New York State Politics

NYC Assemblyman Lopez will resign amid sex scandal

Associated Press — Fri, 17 May 2013 16:06:55 +0000

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — Democratic New York City Assemblyman Vito Lopez says he will resign amid a sexual harassment scandal and run for New York City council.

Lopez says he'll step down June 20.

Lopez has been under growing pressure after it was revealed the state secretly paid women $103,000 to settle sexual harassment claims against the one-time Brooklyn power broker.

Vito Lopez Report Details Disturbing Allegations of Sexual Harassment

Karen Dewitt — Wed, 15 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The Legislative Ethics Commission released its report on the sexual harassment allegations against Assemblyman Vito Lopez. It’s conclusions have New York’s National Organization for Women calling for a vote of no confidence against the still serving Assemblyman, and the Republicans calling for Silver to resign.

Another New York State Senator Arrested

Karen Dewitt — Mon, 06 May 2013 22:00:00 +0000

Former Senate Democratic Leader John Sampson turned himself in to federal authorities Monday, after being accused in a nine count indictment of embezzling nearly half a million dollars from mortgage foreclosure accounts, and then trying to cover it up.

Bill Samuels - A Full-time NYS Legislature

Brian Shields — Wed, 01 May 2013 16:00:00 +0000

There have been a number of ideas and suggestions on how to improve the New York State Legislature, especially after the recent arrest of two lawmakers on corruption charges. One of the ideas is changing the job from part-time to full time. That’s not a new thought, in fact it was suggested more than 100 years ago, in 1910, by then newly-elected State Senator Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

Second Half of New York Legislative Session Overshadowed by New Scandals

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 22:00:00 +0000

The second half of New York’s legislative session begins Monday. It's likely to be dominated by the response to on going bribery and corruption scandals that came to light while lawmakers were on spring break.

Governor Cuomo, and one of the Co-Leaders of the State Senate have already taken some preemptive action before the legislature’s scheduled return to the Capitol, following federal bribery charges against a State Senator and an Assemblyman, as well as other officials.

New York State Still Awaiting Fracking Decision

Karen Dewitt — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 12:41:25 +0000

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo’s health commissioner is expected to release a health report on hydraulic fracturing soon, at least according to a timetable announced in late February. But the Cuomo Administration has already missed several deadlines on fracking.

The Times Union's James Odato - Aqueduct award investigation could reopen following Smith arrest

Brian Shields — Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:12:03 +0000

Could last week’s arrest of New York State Senator Malcolm Smith of New York City revive a somewhat dormant investigation of possible wrongdoing in the awarding several years ago of a license to operate a racino at the Aqueduct Race Track in Queens? Several years back when Smith and several other Democrats had control of the senate, a bidding process was underway for the racino, a process that led to accusations of pay-to play by the Inspector General Joseph Frisch.

Cuomo's Budget Victory Tour Overshadowed by Scandals in the Legislature

Karen Dewitt — Sun, 07 Apr 2013 12:51:23 +0000

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is on a statewide tour to promote the newly passed state budget, saying it shows that the state is functional again. But not everyone is completely convinced.

Governor Cuomo has been touring major upstate regions, promoting the passage of the third on time or early budget in a row. In Buffalo, he held up a hockey puck as a prop, comparing the achievement to hockey’s “hat trick”.

Alan Chartock - Corruption in the New York State Legislature

Alan Chartock and Brian Shields — Thu, 04 Apr 2013 19:27:42 +0000

Just two days after State Senator Malcolm Smith of New York City was charged with bribery, another state lawmaker is facing the same charge in an un-related case.

Democratic Assemblyman Eric Stevenson of the Bronx, whose grandfather served in the legislature, is charged with four others, accused of taking bribes in exchange for producing legislation that would benefit the business of one of his co-defendants. Prosecutors say another member of the assembly was named in a sealed indictment, and has cooperated in the investigation. Nelson Castro of the Bronx has resigned from office.

Vox Pop : Open Forum - Public Corruption : 4/3/13

Patrick Donges — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 19:00:00 +0000

Yesterday’s events in New York will surely go down as yet another marker in the state’s history of political corruption as six officials, including former New York State Senate Majority Leader, State Senator Malcolm Smith, are now facing federal charges.

Today we want your take on the so-called culture of corruption that seems to pervade many areas of public service and elected office. Does power corrupt those who have it? WAMC's Alan Chartock hosts.