There is a major fight brewing between New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Councilman Simcha Felder over an allegation of the unlawful use of discretionary funds. Between 2002 and 2006, the office of Mayor Michael Bloomberg gave $1.1 million to the Orthodox Agudath Israel of America and $400,000 to Ohel Children’s Services. Such use of funds is only allowed at the request of a council member and Bloomberg has said that it was requested by Felder – who has denied any such request.
Putting aside the questions of illegality in the transfer, there should be greater attention to the existence of these discretionary funds which can be used to curry the favor of powerful groups. Bloomberg has personally donated $200,000 to Agudath Israel and a former top aide to the mayor is reportedly a lobbyist for Ohel. Such funds invite corruption and special dealing. With cities struggling to meet budget obligations, $1.5 million is not small change and there is an obvious concern that well-connected groups are receiving special treatment.
thissa smellsa cabal… and i ain’t talkin’ kabbalah. 😉
Ohel has a history of being a very questionable non-profit. Agudath Israel is an Ultra-Orthodox/Fundamentalist group closely tied to the Hassidic community. Bloomberg wants their electoral support and this is how he gets it. For those of you non NYC types Bloomberg is almost as bad as Giulliani as Mayor,
Rudy G was a very bad and corrupt mayor who masks himself in a seemingly mild demeanor. His sole actual constituency is NYC’s financial elite. His power is maintained by his billions.
“Such funds invite corruption and special dealing” …
For sure, it is like running toward a moral hazard instead of running from one.
And you make it sound like it is a Problem. Moses wants to talk with you, JT. He said to meet him in Egypt at the edge of the Sea.