Trump's disputes with local governments could create fresh conflicts of interest

[riversedge]

Source: Reuters



By Joseph Ax and Grant Smith | NEW YORK

The Trump National Golf Club in Westchester County, New York, has a magnificent course. Just ask its namesake, U.S. President Donald Trump, who until recently was quoted on its website saying the club "provides more than a membership – it's a true luxury lifestyle."

The business is worth more than $50 million and yielded more than $10 million from 2015 to early 2016, according to the financial disclosure form Trump filed last May. But seven months earlier, an attorney for Trump filed a lawsuit against the town of Ossining, New York, seeking lower taxes, claiming the course was worth only $1.4 million.

The lawsuit, which remains pending, has left at least one local official worried that taking a tough negotiating stance against a business owned by the world's most powerful political figure puts her town of 25,000 residents at risk of retribution.

"Are we, the puny town of Ossining, going to choose to go up against the president's company?" said Dana Levenberg, the town supervisor. "I wouldn't want to do anything that has negative repercussions for the town of Ossining."

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Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trump-conflicts-idUSKBN16H0JN?feedType=RSS&feedName=topNews&utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=Social

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They fear retaliation ---and with good cause!!

[packman]

1. Pray the tiny town is safe from floods, tornado, etc.

and never needs FEMA monies.

[Phoenix61]

2. Because being nice to him works so well?

Every city he owns property in should check his financial disclosure form and see if he has pulled the same scam there.

[DK504]

3. He initiated these action as a candidate when he knew he would win.

"Are we, the puny town of Ossining, going to choose to go up against the president's company?" said Dana Levenberg, the town supervisor. "I wouldn't want to do anything that has negative repercussions for the town of Ossining."

The town of Ossining needs a pro bono attorney if they can stand up to this traitor.

[greymattermom]

4. They should offer to buy it from him

at what he says it's worth. That would prevent a lot of those tax schemes.

[angrychair]

5. Seriously, this is criminal

It has to be. FUCK, I really am becoming increasingly frustrated that we, as a nation, are ok with this or just to afraid to act now.

There is a culture of fear developing in our nation right now. We are in serious trouble. We have lost our ability to fight...well at least Bachelor is on right...