Whoa! Just how crooked is/was the GOP in NY?!

[babylonsister]

Uncovering the Perks of Albany’s Fallen G.O.P.

By DANNY HAKIM
Published: February 11, 2009


ALBANY — Democrats took control of the State Senate last month after more than four decades of Republican rule, then set out to determine how the Senate’s own budget of nearly $100 million and its attendant perks were being distributed.

They are still trying to figure it out.

They recently realized there are some 75 employees working at the Senate’s own printing plant, a plain brick building on the outskirts of Albany. On Long Island, they found a small television studio, which had been set up — all with public money, with two press aides on hand to help operate it — for the exclusive use of Republican senators to record cable TV shows.

Democrats also came across what they are calling the “Brunomobile,” a $50,000 specially outfitted GMC van, with six leather captain’s chairs (some swiveling), a navigation system, rearview camera and meeting table. Joseph L. Bruno, the former Senate majority leader who was recently indicted on corruption charges, traveled in the van after his use of state helicopters sparked a feud with the Spitzer administration.

Then there are the parking spots, always at a premium near the Capitol. Democrats had been given roughly one spot per senator — there were 30 Democrats last year — and guessed there were perhaps double or even triple that controlled by the majority. Instead, they have learned, there are more than 800.

And Democratic leaders must determine what to do about 45 workers toiling away in a building close to the Capitol who appear to have been engaged in quasi-political research for the Republicans.

“Every time we nail something down, we uncover another rock and there’s another 30 people there — it’s all over the state,” said Angelo J. Aponte, who as the new secretary of the Senate is the top aide to Malcolm A. Smith, the Queens Democrat who became majority leader last month.

more...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/12/nyregion/12repubs.html?hp

[aquart]

1. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The Republicans held power in Albany for forty years. AND I'M THRILLED AT BRUNO'S INDICTMENT.

[Birthmark]

3. Power does NOT corrupt.

Power EXPOSES corruption; it doesn't cause corruption.

[aquart]

2. Absolute power corrupts absolutely.

The Republicans held power in Albany for forty years. AND I'M THRILLED AT BRUNO'S INDICTMENT.

[rvablue]

4. I read this today. Unbelievable! n/t

[Muttocracy]

5. Wow. For years I've been asking where the high NY taxes go.

This must be part of the answer!

[Fuzz]

6. Party of fiscal responsibility my ass.