September 14. The district's 26,000 students at its 40 schools didn't begin school on August 31 as planned.
The Evergreen Freedom Foundation was the first to report the judge’s order in detail using the social networking tool, Twitter, from inside the courtroom.[10] Template:2.default
Former Pennsylvania judges face more indictments over scandal Sep 10, 2009
The plea agreements that the judges were discussing collapsed, but they would have sent them to jail for 87 months on two counts. Now they are charged with racketeering, fraud, money laundering, extortion, bribery and tax violations for allegedly accepting $2.8 million from the owner and builder of two for-profit juvenile detention centers that made millions from county contracts with the judges’ help, read a U.S. Attorney’s Office press release.
The U.S. Attorney's Office did not make actual indictment public after it was handed down the evening of September 9, 2009 in Harrisburg. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney’s Office, Heidi Havens, said the indictment will likely be posted September 10.[10] Template:2.default
Spam scam costs taxpayers $1.7 million Aug 04, 2009
The prosecution alleges that the LCOMM EFFORT was started by Rep. Mike Veon and Michael Manzo, the former chief of staff to Democratic Leader Bill DeWeese. The programs was designed to expand the caucus constituent outreach program through the internet.
Eric Buxton, the son of Rep. Ron Buxton, was placed in charge of running the effort. After failed attempts of people signing up on the Democratic site, the party began to buy e-mails for $.10 cents an e-mail from vendors. The company bought $1.2 million dollars worth of e-mails with taxpayer money that was then used to campaign for democrats. Buxton, who has been granted immunity, told authorities, "it was very clear from the beginning" that the effort was all about campaigns, not government.[11]
The following are incidents cited by Buxton:
- A server was rented in Michigan to hide that campaign e-mails were being sent from the taxpayer owned caucus computer system
- E-mails were designed to insinuate that they were being paid for by the Democratic Campaign Committee, not taxpayer sources
- Buxton arranged to stop working in a the public sector, instead working the same job as a private consultant. This arranged for his salary to increase from $51,000 annually to $16,875 monthly.
- Over 26 months the public paid Buxton $420,000
- Even though Buxton was running the system another private consultant was hired for $82,550 to run more taxpayer funded e-mail campaigns
Shepherd indicted on conspiracy, fraud charges Aug 04, 2009
The arraignment takes place before U.S. Magistrate Judge Louis Moore Jr. The indictment alleges that Shepherd falsified records at his Marrero law firm to conceal $141,000 in check written to AA Communications which was a Moyo company. While the FBI was investigating Shepherd they did request that Moyo wear a wire in order to build a more solid case against the official.[12]
The crimes carry a maximum sentence of 85 years in prison, but legal observers predict he could face closer to six years if convicted.[13]
Senator Ted Stevens testifies Aug 04, 2009
Initial reports painted a strange picture of the prosecution's case. They are said to have made a number of mistakes and broken many rules, enough so that Judge Emmett Sullivan accused them of knowingly submitting false evidence. While Sullivan did not choose to declare a mistrial, he did tell the jury ignore key pieces of evidence.[14]
Senator Ted Stevens found guilty on corruption charges Aug 04, 2009
The $250,000 in gifts and renovations came courtesy of oil services company VECO Corp. Bill Allen, old friend to Stevens and founder of VECO, testified that Stevens was never billed for any of the work or goods, and that he knew it was quite a deal. Stevens denied all these charges, saying he paid $160,000 in bills, believing that was for everything.
After the jury read a guilty verdict on all seven counts, the Senator remained defiant, charging prosecutors of blatant misconduct. “I am innocent," he declared. "This verdict is the result of the unconscionable manner in which the Justice Department lawyers conducted this trial.”[15]
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Undercover reporting reveals corruption in ACORN Nov 24, 2010
The two journalists, Hannah Giles (20) and James O'Keefe (25), dressed up as a prostitute and a pimp, respectively, before entering the Baltimore ACORN office. They claimed to hope to open a prostitution ring in a house that ACORN would help them mortgage. Two women advised them on how to evade paying taxes, how to disguise the prostitution business, how to effectively hide underage El Salvadorian girls in the house and business over the course of the interview.
The ACORN representatives suggested that the prostitution ring be coded a "performing arts" business and that they could write off about $7,000 of the estimated $8,000-$9,000 monthly income for taxes.[1]
Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La) says the videos show multiple incidents of tax fraud and called for a hearing to investigate the group's tax filing assistance programs.
Rep. Boustany said he is seeking a hearing of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee in order to investigate ACORN’s activities.[2]
The Washington Examiner reported that they “found that ACORN has received at least $53 million in federal money since 1994.”[3] Template:2.default
Transportation Cabinet holds conflict of interest report Nov 24, 2010
"The state Transportation Cabinet yesterday declined to release a report raising questions about possible conflicts of interest of two of its high-ranking officials who resigned last week.
The report is part of an ongoing investigation, and records of such investigations are not subject to release until the investigation is complete, according to a letter from the cabinet's Office of Legal Services." Template:2.default
Cook County takes 3% of worker charity donations Nov 24, 2010
The 3% is listed in the fine print at the bottom of the charity payroll deduction form. When county Commssioner Forrest Claypool learned of the practice, he declared it "incredibly deceitful and arrogant," going on to explain, "The notion is: Employees get to direct where their hard-earned dollars go. Todd Stroger should make donations to his charity and let the employees make donations to the charity they want, rather than forcing them to make donations where they might not want their hard-earned money to go."
Lorenzo v. City of Venice Sep 15, 2010
This case established that communication performed through private emails by public officials concerning public business was in violation of the Florida Sunshine Law and the Florida Open Meetings Law.
Ecorse, Michigan city officials violated tax law for years Sep 22, 2009
Governor Jennifer Granholm outlined several financial irregularities the state found and, in a five-page letter, announced that the state would appoint an emergency financial manager to run the city.
The review found that the city collected millions of taxpayer dollars for other entities, but it did not turn the money over. The review found that the city hasn’t submitted to the state a financial audit on time since 2003. It also found that Ecorse operates with a deficit, refusing to outline plans to correct the problem.
City officials responsible for the financial issues could face criminal charges.
“I have determined that a financial emergency exists within the city of Ecorse because no satisfactory plan exists to resolve a serious financial problem,” Granholm wrote in her letter to city officials.
Granholm's letter stated that city officials have gotten in a pattern of using money earmarked for specific purposes to pay for general city operations. This includes employee payroll. Template:2.default
Hamburg officials say clerk and treasurer are not accomplishing basics Sep 18, 2009
The Board of Trustees said Clerk Matt Skiba and Treasurer Pat Evon are not performing their duties and so the board discussed emergency measures. The board said Evon has failed to disburse library, fire bond revenue, and special assessment funds into appropriate accounts. Several duties have been taken off Skiba’s hands, including handling the senior center and parks and recreation operations and last week he submitted a letter of resignation from his duty as FOIA coordinator, typically one of the responsibilities of township clerks.[4]
Supervisor Pat Hohl said about seven “significant” financial problems related to this neglect in the township may have a negative influence on the township’s audit and bond rating.
Evon works part time as treasurer. He said his office needed the board to approve a salary for his deputy, Cindy Pine, in order for it to run more efficiently. The board had questioned Pine's accounting and other credentials and voted against a $27,000 salary for her. Evon voted against this figure too, saying it was not sufficient. Pine recently resigned.
Deputy Clerk Michael Zeglevski still works without pay.
Skiba did not attend Tuesday’s meeting, having Zeglevski, who cannot vote as because he is not an elected official, sit in for him. Clerk Skiba was also absent at a special board meeting held last week.
Skiba has not produced minutes from the last three board meetings, according to Trustee Michael Dolan, putting the township in legal jeopardy.[4]
Government Accountabilty Board flip flops on Fradette Sep 18, 2009
Republican state Senate candidate Chad Fradette recently held an event where he passed out $128 worth of gas vouchers -- or 34 cents on every gallon of gas people pumped during the event on July 2nd in order to protest the required 9% mark up of gas prices by the state.[5]
The Board perceived the event as an attempt to bribe citizens for votes.
Kirkland city leader admits personal emailing on city account Sep 16, 2009
After some of his e-mails were made public Sternoff apologized at a city council meeting.
"The use of my city e-mail as it was used in this case was inappropriate. I apologize for that and the embarrassment that my actions have caused myself and the ones I love," he said.
Evergreen Freedom Foundation uncovered thousands of pages of Sternoff's e-mail, paid for by the city.
Evergreen Freedom Foundation's Scott St. Clair made a Freedom of Information Act request for city council e-mails, which are public record.
Later, St. Clair said Sternoff called him to say some of his e-mails might be embarrassing.
"I had no clue what I would find until it actually showed up," said St. Clair. "The conversation goes on to talk about the Kirkland citizen, her work and her sexual preference."
These e-mails were sent while the city council was in session and, according to the time stamps, at times when city council meetings and study sessions were being held.
"The time spent creating them was time not spent conducting the public's business or paying attention," St. Clair said. "My interest isn't in him, per se. It's in watch-dogging for the public to find out what's happening on their time with their public resources."
After a 4-to-3 vote, the Kirkland City Council voted to hire a counsel to investigate the e-mails.[4] Template:2.default
Did U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison cross an ethical line by supporting a rail line that is a payday for her husband? Aug 20, 2009
"In 2007, U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison boasted how she helped secure $700 million in federal funding to expand a mass transit line in Dallas. But here’s what she forgot to tell you: The law firm of her husband, Ray Hutchison, worked on the bond financing for the same project, earning hundreds of thousands of dollars in hourly fees." Template:2.default
Houston City Council ethics forms published via an interactive map Aug 13, 2009
"The Houston mayor and City Council members' 2009 personal financial disclosures are available at Texas Watchdog via an interactive map. Learn more about how your elected officials make their money by checking out these disclosures." Template:2.default
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Florida ophthamologist indicted for fraudulent PAC and lobbying scheme Nov 24, 2010
Dr. Mendelsohn helped oversee three different PAC's in Florida. Most notably, he served as the chief fundraiser for the Florida Medical Association's PAC[1]..
Dr. Mendelsohn allegedly told contributors to the PAC's that their money would be spent on political and media campaigns. The over two million dollars of contributions that he received, however, were not all spent for this purpose. Some three hundred and fifty thousand dollars was diverted by Dr. Mendelsohn for personal use[2]. Template:2.default
Florida scholarship fund failed to deliver $484,000 to students Nov 24, 2010
South Florida Community Blood Centers, based in Lauderhill, funded the scholarship fund. It announced it will try to contact high school graduates dating to 2007 who were supposed to receive the college scholarships, but did not.
The Sun Sentinel used information provided by the blood bank to compile an online list of about 540 students from Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties who are eligible for the aid.[3] Template:2.default
Former New Mexico school district business manager accused of extortion Nov 24, 2010
Borrego allegedly took the nearly $3.4 million from 10 district accounts between Jan. 8, 2002, and June 30, 2009. Now Borrego may face a long list of criminal charges.
The money she allegedly stole is equal to about $9,058.18 per student, based on the district’s 373 students enrolled last year.
“This is the largest case my office has ever seen in terms of a school embezzlement, and also in terms of how important this is to the community and to the state,” Balderas said.[3]
Because the school district is small, the impact is especially harmful. The district budgeted about $8 million for operations and instructors’ salaries for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2008. It reported slightly more than $21 million in total assets, according to the district's independent audit they submitted to the state auditor March 23, 2009.[4] Template:2.default
No jail for Mr. Ross in $4 million scheme Nov 24, 2010
John Ross and his wife created a fraudulent book scheme, extorting more than $4 million from Davis School District. John Ross was sentenced November 4 to pay a fine of $500, without jail time.
He will be required to forfeit almost $800,000 from bank accounts he and his wife, Susan Ross, own. The two are required to turn over two vehicles and homes in Layton, South Weber and Mountain Green. Template:2.default
Chicago Alderman helps expose bribery Nov 06, 2009
Carothers helped the FBI as apart of an agreement between the two parties. In exchange for Carothers help in exposing local corruption, the FBI has agreed to reduce past corruption charges against him. In 2006, Carothers was charged for accepting a $40,000 bribe from a local developer who was pursuing city approval for a residential development.[5]
In addition, Carothers later admitted in 2007 to having had received around $45,000 from Aiyash in exchange for his support of a proposal that granted Aiyash permission to develop in a certain area.[6]
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Former Butler County Commissioner indicted for corruption Nov 04, 2009
The indictment revolves heavily around Michael Fox's alleged involvement with a close friend and the owner of NORMAP Telecommunications, Robert Schuler. As county commissioner, Fox is said to have used his political influence in order to secure a contract for NORMAP Telecommunications that was worth $1.8 million dollars. [7] The contract was for installing fiber optics across Butler County. After the contract was secured for NORMAP, the company was bought by Schuler. As owner of NORMAP, Schuler is alleged to have transferred $360,000 to Fox in 2002 in order to help him pay off his death. Schuler is also said to have transferred $100,000 to a consulting company that was owned by Fox. [8] Template:2.default
Prosecutor who oversaw Senator Steven's corruption case resigns Oct 28, 2009
Last year, a jury found Alaska Senator Ted Stevens guilty for corruption. He was found to have failed to publicly disclose the over $250,000 dollars that he received from an Alaskan oil company C.E.O, Bill Allen, between 1999-2006. Bill Allen is currently being tried for bribing several Alaska politicians.[9]
In April, however, Attorney General Eric Holder dismissed Steven's case. The case was dismissed on grounds that the trial was unfair. The prosecution collected notes from a key witness before the testimony of the witness. The testimony ended up conflicting with the notes. This information would have helped the case of the defense. The prosecution, however, never handed over the notes to the defense.[10] Template:2.default
U.S. Representative from Alaska referenced in corruption investigation Oct 26, 2009
The documents surfaced in the ongoing corruption case of Bill Allen. Allen was a CEO of the now-defunct oil service company V.E.C.O. While a C.E.O, Allen bribed state legislators and officials with the aim of garnering political support for his company in the legislature. The legislators were responsible passing or rejecting legislation that dealt with taxes for oil companies[11].
Some of the politicians who have been tried for their involvement with Allen include former state House Speaker Pete Kott and former Representative Vic Kohring. Also, Senator Ted Stevens was tried and found guilty for receiving gifts from Allen without reporting the gifts. Steven's case, however, was ultimately dimissed because the prosecution withheld evidence that was favorable to the defense[12].
Dallas City Council divided over ethics reform Oct 21, 2009
The proposal for ethics reform comes in response to recent political corruption in the city council. A few weeks ago, Don Hill, a former city council member, was convicted for extortion and bribery. While serving on the council, Hill extorted real-estate developers. He threatened them that he would not grant approval of their zoning permits unless he received money from them. On many occasions, Hill successfully employed this extortion scheme to secure large sums of money from real estate developers[13] .
The proposed ethics reform is designed to prevent other city council members from engaging in the sort of political corruption for which Don Hill was convicted. Specifically, the proposed ethics reform would limit a city council's member control over permit granting. As it currently stands, a single city council member has great control over any permit granting in his district[14] .
New indictment filed against former Massachusetts speaker of the house Oct 16, 2009
The new indictment claims that DiMasi extorted his friends who owned a property management company, Genesis Management LLC. According to the indictment, the owners of Genesis founded the company in 2006 with the expectation that DiMasi would help their company secure government contracts. As a long-serving and well-connected state politican, DiMasi could use his political influence in order to help push through legislation that would secure government contracts. In exchange for helping the company, DiMasi was to receive a share of the company's profits[15].
The indictment cites e-mails as evidence that DiMasi was involved in extortion. In e-mails concerning Genesis start-up in 2006, the company owners described how profits would be divided and how the owners, as well as DiMasi, would benefit from the company[16].
The indictment, moreover, alleges that DiMasi ordered an unnamed official to help secure government contracts for Genesis[17].
As a specific example of DiMasi helping Genesis secure contracts, the indictment discusses the details of a contract that put Genesis in charge of managing the Transportation Building, which is a government-owned building in Boston, MA. Shortly after Genesis was founded in 2006, it won the contract over another property management company that had been managing the Transportation Building since 1992. Genesis received millions of dollars from this contract[18]. Template:2.default
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UC-Berkeley admits to misleading public Dec 06, 2010
- See also: California state budget
"How did Linda Morris Williams get a $100,202 buyout for leaving her $200,400-a-year headquarters job in Oakland and "starting her new job paying the same salary in the office of UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau" the next day. The case has provoked considerable controversy and criticism. The San Francisco Chronicle filed a CPRA request which led to the disclosure of e-mails between the parties involved that Williams "had been virtually assured by Birgeneau's close aides that the job was hers and was even placed on a UC Berkeley organizational chart five days before she applied for the buyout" contrary to earlier claims that Williams was unaware of the possibility of future employment at the Berkeley campus. In her new job, Williams oversees whistleblowing."
another example of improper management actions University of California Berkeley. When UC Berkeley announced its elimination of baseball, men’s and women’s gymnastics, and women’s lacrosse teams and its defunding of the national-champion men’s rugby team, the chancellor sighed, “Sorry, but this was necessary!” But was it? Yes, the university is in dire financial straits. Yet $3 million was somehow found to pay the Bain consulting firm to uncover waste and inefficiencies in UC Berkeley, despite the fact that a prominent East Coast university was doing the same thing without consultants. Essentially, the process requires collecting and analyzing information from faculty and staff. Apparently, senior administrators at UC Berkeley believe that the faculty and staff of their world-class university lack the cognitive ability, integrity, and motivation to identify millions in savings. If consultants are necessary, the reason is clear: the chancellor, provost, and president have lost credibility with the people who provided the information to the consultants. Chancellor Robert J Birgeneau has reigned for eight years, during which time the inefficiencies proliferated. Even as Bain’s recommendations are implemented (“They told me to do it”, Birgeneau), credibility and trust problems remain. Bain is interviewing faculty, staff, senior management and the academic senate leaders for $150 million in inefficiencies, most of which could have been found internally. One easy-to-identify problem, for example, was wasteful procurement practices such as failing to secure bulk discounts on printers. But Birgeneau apparently has no concept of savings: even in procuring a consulting firm, he failed to receive proposals from other firms.
Students, staff, faculty, and California legislators are the victims of his incompetence. Now that sports teams are feeling the pinch, perhaps the California Alumni Association, benefactors and donators, and the UC Board of Regents will demand to know why Birgeneau is raking in $500,000 a year despite the abdication of his responsibilities.
The author, who has 35 years’ consulting experience, has taught at University of California Berkeley, where he was able to observe the culture and the way the senior management operates. Template:2.default
Wisconsin school superintendent in battle over early retirement compensation Nov 24, 2010
Klaus denied having direct involvement in the creation of a document that would allow him to receive a $267,209 retirement stipend before retiring. This denial could be pivotal in determining how the federal lawsuit he filed in July proceeds.
The school district can discredit Klaus' $1.19 million lawsuit if it can prove he directed someone to create the document. The school board placed a 10-month suspension on Klaus in his position, for the most part because of they believed he directed someone to write the letter in question.
On the other side, if Klaus' lawyers can prove there was distance between Klaus and the creation and backdating the document, it could help the federal case. The document is now known as the "Olson memo." It is named for former school board President Carol Olson because he admitted he signed and backdated it.
"[Klaus'] claims regarding the Olson memo are clearly a key in this lawsuit and a matter of great interest to us in our defense," said Kirk Strang, a Madison lawyer representing the school district. "We have a strong case, and we plan on presenting it."
Scott Winston is Kalus' attorney who filed the lawsuit on his behalf.
Klaus faced suspension by the Eau Claire school board from Aug. 11, 2008, through June 15 without pay for his alleged attempt to access his retirement stipend before he retired without official board approval.
The board launched an investigation, determining that in June 2007 Klaus had Olson sign and backdate the letter that would allow Klaus to begin receiving his monthly stipend payments starting August 2007.[1] Template:2.default
Undercover reporting reveals corruption in ACORN Nov 24, 2010
The two journalists, Hannah Giles (20) and James O'Keefe (25), dressed up as a prostitute and a pimp, respectively, before entering the Baltimore ACORN office. They claimed to hope to open a prostitution ring in a house that ACORN would help them mortgage. Two women advised them on how to evade paying taxes, how to disguise the prostitution business, how to effectively hide underage El Salvadorian girls in the house and business over the course of the interview.
The ACORN representatives suggested that the prostitution ring be coded a "performing arts" business and that they could write off about $7,000 of the estimated $8,000-$9,000 monthly income for taxes.[2]
Rep. Charles Boustany (R-La) says the videos show multiple incidents of tax fraud and called for a hearing to investigate the group's tax filing assistance programs.
Rep. Boustany said he is seeking a hearing of the Oversight Subcommittee of the House Ways and Means Committee in order to investigate ACORN’s activities.[3]
The Washington Examiner reported that they “found that ACORN has received at least $53 million in federal money since 1994.”[4] Template:2.default
New Jersey mayors, lawmakers arrested in corruption case Nov 24, 2010
The corruption scandal connected money laundering operations between Brooklyn, N.Y.; Deal, N.J.; and Israel. There was an alleged tens of millions of dollars filtered through Jewish charities that rabbis controlled in New York and New Jersey.
Prosecutors utilized an informant, a real estate developer charged with bank fraud three years ago, to help them ascertain corrupt politicians by having the informant pose as a crooked businessman. The informant then paid a string of public officials tens of thousands of dollars in bribes to get approvals for buildings and other New Jersey projects.[1]
No jail for Mr. Ross in $4 million scheme Nov 24, 2010
John Ross and his wife created a fraudulent book scheme, extorting more than $4 million from Davis School District. John Ross was sentenced November 4 to pay a fine of $500, without jail time.
He will be required to forfeit almost $800,000 from bank accounts he and his wife, Susan Ross, own. The two are required to turn over two vehicles and homes in Layton, South Weber and Mountain Green. Template:2.default
Thousands of unfiltered New Orleans City Council emails given to activist lawyer Nov 24, 2010
On December 3, 2008, Washington sent a public records request for council emails to the city's Management Information Systems Office, instead of the city attorney's office, who usually handles such requests. A letter from City Attorney Penya Moses-Field said that Veronica White then asked staff of the Mayor's Office of Technology to provide her with the emails, which she then gave to Washington.[5]
Moses-Fields said, "This is very unusual and outside of the normal process which includes review by the city attorney." The original records request sought e-mails dating back to July 1, 2006, from council members Jackie Clarkson, Arnie Fielkow, Stacy Head and Shelley Midura, along with their staff. Washington also requested records from Jeff Thomas, special assistant to Recovery Director Ed Blakely.[6]
Attorney for the council reiterated Moses-Field's statement, "In 30 years of practicing law, I don't know that I've seen a procedure whereby a nonattorney -- in this case the director of sanitation -- would produce documents of the City Council that are subject to privilege without some oversight and without somebody just saying to the City Council: 'We got this document request. How do you want to handle it?'"[6]
Wilkerson, Turner arraigned Nov 24, 2010
Former Massachusetts State Senator Dianne Wilkerson answered "not guilty" to 23 new corruption charges stemming from her alleged acceptance of $23,500 in bribes in 2007 and 2008, according to Wilkerson reluctantly resigned her seat following her indictment by a Boston Grand Jury last month. The new charges allege the corruption may go back as far as 2002. The case stems from Wilkerson allegedly accepting cash payments in exchange for helping a nightclub obtain a liquor license and for helping a developer in Roxbury. [7]
If convicted, Wilkerson faces up to 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine for each of the 32 charges against her. Wilkerson did not comment before leaving the courthouse.
Alaska political corruption probe Aug 11, 2010
The name "Corrupt Bastards Club" (alternatively "Corrupt Bastards Caucus") has been widely, if with limited accuracy, used to designate Alaska legislators implicated in the federal corruption investigation. The nickname originated in the spring of 2006 as a barroom joke among Alaska legislators after a guest article by Lori Backes, executive director of All Alaska Alliance, that ran in Alaska's three largest newspapers named 11 lawmakers who had received large campaign contributions from executives of the oilfield services company VECO Corporation, which has a long history of making large campaign contributions to Alaska politicians. The article also named Senate President Ben Stevens as having received large consulting fees from VECO.[8][9]
Lydia Hemmings indicted for defrauding non-profit Jan 26, 2010
Mrs. Hemmings headed Blueprint for Change, a non-profit organization dedicated to improving child welfare, from 2000 to 2006. She now works as an administrator in the Department of Human Service's Med-Quest office. Template:2.default
Former Butler County Commissioner indicted for corruption Nov 04, 2009
The indictment revolves heavily around Michael Fox's alleged involvement with a close friend and the owner of NORMAP Telecommunications, Robert Schuler. As county commissioner, Fox is said to have used his political influence in order to secure a contract for NORMAP Telecommunications that was worth $1.8 million dollars. [10] The contract was for installing fiber optics across Butler County. After the contract was secured for NORMAP, the company was bought by Schuler. As owner of NORMAP, Schuler is alleged to have transferred $360,000 to Fox in 2002 in order to help him pay off his death. Schuler is also said to have transferred $100,000 to a consulting company that was owned by Fox. [11] Template:2.default
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New Mexico loses $27 million in Marc Correra deal Mar 29, 2011
The State Investment Council (SIC) is writing off $27 million of a $55 million investment made in 2006 with a different firm, SIC spokesman Charles Wollman. Correra shared in $576,000 in fees paid out in the latest deal, with Northstar SIC Holding LLC.
The SIC and the New Mexico Educational Retirement Board write off $90 million they had invested with Chicago-based Vanderbilt Financial Trust. A lawsuit Correra is involved in encompasses his shared $2 million in fees for helping to arrange that deal.[1]
In the latest deal, the SIC invested $55 million of a $90 million commitment in 2006 to Northstar SIC Holdings LLC. Northstar invested that money in two other projects, one a “high-risk, high-return” real estate development in Connecticut called Antares Investment Partners. This one later soured, Wollman explained.
A recent SIC report shows the market value of the agency’s SIC original $55 million investment is $12 million. Wollman said the SIC recovered $16 million of its original investment.
In order to get a greater return, the SIC invests money from the state’s four permanent funds. Leasing fees, taxes collected on the extraction of minerals in New Mexico and money from the national tobacco settlement, contribute to the permanent funds. The permanent funds are about 15 percent of the state’s annual budget and without them, each household in the state would pay an average of $800 more in taxes every year, according to the SIC’s website, the New Mexio Independent reported.[1] Template:2.default
Minnesota stimulus earmarks include iPods Jan 05, 2011
Nearly 5,000 households in Minneapolis public housing high rises would benefit from this proposal. The provision is working to fill the gap created because these people are unable to receive the city's own public WiFi service without devices.
The proposal's summary states that residents of these public housing neighborhoods who graduate from the first level of the city's Broadband University "will be eligible to receive their choice of wifi-enabled devices--laptops or handheld iPod Touches," effecting an estimated 6,300.
The American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan provides $7.2 billion to expand access to and adoption of broadband services nationwide and "help bridge the technological divide and create jobs building Internet infrastructure."
In the first round of spending this money, $4 billion will be dispersed in the form of loans and grants. It remains unclear how many projects will be funded per state.
The proposals' executive summaries are online.[1]
Nagin dining on taxpayer money Nov 24, 2010
In a six month period, total city credit card debt reached nearly $180,000. Of this total, about two-thirds can be attributed to Nagin and two of his aides, Ceeon Quiett and Kenya Smith.
With criticism rising, the administration released documentation for the charges - except for Nagin, Quiett, and Smith. The documents released, however, still fail to paint a complete picture of just where exactly taxpayer money is going. Records vary greatly, from Finance Director Reggie Zeno, who itemized everyone at meals and what they ordered, to former executive council Becca O'Brien who only once listed a meal as having a business purpose, and never documented who attended.
Nagin and Quiett have not responded about documentation of their charges, while Smith continues to defend his charges as legitimate business expenses, but still has not provided proof of that.
Denver delays HUD grants Nov 24, 2010
Since the award, an additional 4,000 Denver homes have been foreclosed. The city says it is working on contracts with nonprofit groups for the program's execution and hopes to start spending money on homes in October or in November. Notice of the grants first hit the Federal Register on October 6, 2008, but officials say Denver did not get a formal contract from the Housing and Urban Development department (HUD) until March 2008.
Aurora won $4.5 million from the first round of the same program and so far has spent $2.6 million buying and repairing 21 homes.
The $6 billion NSP was intended for the American communities hit hardest by the recession. Experts say there are similar problems in other cities are caused by a dense bureaucracy. Template:2.default
California government pays more interest than companies Nov 24, 2010
California collected about $80 billion in taxes in the fiscal year (ended June 30), compared with $3.6 billion in revenue for Houston-based Diamond. California has never defaulted on its debt. The state paid 1.5 percentage point more in interest, about $785 million in additional cost for taxpayers over the 30-year life of $1.75 billion in Build America Bonds.
California and many other states are not requiring municipalities to file timely financial information. The disclosure that state and local governments provide to investors is in the “dark ages,” said Gary Pollack, of Deutsche Bank AG’s Private Wealth Management unit in New York.
“The municipal bond market is the last bastion of hidden information,” said Timothy Koch, chairman of the finance department at the Moore School of Business at the University of South Carolina in Columbia, South Carolina.
U.S. taxpayers are paying as much as $6 billion a year because public officials’ financing is in the dark in the $2.8 trillion tax-exempt bond market, according to data and interviews from more than a dozen states. However, the recession is forcing municipal governments to cut spending or raise taxes.[1] Template:2.default
State To Audit Bethlehem Area School District Nov 24, 2010
The school district's swap deals cost them and taxpayers over $57-million since they began using them in 2003, warranting Auditor General Jack Wagner's impending investigation. A swap is an agreement to pay off debt that is based on a variable short-term interest rate, with the hope that lending rates will stay below long-term interest rates.
The BASD conducted 17 swap transactions through JP Morgan and Morgan Stanley, the most of any school district in Pennsylvania. They were supposed to save taxpayers money, according to Superintendent Joseph Lewis, but the raised rates incurred a penalty.[2]
Wagner's office will look at the economic impact the swaps had on BASD after state Senator Lisa Boscola's June call for a thorough review.[1]
Liberty school audit reveals sketchy transactions Nov 24, 2010
Retired government auditor James Moore has been working with whistle blowing parent William Walker. Walker obtained district receipts through the Freedom of Information Act. When that failed the pair organized a petition drive asking for the district to order an audit on the school Over 2,700 signatures were collected in order to call in a state auditor.
"I would hope they name names, I would hope they fix responsibility, and more importantly, the citizens are looking for consequences for the actions," Moores said.[3]
Michigan Film Incentive Program Aug 03, 2010
Legislation creating an incentive program was originally proposed by Governor Jennifer Granholm in her State of the State address. MFIP was officially created on April 7, 2008, when Granholm signed a 14 bill package into law. It is part of a much larger overall economic stimulus package designed to grow the state's economy and create jobs.[4]
In signing the legislation Granholm announced, "We're going to grow this industry and in the process, grow our economy and create jobs. Across the country and around the world, the film industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. We're going to bring some of that investment to Michigan."[4] She stated that with the new laws, Michigan has the most aggressive program of its kind in the nation. Template:2.default
Maryland state pension gap grows to $17.5 billion Nov 05, 2009
- Main article: Maryland public pensions
Maryland will likely have to add $189 million to its teacher and employee pension funds by next year. Lawmakers learned this on November 4 as officials with the State Retirement Agency explained results from fiscal 2009.
The $17.5 billion needed to close the gap is in addition to the approximately $28.6 billion that the pension office already has set aside.
This knowledge was announced at a meeting of the General Assembly’s Oversight Committee on Pensions. It will likely have a big effect on the state’s budgeting process next year.
Although Maryland already has a deficit of more than $2 billion, officials will likely need to increase contribution to the pension funds from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion.
JUA ruling puts $110 million budget hole Nov 02, 2009
The ruling blocked the state from balancing its budget with a medical malpractice fund of $110 million. Belknap County Superior Court Justice Kathleen McGuire said the state had no right to the funds because they belong to the Joint Underwriting Association.
The state will probably appeal, however the $110 million may not be touched. The budget writers assumed the money would balance both the last budget and the current one. The state is not legally obligated to operate with a balanced budget, but they may hold a special session to make up the difference.
In February, Charlie Arlinghaus predicted this outcome.[5]
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Kansas appoints AFL-CIO board member to state Supreme Court Dec 13, 2010
The Wichita native Babich taught in his hometown’s public schools for three decades. Recently, Babich retired as the President of the United Teachers of Wichita, having served on the Kansas NEA Board of Directors. Babich received USD 259’s Distinguished Classroom Teacher Award and was a Fulbright Scholar to Israel.
The State Supreme Court Nominating Committee's duty is to recommend people for Kansas Supreme Court and the Kansas Court of Appeals appointments. Babich joins three public members serving on the board for a limit of two terms.
The Committee requires the Governor to appoint one public member per congressional district, amounting to four, and the members may not hold any other public elected or appointed position at the time they are appointed. The other members of the Committee are elected to their position by their local Bar Association, just as the Chair is elected into position.
The Supreme Court Nominating Commission are exempt from conflict of interest statements, so other information about these members is not readily available to the public.[1] Template:2.default
Report concludes Tennessee cities overspending on lobbying Dec 08, 2010
Taxpayer-funded lobbying in Tennessee, the report warns, leads to a dangerous cycle of overspending. When lobbyists for cities and other government agencies in Tennessee lobby at the state or federal level, they are intent on creating new taxes or raising existing taxes, and expanding their influence over the public. The money generated from new taxes, in turn, is used by Tennessee local entities to fund more government sector lobbying [2]
Rockefeller Family Fund Nov 24, 2010
The fund supports groups that fall into one of four categories: citizen participation and government accountability, economic justice for women, environment, and institutional responsiveness. As of Dec. 31, 2007 the fund has over $98 million in assets and awarded over $6 million in grants.[3] Template:2.default
Report details the cost of government sector lobbying Nov 24, 2010
From 1998 to 2008, federal government spending has increased by $1.3 trillion, or 78.8%. That same time period has seen dramatic increases in federal lobbying by state and local governments, public universities, transportation authorities, and public water utilities. All combined these entities spent $138.1 million on lobbying in 2007, up 151% since 1998.[4]
Kerpen concludes that these efforts have led to a direct increase in earmarks, along with an overall breakdown in fiscal discipline. He points out that the actual figure for government sector lobbying is much higher than the $1.09 billion, as Senate disclosure reports are coded by industry group, but does not specify if it is private or public. Thus he was only able to use information on entities that could be identified as public. Alongside that, private lobbyists are held to strict gift rules - $50 limit in the Senate and an outright gift ban in the House. Lobbyists paid by tax dollars, however, are exempt from this rule and can give unlimited gifts, which do not have to be disclosed.[4]
Rockefeller family aides anti-coal movement twice Nov 24, 2010
The family foundation of former West Virginia governor Sen. Rockefeller, the Rockefeller Family Foundation (RFF), has donated almost $500,000 to anti-coal, pro-cap and trade groups in one year, in addition to the funds that he donated to the Tides Foundation, which made their way into anti-coal efforts.
The RFF is run by the fifth generation of the Rockefeller dynasty. It is a multi-million dollar fund that has continuously supported stopping coal plant construction, including in West Virginia, the state that Sen. Rockefeller represents. Template:2.default
ACORN funded political groups Nov 24, 2010
Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA) released an analysis by his tax staff on Thursday showing that leaders of the ACORN's network transferred the funds, more than half their charitable and public money, in 2006 to pay ACORN affiliates rather than to low income housing efforts.
Grassley called the transactions a "big shell game," urging the Internal Revenue Service to take a closer look. On September 23, 2009, the Internal Revenue Service severed ties with ACORN.
Grassley's report says charities "are being used to raise monies which are then funneled to other charities or to other organizations for purposes other than what the donor may have intended. . . . Dollars raised for charitable [purposes] appear to be used for impermissible lobbing and political activity."
ACORN officials said Grassley's accusations are based on financial transactions that occurred before a leadership change in 2008. Co-founder and longtime director Wade Rathke was pushed to resign and Bertha Lewis took over after concealing from the full board that his brother, Dale Rathke and CFO of ACORN, embezzled almost $950,000 from ACORN between 1999 and 2000. According to Lewis, ACORN has shut down dozens of affiliates.
"Senator Grassley made up his mind, and he didn't bother about the facts," Lewis said in an interview. "He's dealing with a lot of outdated information and decided to frame it with a predetermined conclusion. Yes, we had problems under Wade Rathke. . . . And we have been overhauling how we do things ever since."
There have been many criticisms of ACORN since its creation.[1] Template:2.default
Seattle's Green Festival bashed capitalism while pursuing it Jul 15, 2010
The third annual Green Festival, which was held June 5 and 6 at the Washington Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, gathered individual citizens, "green" and radical groups and organizations, as well as radical politics and pundits. Former Weather Underground bombers and noted friends of President Barack Obama, Bill Ayers and Bernardine Dohrn, were featured speakers, explaining practical tips on how to lower electricity bills.
The cheapest general admission pass to get into the convention was $15, which gave attendees the choice of workshops on discovering tools and strategies to improve your home environment, 200 speakers, the Kids’ Zone or the exhibits.
The Festival featured 300 commercial and other exhibitors touting numerous product lines or services, including food, clothing, building materials, health and beauty aids, financial services and more. Template:2.default
Sen. Rockefeller accepts donations from health insurance companies Apr 18, 2010
With the health insurance reform debate going on in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate, the Democratic Party and the Republican Party disagree about whether the United States needs a government-run health care “public option.” However, both sides are in agreement about the need for reform and health professional and insurance industries give millions of dollars to representatives on both sides of the political spectrum.
The health professional industry donated at total of $95,185,139 in 2008 and the insurance industry, which includes health insurance companies, gave $46,832,136. With Democrats lining up behind a public option plan, one would be surprised which elected official representing West Virginia received the most money from these industries.
Rockefeller received $107,174 from the insurance industry between 2003 and 2008. Of that total, $32,950 came from individuals and $74,224 came from Political Action Committees (PAC). Rockefeller also received $258,950 from the health professionals industry, of which $133,050 came from individuals and $125,900 came from PAC donations.
The largest donor to Rockefeller between 2007 and 2009 was the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America. The organization donated $500, while $15,000 came from 17 lobbyists the group hired. Template:2.default
Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now Nov 05, 2009
The 1,200 local ACORN chapters in 40 states launch multiple issue campaigns to try to raise the minimum wage or enact living wage policies, to eliminate predatory financial practices by mortgage lenders, payday lenders, and tax preparation companies, to win the development of affordable housing and community benefits agreements, to "improve the quality of and funding" for urban public schools, to rebuild New Orleans, Louisiana, and to pass a federal and state "ACORN Working Families Agenda," that would include paid sick leave for all full-time workers.
ACORN and its allied organizations provide free tax preparation focusing on the Earned Income Tax Credit, screening for eligibility for federal and state benefit programs, and, through the ACORN Housing Corporation, first time homeowner mortgage counseling and foreclosure prevention assistance, and low income housing development.
ACORN efforts in 2006 pushed for the raise in minimum wage in Ohio, Arizona, Missouri and Colorado. ACORN works with community-faith-labor coalitions on successful campaigns in every state.
Since 2004, ACORN registered about 1.7 million low- and moderate-income and minority citizens.[5] Template:2.default
Tides Foundation Nov 01, 2009
Tides Foundation works with donors to increase and organize resources to incite "social change." It runs grant programs and promotes education. Template:2.default
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Experts: FGCU violated open records law when short-listing bidders for solar project Dec 06, 2010
"Florida Gulf Coast University didn’t follow state open records law or its internal bidding procedures when selecting a firm for the school’s highest-profile project, experts said.
But the university insists it did nothing wrong during this summer’s short-listing process to choose a company for its $17 million solar energy farm.
At a September public meeting, FGCU’s eight-member selection committee narrowed the 10 firms that applied for the project by oral vote alone. There were no minutes taken during the meeting and committee members didn’t rank the firms.
Both were required, experts said." Template:2.default
Florida scholarship fund failed to deliver $484,000 to students Nov 24, 2010
South Florida Community Blood Centers, based in Lauderhill, funded the scholarship fund. It announced it will try to contact high school graduates dating to 2007 who were supposed to receive the college scholarships, but did not.
The Sun Sentinel used information provided by the blood bank to compile an online list of about 540 students from Broward, Palm Beach and Miami-Dade counties who are eligible for the aid.[1] Template:2.default
Former Butler County Commissioner indicted for corruption Nov 04, 2009
The indictment revolves heavily around Michael Fox's alleged involvement with a close friend and the owner of NORMAP Telecommunications, Robert Schuler. As county commissioner, Fox is said to have used his political influence in order to secure a contract for NORMAP Telecommunications that was worth $1.8 million dollars. [2] The contract was for installing fiber optics across Butler County. After the contract was secured for NORMAP, the company was bought by Schuler. As owner of NORMAP, Schuler is alleged to have transferred $360,000 to Fox in 2002 in order to help him pay off his death. Schuler is also said to have transferred $100,000 to a consulting company that was owned by Fox. [3] Template:2.default
Three Florida government officials arrested for extortion Oct 15, 2009
The agents slipped more than $40,000 in cash to the politicians while posing as corrupt businessmen. The FBI released hidden tape recorders entangling Commissioner Eggelletion, School Board member Gallagher and former Commissioner Salesman, but more arrests are expected.
Agents went public and questioned many people involved in Broward County's lucrative school building program, including lobbyists, school district employees and construction contractors.
"We are not done," said acting U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Sloman. Template:2.default
Broward County School Board member arrested Oct 05, 2009
Beverly Gallagher is a school board member for Broward County Public Schools, Florida, representing District 2. Her term is supposed to expire in 2012, which may change pending these charges.
Gallager is also the administrator for the scholarship foundation funded by the Community Blood Centers of South Florida, which recently revealed that its scholarships had not been distributed to students.
She was arrested for extortion, wire fraud and bribery after undercover FBI agents passed $12,500 to her in return for making arrangements for them to get school construction contracts.
According to the Federal Complaint, in 2005, Gallagher met with the undercover officers and told them "they could make a lot of money together." The charges say that in one meeting, she put $2,000 in a day planner and in another she left with $1,500. According to the charges, Gallagher helped steer a $71 million building contract for Hollywood Hills High School to supposedly benefit the undercover agents.[4] Template:2.default
Road Home contractor receives $99 million raise Aug 04, 2009
Last March, in the final days of Gov. Kathleen Blanco's administration, Jindal and officials with the Louisiana Recovery Authority were outraged when Blanco announced a $156 million contract increase for ICF. This raised their take from $756 million to $912 million.
ICF, based in Fairfax, Virginia, was put in charge of running the $10.3 billion federally funded Road Home program. They have been highly criticized for their work, including delays and grant miscalculations. And yet, Jindal's administration has already paid over half of this increase.
New Orleans crime camera contract exposed Aug 04, 2009
Head, the only council member present at the meeting, sent Mayor Nagin a letter complaining about the deal. Nagin's chief administrative officer, Brenda Hatfield, responded, disputing the claim that no contract existed. She said Ciber had a contract beginning in 2005, which was extended to May 2009. This contract, she said, includes "digital surveillance" and other responsibilities.
However, Hatfield did say that Ciber and LSI Research, the city's main camera vendor, may have billed the city for some of the same services. In response to this, she said Boyd has been given the job of undertaking a "forensic audit and assessment of all operations, vendor and contractor relations, and finances" related to the technology department.[5]
NO Councilwoman says sanitation director lied about contract Aug 04, 2009
Head said that for most of 2008, she had been asking for a list from White, detailing the number of addresses served by the sanitation department, which is crucial in determining the cost of garbage collection. Council President Jackie Clarkson and previous meeting minutes confirm White previously testified that such a list was not available. However, at the November 11 hearing, White said she receives monthly updates on how many addresses are served, with the number currently at 106,500.
Head became furious, saying this was exactly the information she had been requesting for months. She is concerned that the city is paying contractors based on the 106,500 addresses, which she thinks is much too high. When asked to explain the estimate, White said she would "reserve my comments for the inspector general." Events escalated from there, leading to White's departure.
City Council questions crime cameras Aug 04, 2009
Despite the huge sums of money pumped into it, the New Orleans crime cameras program never lived up to the promises of Mayor Ray Nagin. The city counsel took up the matter and began an investigation, which was mostly met with ignored requests for documentation.
Now it has been revealed that Alabama-based LSI Research Inc., the company hired to install and operate the cameras, may never have had the required state contractor's license. The company is currently under investigation by city attorneys.
Councilwoman Stacy S. Head said that the company claimed it had the license, when in fact it never did. The council cites other unexplained issues as well, such as the city overpaying for the cameras themselves. Head stated, "The unit price of the cameras, under the contract is $6237.50. However, at times we're paying $8,500, per camera in a number of invoices we have."[6]
Chief Technology Officer Anthony Jones was unable to provide an answer.
City Council questions 311 hotline Aug 04, 2009
The Council was able to uncover the possible root of the problem - of the 30 city departments which are supposed to be linked to the 311 system, only 10 of them actually are. Thus, when residents call to make a complaint or check on an issue, system operators are unable to access the majority of departments and so are often unable to provide an answer - that is if they answer at all. During the meeting, city resident Juan Gaspard called the hotline and proceeded to hold his cell phone to a microphone, allowing everyone to hear the recorded song playing.
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More stimulus money has gone to Obama-supporting areas Nov 24, 2010
About $17 billion of the package can be tracked locally and November’s Obama-supporting counties are receiving twice as much from the federal aid stimulus as those counties that voted for Sen. John McCain, the USA TODAY reports.
"There's no politics at work when it comes to spending for the recovery," White House spokesman Robert Gibbs says.
The USA TODAY’s reports show "the 872 counties that supported Obama received about $69 per person, on average. The 2,234 that supported McCain received about $34." The places receiving the larger split of federal grants and contracts typically get more grants than other areas, as guided by formulas that have been in place for decades.
The targets for the money include aid to repair military bases, improve public housing and college financial aid.
Adam Hughes, director of federal fiscal policy for the non-profit OMB Watch, leans away from the possibility that this is a result of political tinkering.
"Even if they wanted to, I don't think the administration has enough people in place yet to actually do that," Hughes says. "Most of what they're doing at this point is just stamping the checks and sending them out,"
Cuyahoga County Reform Missing Restrictions on Campaign Donations Oct 07, 2009
Issue 6 aims to remedy the problem of cronyism in the Cuyahoga County Comissioner's office. One of the current County Commissioners, Jimmy Dimora, has been investigated by the FBI for possibly helping individuals obtain county positions in exchange for campaign donations or kickbacks. Issue 6, supporters say, would counter such an abuse of power by requiring the county executive to be overseen by an eleven-member council. The county executive would need the council's approval before he or she could make any hiring decisions[1].. Template:2.default
Two more leaving Nagin Administration Aug 04, 2009
In addition to the two top staff members who have already left the Nagin Administration, the Mayor will soon be able to count two more.
Before the end of June, both Kenya Smith, the intergovernmental relations director, and Col. Terry Ebbert, the city's homeland security director, will be leaving. Currently it is unclear who will fill these positions.
Smith came to his position in August 2005, just before Hurricane Katrina hit. While there are rumors that he plans to run for Congress, all Smith has said is that he wants to continue to work for New Orleans.
In a statement, Mayor Nagin praised Smith, saying "Kenya has been a critical part of our work to recover and to build an even better city for the future. His passion and strategic vision have been invaluable."[2] Recently, Smith has been under great criticism for charging tens of thousands of dollars on his city issued credit card.
Ebbert, 65, plans on retiring from City Hall, but said he will continue to lobby to increase local governments ability to deal with disasters. While leading New Orleans' response after Katrina, he had been one of the most vocal critics of the Federal Government's attempts to deal with the catastrophe. [3]
Already having left the Administration this year was Mike Centineo, director of safety and permits, and Becca O'Brien, who served as Nagin's executive council.
Executive Council Leaves Nagin Administration Aug 04, 2009
Becca O'Brien, executive counsel to Mayor Nagin, announced that she will be leaving her post effective May 30. Her resignation follows the directors of economic development, housing and safety and permits who have already left the Mayor's inner circle.
O'Brien is a Nagin loyalist who was tapped as an adviser on public housing redevelopment and recovery financing. She will be returning to the private consulting firm of McKinsey & Co., where she worked before coming to New Orleans in November 2006.
She credits Nagin with keeping the city solvent and for his commitment to projects that will outlive the administration. [4]
Cicero's boards are full of the president's relatives Aug 04, 2009
Cicero Town President Larry Dominick offered his brother a spot in the town's government.
"We were just talking and he said, 'How would you like to sit on a town board, get full health insurance and make a thousand bucks a month?'" Richard Dominick said. "I told him, 'Do you think I'm nuts? Yeah, I'll take that.'"
Richard Dominick was a window salesman with no experience in law enforcement who served on the Cicero Board of Fire & Police Commissioners after the conversation with his brother.
The Chicago Tribune discovered that 121 appointed board and commission members in Cicero are paid salaries, totaling $1 million of taxpayer money each year. These employees are also offered health and dental insurance that includes their families.
The town has a population of about 85,000 with a history of nepotism and was once the criminal headquarters of Al Capone. Ernest Hemingway was also born in this town.
Richard Dominick has since transferred to the town's building board, but was fired in the spring for "asking too many questions."
"These boards are a joke," Richard Dominick said. "It's all about political payback. Have you ever heard of a town that gives board members that much money and health insurance? Some of these board members don't even live in town."
Other Dominick relatives served on Cicero town boards in 2009 including Lillian Dominick (Larry Dominick's mother, who serves on the Animal Welfare Board), and Brian (Larry Dominick's son) and Wayne Wente (Dominick's nephew) who both serve on the Housing and Real Estate Board. Additinoally, Larry Dominick's first wife, Carol Bernhard, serves on the Cultural Affairs/Historic Sites Commission and Ryan Chlada, son-in-law of Larry Dominick's second wife, is on the Youth Commission and works as director of special events. Cindy Dembowski, who is Larry Dominick's sister, served on the Animal Welfare Board in 2008 and now is deputy liquor commissioner.
Each member of the 121 person board is paid $7,500 to $12,000 a year and is eligible for insurance benefits, Montenegro said.
Salaries of the board members would amount to $907,500 to more than $1.4 million a year if each member was paid as Richard Dominick was paid, yet Cicero officials would not disclose exact salaries that were requested under the Freedom of Information Act.[5]
CTO Jones lied about credentials Aug 04, 2009
Chief Technology Officer Anthony Jones, currently under fire for his department's role in the city cameras and 311 programs, finds himself in trouble once more - this time over his resume. It seems that the college degree Jones claimed to have earned, and put on two job applications, never existed.
Hired right before Hurricane Katrina, Jones saw his salary rise from $99,000 to $160,000, the same amount made by the previous CTO, who held a college degree. In fact, under current New Orleans law, the position of CTO must be filled by someone holding a college degree.
In an attempt to explain the issue away, Chief Administrative Officer Brenda Hatfield said that "'Interim' was placed before his title with the understanding it would be removed when he earned that degree."[6]
State Sen. Rodney Ellis' private firm stands to profit from bond package he championed for HISD Jun 18, 2009
"The Houston lawmaker gave the Houston Independent School District’s 2007 public bond campaign a final-leg push, and his firm, Rice Financial Products, stands to make a mint from it."
Sweetheart loans for government officials Jun 12, 2009
- A blog post calling for Conrad's resignation on sayanythingblog
- Fox News segment on the matterTemplate:2.default
Tickets? VIP shields elite Jun 11, 2009
"Dozens of private citizens and government officials received thousands of "free" parking tickets when their license plates were logged into a secretive Albany Police Department program that dates back years.
A recent Times Union analysis of 5,000 tickets issued to vehicles on the VIP list since Jan. 1, 2003, using documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Law request, revealed that most of the cars are or were owned by the city police force." Template:2.default
Bonuses boost council staff pay Jun 05, 2009
"The City Council has been awarding large bonuses to members of its staff, quietly boosting the pay of some political appointees to levels that are well beyond the salary ranges authorized for those positions in city statutes, according to a Globe review of public records." Template:2.default
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