(NYC) Board Broke Rules in (GOP State Senator) Velella Release

[UpInArms]

http://www.nysun.com/article/4343

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The members of the city commission that released a former Republican state senator, Guy Velella, from jail did not understand their own rules or require majority votes, rarely kept records, and almost never met, according to a scathing report released yesterday.

<snip>

n September, the formerly obscure four-member commission voted to release Velella and two other men who had been convicted on bribery charges after they had served about three months of their yearlong sentences. The releases of Velella, Hector Del Toro, and Manuel Gonzalez prompted investigations by the DOI and the Manhattan district attorney's office.

The board's four members and its counsel have resigned, and Mayor Bloomberg has appointed new members. No wrongdoing was found on the part of the mayor or his senior staff.

<snip>

"I have been totally dehumanized," his letter said. "I cannot take this much longer. I cry in my cell at night before I try to sleep." He added, "When the name Velella is spoken now, it will be associated with a jailed criminal, someone who lost his Senate seat, his right to be an attorney and even his right to vote." He signed off: "Please help me."

<snip>

The inquiry also found that in apparent violation of its mandate, the board almost never met to review early release applications from inmates. In stead, one member would scrutinize an application, and if that member decided to reject it, the decision was final. If the member voted to approve the application, another commission member would be asked to consider it; if the second commission member voted to approve the application, it was considered approved, and no other commission member would consider it. One commissioner, Amy Ianora, said she did not know the number of votes needed to approve or deny an application. And the commission's counsel, Louis Gelormino, who doubled as its executive director, said he did not understand his job duties.

...more...

[SoCalDem]

1. BooHoo.. what a weenie.. can't do the time??don't do the crime.

Isn't it a hoot, though.. GOP crimes/misdeeds usually involve sex, money or booze..

values, indeed :)