ALBANY -- Governor Paterson has 10 days left in his term and a $62 thousand fine to pay. The fine is for not only accepting Yankees tickets from an organization that lobbies the State of New York, but for actually asking for them.
Even before Game One of the 2009 World Series, Paterson had a rocky relationship with the Commmission on Public Integrity. He asked for their resignations in the aftermath of Troopergate when it came to light that the HEAD of Commission leaked witness testimony. But the CPI had the final word this week, calling the Governor’s conduct “dishonest and unethical”.
Barry Ginsberg, Executive Director/Commission on Public Integrity said, "He’s solicitied the tickets, he asked for something…he liked when he was questioned under oath.”
It is interesting to note that the CPI staff actually recommended an even higher fine of $90 thousand, but CPI commissioners who have the final say, elected to issue a smaller levy on the Governor.
Said Barbara Bartoletti, NYS League of Women Voters, "That was probably the saddest way for a governor to go out of office."
Unfortunately for Paterson, there is a chance the fall-out from the ticket scandal could last longer than what remains of his tenure.
In issuing her report, Chief Judge Kaye also referred the case to the Albany County District Attorney. So far, no word on whether David Soares will prosecute.
