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As county executive, Astorino Doled Out 236 County Contracts Worth $709 million to 47 companies that have contributed nearly $1 million to his campaigns. Between his County Executive and Gubernatorial campaign accounts, Astorino has received a total of $11,340,741.86.
As county executive, Astorino Doled Out 236 County Contracts Worth $709 million to 47 companies that have contributed nearly $1 million to his campaigns. Between his County Executive and Gubernatorial campaign accounts, Astorino has received a total of $11,340,741.86.
As county executive, Astorino Doled Out 236 County Contracts Worth $709 million to 47 companies that have contributed nearly $1 million to his campaigns. Between his County Executive and Gubernatorial campaign accounts, Astorino has received a total of $11,340,741.86.
As County Executive, Astorino Doled Out 236 County Contracts Worth $709M To 47 Different Companies, Which Have Contributed Nearly $1M To His Campaign
These Contributions Represent 8% Of Astorinos Total Contributions, More Than Double The Rate He Attacked Governor Over
Republican Rob Astorino has issued recent alerts criticizing others for the same fundraising practices he has mastered as County Executive. Not only has Astorino failed to fulfill his pledge to require county contractors to disclose political contributions, he has also doled out 236 county contracts worth over $709 million to 47 companies that have contributed nearly $1 million to Astorinos campaigns, according to campaign finance records released in a report today by the New York State Democratic Committee.
From the perch of his glass house, pay-to-play Republican Rob Astorino likes to scold others about fundraising practices he has been the poster child for. Now that he has been exposed, will Astorino return the nearly $1 million in contributions he received from corporations that have contracts with Westchester County? And will he apologize for being part of the pay-to-play corporate cronyism machine he continues to express faux outrage about? - James Freedland, NYSDC spokesman.
Executive Summary
Between his County Executive and Gubernatorial campaign accounts, Rob Astorino has received a total of $11,340,741.86. Of these contributions, $907,669 came from donors with business before the County (8% of all Astorino contributions).
Astorino is alleging that Governor Andrew Cuomo has taken $2.7 million in similar contributions. Cuomos Gubernatorial campaign has received a total of $79,137,924.34 since his 2010 run, meaning these contributions would only represent only 3.4% of all contributions.
In 2005, Astorino attacked former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano for taking in roughly $400,000 in contributions from companies with County contracts over the course of the preceding three years (2002-2004). At the same time, Astorino has taken in $907,669 from companies with County contracts over the course of roughly five years (2009-2014), far surpassing the amount that he was critical of Spano for collecting.
Rob Astorinos Pay-To-Play Fundraising
During his failed 2005 run for County Executive, Rob Astorino attacked former Westchester County Executive Andy Spano for rampant pay-to-play in awarding County contracts to donors of his campaign. He proposed requiring anyone bidding on contracts to disclose all political contributions from the most recent four years, and argued that no-bid contracts should be used only in emergencies.
But since taking office, Astorino has failed to implement the contribution disclosure requirement he proposed, and in one case, fought to preserve a no-bid contract for the County bus system worth over $100 million. In fact, Astorino has maintained the same disclosure requirements for bid applicants that he so harshly criticized.
In addition to failing to enact pay-to-play reforms, Astorino has reaped hundreds of thousands of dollars in campaign contributions for his County Executive campaigns from companies that do business with the County. As County Executive, he has doled out 236 County contracts to 47 different companies, which have contributed $907,669 to his campaign coffers.
Astorino has also taken in significantly more pay-to-play contributions than Spano. In 2005, Astorino attacked Spano for taking in roughly $400,000 in contributions from companies with County contracts over the course of the preceding three years (2002-2004). At the same time, Astorino has taken in $907,669 from companies with County contracts over the course of roughly five years (2009-2013), far surpassing the amount that he was critical of Spano for collecting.
Playland: Astorino has tried to steamroll his preferred operator of the Playland amusement park, Sustainable Playland, Inc. (SPI), through the approval process, with the Board of Legislators repeatedly drawing into question the viability of SPIs plan and previously suing to stop it. One Legislator said, From what we have seen and heard Sustainable is the least competitive [bid] financially. Shortly after Astorino announced his selection of SPI, the founder of the group resigned for failing to pay nearly $300,000 in property taxes. As Astorino continues to fight with the Board over SPI, he has taken in over $95,000 in contributions from donors associated with SPI and Playland. Two of these donors also served on the County Selection Committee for the original Playland RFP.
Liberty Lines: Liberty Lines Transit, Inc. has given Astorino over $38,000 in contributions. The company operates the County bus lines, and for years it operated under a no-bid contract. In 2013, the County was forced to open the bus line contract to a bid process in order to receive $13 million in federal aid. The Journal News reported that Astorino tried to hold out for Liberty which has showered his campaign committee with contributions, and keep the no-bid contract in place. Astorino ultimately buckled, but he renewed Libertys contract for $113,650,295 after no other operators submitted bids.
Birdsall Services Group: In 2012, Astorinos administration awarded $215,371 in contracts to the engineering firm Birdsall Services Group, which had contributed $11,000 to his campaign accounts. The following year, Birdsall and seven of its executives were indicted by a New Jersey State grand jury for circumventing pay-to-play laws. Two of the seven executives were Astorino donors.
Yonkers Contracting Company: Yonkers Contracting has contributed $55,250 to Astorinos campaigns. The company has a decades-long history of work accidents and criminal investigations. In September of 2010, a former Yonkers Contracting Vice President was convicted in a kickback scheme. The next year, Astorino signed a contract with the company for $94,211,504. Then in April of 2012, a New York City worker died after a crane belonging to Yonkers Contracting collapsed, and OSHA cited the company for $68,000 in fines. The next year Astorino awarded Yonkers Contracting a $2,577,000 contract.
Wilson Elser: In 2011, CSEA sued Astorino for wrongly firing 38 workers. The Journal News reported that while the Board of Legislators used in-house lawyers in the suit, Astorino unnecessarily hired Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker LLP for $10,000. At that point the firm had contributed $4,750 to his campaigns. Astorino has gone on to award the law firm $13,500,000 in contracts, and to date, has received $28,005.70 in contributions from the firm and its principals.
Marathon Development Group: The real estate firm has contributed $49,077 and received $72,141 in County contracts. Additionally, it received $12 million in tax-exempt bonds from the IDA for an affordable housing project.
Bleakley Platt & Schmidt: The law firm has given $59,550 to Astorino, while receiving $8,650,000 in County contracts.
OConnor Davies: OConnor Davies Munns & Dobbins LLP, an accounting firm, has given $32,300 and received $2,817,250 in County contracts.
2005 ATTACKS ON SPANO PROVED TO BE HYPOCRITICAL
In 2005, Astorino Attacked Spano For Alleged Pay-To-Play In County Bidding Procedures. The Journal News reported, The Republican candidate for county executive, Rob Astorino, yesterday called for changes in county bidding procedures, alleging political influence in how the current administration has handed out no-bid public contracts. But Larry Schwartz, deputy county executive under Andy Spano, quickly fired back, saying Astorino was lying about a 'pay to play' system in Westchester County, which doesn't exist and never has under Andy Spano's eight years as county executive. According to Astorino, there were $65 million in no-bid contracts awarded by the county Board of Acquisition and Contract in 2004; of those, more than $22 million worth went to Spano contributors. He also released a list of county employees, appointees and vendors who gave Spano's campaign $400,000 between January 2002 and January 2005. Astorino demurred when asked whether he was alleging people received county contracts in trade for a contribution. People can draw their own conclusions on that, he said. His news release took a harder line, however, alleging pay to play practices are rampant in Andy Spano's administration. (The Journal News, 9/28/05)
Astorino Has Taken In Contributions From Companies With County Contracts At A Higher Rate Than Spano. In 2005, Astorino attacked Spano for taking in roughly $400,000 in contributions from companies with County contracts over the course of three years. This amounts to a rate of roughly $133,333 pay-to-play contributions per year. Astorino has taken in $930,199 from companies with County contracts over the course of roughly five years. This amounts to a rate of $186,040 pay-to-play contributions per year. (The Journal News, 9/28/05; Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 8/7/14; New York State Board of Elections, accessed 8/7/14)
Astorino Said Anyone Bidding On County Contracts Should Disclose Political Contributions And No-Bid Contracts Should Be Handed Out In Emergencies. The Journal News reported, Astorino said anyone bidding on a county contract should disclose, upfront, any political contributions made in the past four years. He also said the Board of Legislators needed more oversight over contracts, and that no-bid contracts should only be handed out in emergencies. (The Journal News, 9/28/05)
As County Executive, Astorino Has Not Implemented His Contribution Disclosure Proposal. Vendors bidding for County contracts must disclose relationships they have with County employees. They are not required to disclose political contributions. The Conflict of Interest provision for County contracts states, The award of a contract is subject to provisions of all Federal, State and County laws. All proposers must disclose with their proposals the name of any officer, director or agent who is also an employee of the County of Westchester. Further, all proposers must disclose the name of any County officer, employee, or elected official who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of ten percent or more in the proposer or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. (Westchester Request for Proposal Application, 1/24/2014)
Astorino Has Maintained The Same Disclosure Requirements As Spano. Under Spano, vendors bidding for County contracts had to disclose relationships with County employees. A RFP from 2009 reads, The award of a contract is subject to provisions of all Federal, State and County laws. All firms must disclose with their proposals the name of any officer, director or agent who is also an employee of the County of Westchester. Further, all firms must disclose the name of any County employee who owns, directly or indirectly, an interest of ten percent or more in the firm or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. (Westchester Request for Proposal Application, 5/14/09)
Westchester County Has Awarded 236 Contracts To 47 Companies That Have Contributed $930,199 To Astorinos County Executive And Gubernatorial Campaigns. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 8/7/14; New York State Board of Elections, accessed 8/7/14)
COMPANY CONTRIBUTIONS NO. OF CONTRACTS CONTRACT VALUE Aetna Health, Inc. $7,850 4 $4,695,000 Ambrecht & Maloney PLLC $3,000 6 $68,700 Bilotta Construction Corp. $11,300 7 $17,671,998 Birdsall Services Group $11,000 2 $215,371 Bleakley, Platt & Schmidt $59,550 5 $8,650,000 Burtis Construction Co., Inc. $1,000 1 $2,460,113 C.W. Brown, Inc. $11,494 1 $116,695 Cameron Engineering & Associates LLP $4,800 2 $456,970 City Carting & Recycling, Inc. $11,500 1 $9,000 Clear Channel Worldwide $10,400 4 $88,600 Clough Harbour & Associates LLP $14,495 8 $2,503,155 Cuddy & Feder LLP $25,830 4 $4,800 Dedona Enterprises $1,500 1 $291,557 Dvirka & Bartilucci Consulting Engineers $27,206 7 $1,575,924 ELQ Industries, Inc. $11,550 38 $24,215,350 Fulbright & Jaworski, LLP $1,800 3 $2,950,000 Gaines, Gruner, Ponzini & Novick, LLP $13,547 4 $10,800,000 GHP 145 Huguenot Delaware, LLC $17,743 2 $3,519,528 Hawkins, Delafield & Wood, LLP $8,300 2 $1,750,000 HDR Engineering, Inc. $22,700 1 $20,000 Hudson Hills Golf Course $3,685 1 $4,250 Liberty Lines Transit $38,800 2 $205,332,055 Liro Engineers, Inc. $10,200 4 $225,666 Lockwood, Kessler & Bartleet, Inc. $6,750 4 $3,512,369 Lothrop Associates, LLP $2,998 1 $751,723 Lyn Staar Engineering, PC $13,947 2 $40,000 Marathon Development Group $49,077 3 $72,141 Morano Brothers Corp. $3,000 2 $5,926,732 My Sister's Place $15,000 46 $13,740,716 New York Correct Care Solutions $8,250 3 $138,794,235 Nixon Peabody LLP $10,500 1 $1,200,000 O'Connor, Davies, Munns & Dobbins, LLP $32,300 11 $2,817,250 Ourem Iron Works, Inc. $5,000 4 $60,120 Pawling Holdings, LLC $1,000 3 $277,500 Savin Engineers, PC $18,098 8 $1,430,281 Solar Electric Systems, Inc. $23,021 1 $10,750 Suburban Paratransit Service $30,500 3 $4,277,520 Sustainable Playland, Inc. $95,173 1 N/A Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants, PC $33,044 3 $66,950 Thompson & Bender, Inc. $33,300 4 $1,100,000 Triad Group, LLC $31,445 3 $3,550,000 Urstadt Biddle Properties $47,692 1 $2,008,930 Verde Electric Corp. $8,550 5 $8,687,703 Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker, LLP $28,006 5 $13,500,000 Woodard & Curran $11,548 8 $402,835 WW Peekskill, LLC $15,000 1 $1,257,634 Yonkers Contracting Company $55,250 3 $218,599,504 TOTAL $907,669 236 $709,709,625
PLAYLAND
March 2011: The County Received 12 RFPs To Manage Playland. (Westchester County Government, 3/10/11)
September 2011: The Selection Committee Ranked Sustainable Playland, Inc. (SPI) Among The Top Three Proposals. It did not make an official recommendation, however. Additionally, the Selection Committee was unable to review SPIs finances, as SPI wanted to keep them confidential. (Westchester County Government, 9/22/11)
Two Astorino Donors David Swope And Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson Were Among The Selection Committee Members. Swope would later become a Board Member of SPI. Bracken-Thompsons law firm serves as SPIs counsel. (Rye Patch, 3/26/11; Sustainable Playland, Inc., accessed 2/10/14)
August 2012: The Board Of Legislators Accused Astorino Of Withholding Information About Playland Revenues. WestFair Online reported, Three Democrats on the county Board of Legislators have accused County Executive Rob Astorino of withholding information about the revenues generated by Rye Playland legislators Judy Myers of Larchmont, Bill Ryan of White Plains and Catherine Borgia of Ossining said at an Aug. 10 press conference that legislation to authorize an independent audit of the parks finances would be forthcoming. We are getting a very sad, but a very incomplete story, Myers said. She said the revenue figures for the 280-acre, county-owned amusement park that have been presented to the Board of Legislators do not include substantial profit centers like parking, miniature golf and concessions. (WestFair Online, 8/16/12)
October 2012: Astorino Announced The Selection Of SPIs Proposal; Democratic Legislators Criticized Astorino For Refusing To Work With The Board Of Legislators On The Project. Board Chair Ken Jenkins said, Instead of collaborating and working together with the Board of Legislators on the future of Playland and many other issues, County Executive Astorino repeatedly chooses to look for political battles that are unfair to the people wanting to work with Westchester County. (Examiner News, 10/16/12)
October 2012: The Founder Of Sustainable Playland Resigned After It Was Reported That He And His Wife Failed To Pay Nearly $300,000 In Property Taxes. LoHud reported, The power couple who are among the leaders of the nonprofit Sustainable Playlands effort to reinvent Westchesters historic seaside amusement park today resigned from the group, following revelations that they owed close to $300,000 in taxes dating back to 2009 on their $9-milllion home in Rye. The home, on a cul-de-sac called Martin Butler Court, is just a mile south of the Playland on Milton Point. Dhruv Narain, a managing director at Goldman Sachs, and his wife, Sandhya Subbarao, who is active in arts and civic affairs, are late on $281,692 for city, county and school taxes on adjacent parcels at 4 and 6 Martin Butler Court, according to city of Rye records. And thats not counting the 2012 tax bill for Rye City schools, of almost $88,000. The past-due taxes are from the years 2009, 2011, and 2012. The tax-bill includes $68,163 to Westchester County, for the years 2009 and 2012. Earlier this month, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino chose Sustainable Playland to redevelop the park, and Narain appeared with Astorino to tout their plan, which would privatize the parks operation and bring the investment of $34 million from the private operators. (LoHud, 10/26/12)
February 2013: As The Plan Came Under Review Of The Board, Legislators Feared The Plan Excluded Minority And Lower Income Residents. The Journal News reported, County Legislator Virginia Perez, D-Yonkers, raised concerns that the development is leaving out her constituents - less- well-off families who go to Playland as an affordable family outing, mainly for the rides. They're worried Sustainable Playland is meant to keep out minorities, she said. (The Journal News, 2/19/13)
The Board Of Legislators Hired An Auditor To Study Existing Playland Operations And Other Proposals. The Journal News reported, For Astorino and many legislators, the motivating force behind privatizing the park is to stop the drain on the county tax levy. Playland has required an annual tax-levy contribution of $2 million to $3 million for years. In light of that, the Board of Legislators hired an auditor to study the current Playland operation and all four proposals. The jury, as far as I'm concerned, is really still out financially, said Legislator Michael Kaplowitz, D-Somers, one of the legislators focusing on the finances. He said he wants to make sure the county is protected if the model fails, or shares in the profit if it succeeds. (The Journal News, 2/19/13)
Legislators Questioned Astorinos Playland Agreement, With One Saying, From What We Have Seen And Heard Sustainable Is The Least Competitive Financially. WestFair Online reported, Democratic legislators said they were not ready to support the agreement, saying they have not read it and questioning whether it violates the county charter. The Astorino administration said its goal was to stop losing money at Playland, but Sustainable is not the way, said Majority Leader Pete Harckham (D-Katonah). From what we have seen and heard during numerous committee meetings held on the subject, Sustainable is the least competitive financially Legislator Catherine Borgia (D-Ossining), chairwoman of the government operations committee, said she doesnt think SPIs plan is financially secure. They are a not-for- profit shell corporation thats subleasing to vendors, Borgia said. Westchester does not get its money until those areas are profitable. Its very risky financially. Borgia also criticized SPIs plans to reduce the size of the parking lot and amusement park. Their plan just doesnt make sense, Borgia said. There are more financially viable options on the table. This is too important for political jockeying. (WestFair Online, 4/11/13)
May 2013: Astorino Ignored The Board Of Legislators Review And Moved Forward With The SPI Plan. (Westchester County Government, 5/1/13)
The Board Of Legislators Sued To Stop Astorinos Approval Of The Plan. LoHud reported, Sustainable Playland, the group chosen by the Astorino administration to take over Playland Park, issued a statement Thursday evening reacting to the news that Westchester Board of Legislators Chairman Ken Jenkins had sued County Executive Rob Astorino challenging the approval of the agreement. (LoHud, 5/24/13)
September 2013: The Board Of Legislators Still Refused To Sign Off On The SPI Proposal. Hometown Media Group reported, Sustainable Playland Inc. delivered its official 80-page Playland Improvement Plan as requested by the county administration on Sept. 6. However, the Rye-based nonprofit still has many hoops to jump through before the Board of Legislators will sign off on its plan to turn the park into a year-round enterprise. Ned McCormack, communications director for Republican County Executive Rob Astorino, said the county executive sent the plan, which provides a detailed five- year outline of how SPI would take over management and operating duties of Rye Playland, on to the relevant department commissioners for comments and suggestions. But despite all these changes, many county legislators are still not convinced that SPI is the right choice to take over managing the park and some predict that, on their end, the review and subsequent approval process may carry on a lot longer than the county executive might like. (Hometown Media Group, 9/19/13)
December 2013: A Supreme Court Justice Dismissed Claims That Astorino Exceeded His Authority In Turning Over The Park To SPI. LoHud reported, A state Supreme Court justice has dismissed a lawsuit filed by the Westchester Board of Legislators chairman that challenged the Astorino administration's approval of an agreement for a nonprofit to take over Playland Amusement Park. Legislator Ken Jenkins, D-Yonkers, filed the lawsuit in May, seeking to annul the county Board of Acquisition and Contract's April 18 approval of a 10-year "asset management" agreement with Sustainable Playland. Jenkins claimed County Executive Rob Astorino had exceeded his authority in turning over the 280-acre park (LoHud, 12/24/13)
May 2014: The Board Of Legislators Expected To Set A Vote On The SPI Proposal. LoHud reported, The Westchester Board of Legislators' parks committee is launching into an intensive review of the improvement plan for Playland Park and a committee vote is expected in May. After County Executive Rob Astorino picked Sustainable Playland in 2012 to take over the management of the park, the group submitted a multi-year plan in September to refurbish historic buildings, replace rides and add new attractions that must be approved by the county board. A Jan. 1 target date for approvals in the management agreement, after which Sustainable had the right to withdraw from the agreement, has come and gone but Sustainable Playland is continuing to cooperate with the review. The Committee on Parks, Labor, Planning and Housing, under Legislator Peter Harckham, D-North Salem, has set a schedule of nearly weekly meetings when the committee will look at issues including traffic and parking, the environmental review, legal issues, the plan financials and concerns among Rye officials and residents. Two public hearings are also planned, one near the beginning of the process and one at the end. A committee vote is tentatively scheduled for May 13. (LoHud, 2/26/14)
June 2014: The Deal With Sustainable Playland Collapsed In The Middle Of Ongoing Lawsuits. The Journal News reported, Four years after launching an initiative to reinvent Playland Amusement Park by turning it over to a private manager, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino announced Wednesday that his chosen operator was stepping aside after several months of contention over the plans and the county was starting a new review of park operations. Astorino had picked Sustainable Playland, a Rye-based nonprofit, to take over the park and add an array of year-round attractions to complement the seasonal amusement park. But since the announcement in 2012, the plans under review by the Board of Legislators faced an increasing number of obstacles, from lawsuits to local opposition. Despite the setback, administration officials said Wednesday that the years of work had brought them closer to the goal of a more popular and financially sustainable park. (The Journal News, 6/11/14)
Astorino Selected Developer Dan Biederman To Review Park Operations, American Skating Entertainment Centers To Run The Ice Casino. The Journal News reported, Despite the lapse of the agreement with Sustainable Playland, the county plans to keep pieces of its proposal. The county will hire Dan Biederman, president of Biederman Redevelopment Ventures, to review park operations and make recommendations near the end of the year. Biederman, an expert in managing public spaces known for revitalizing Bryant Park, was to manage the park for Sustainable Playland. American Skating Entertainment Centers, which runs the Westchester Skating Academy in Elmsford and was another of Sustainable's for-profit partners, will run the Ice Casino at Playland. Sustainable Playland will take a smaller role akin to a friends of parks group and will focus on raising money for historic restoration. The most controversial element of the plans, an indoor field house and outdoor fields on part of the existing parking lot, died with the end of the deal. Astorino said in a statement that the goal is still to make the park a year-round destination. The math is simple, he said. More days and more activities mean more dollars to defray costs to taxpayers and invest in preserving the traditions of Playland. But Astorino said it's not clear if the county will run the park in the future. A decision will be made after Biederman makes his recommendations. (The Journal News, 6/11/14)
Astorino Has Received $95,173 In Campaign Contributions From People And Businesses Associated With Playland. Many of these donors are members of the advisory council to Sustainable Playland, Inc. (SPI). The bulk of the money came from SPIs legal and marketing firms. (Sustainable Playland, Inc., accessed 2/10/14; New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/10/14)
County Homes LLC Has Made No Other Political Contributions. The LLCs October 21, 2013 contribution to Astorinos reelection campaign was the first and only political contribution the organization has made. The LLC is registered at the home of David Swope, a SPI Board Member. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
Roy Bostock Has Made Only One Other Political Contribution. On September 4, 2012, Bostock contributed $1,000 to New York City Councilmember Robert Jackson for Manhattan Borough President. On April 24, 2013, he contributed $2,500 to Astorinos reelection campaign. Bostock is a member of the SPI Advisory Council. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
Anthony Gioffre Has Made Only Two Other Political Contributions, Neither Of Which Exceed $1,000. On August 20, 2007, Gioffre contributed $99 to Mark Constantine for County Court Judge. On March 8, 2011, he contributed $2,500 to Astorinos reelection campaign. And on August 30, 2012, he contributed $500 to William Villanova for Assembly. Gioffre is an attorney with SPIs law firm Cuddy & Feder. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
CONTRIBUTOR SPI POSITION AMOUNT Cuddy & Feder Counsel $25,830 Thompson & Bender PR & Marketing $19,500 County Homes LLC Registered at David Swopes home $10,000 Elizabeth Bracken-Thompson PR & Marketing, Thompson & Bender $8,800 Christopher OCallaghan Advisory Council, SPI $4,495 William Null Counsel, Cuddy & Feder $4,250 Lawrence Graham Counsel, Cuddy & Feder $4,250 Roy Bostock Advisory Council, SPI $2,500 Geoffrey Thompson PR & Marketing, Thompson & Bender $2,500 Anthony Gioffre Counsel, Cuddy & Feder $2,500 Christopher Fisher Counsel, Cuddy & Feder $2,500 David Swope Board Member, SPI $2,350 Joseph Carlucci General Counsel, SPI $2,200 Playland Sweet Shop, Inc. Playland Amusement Park $1,198 Joseph Delfino Advisory Council, SPI $1,050 Dean Bender PR & Marketing, Thompson & Bender $400 Dan Biederman Technical Consultant, Biederman Redevelopment Ventures $350 Funtastic Amusements, Inc. Playland Amusement Park $250 Lear Beyer Advisory Council, SPI $150 William Pepe Advisory Council, SPI $100
LIBERTY LINES TRANSIT
Liberty Lines Provides Bus Service Throughout Westchester. (Liberty Lines Transit, accessed 2/28/14)
For Years, Liberty Lines Operated Under A No-Bid Contract. The Journal News reported, Liberty Lines patriarch Arthur Bernacchia, who founded the Yonkers bus company 60 years ago, isnt happy with Westchester Countys announcement this week that it will seek bids on the $100 million county contract that his homegrown family business has had for more than three decades. Sitting in the paneled boardroom at Liberty Lines headquarters on Saw Mill River Road in Yonkers, Bernacchia vowed to win the contract for a bus system he still calls his own. Since the early 1980s, Liberty Lines has operated the county bus system in a partnership that over the years has become more public than private. In the current partnership, Westchester owns the buses and the bus depot which it bought from Liberty for $35 million while the 750-employee bus company runs a system that transports up to 100,000 riders daily. State, federal and county taxpayers provide $34 million in subsidies this year. (The Journal News, 8/15/13)
Westchester Was Forced To Open The Bus Line Contract To A Bid Process In Order To Receive $13 Million In Federal Aid. The Journal News reported, The county said Tuesday it would comply with Federal Transit Administration guidelines, ensuring that Westchester in 2014 will receive $13 million to help maintain its fleet of 334 buses. To keep the federal spigot flowing, Westchester will conduct an open process to seek proposals from bus companies to operate the system. This marks the first time Liberty will have to compete for the lucrative contract. What changed was Westchesters decision in 2008 to accept aid under an FTA program that requires competition for the federal dollars, to ensure taxpayers get the best bang for their mass-transit buck. Westchester had pleaded with the feds to exempt the county from the public process, arguing that the special nature of its partnership with Liberty should allow a continuation of the no-bid deal. The county fears an expected multimillion-dollar lawsuit for compensation from Liberty if it loses out. But the FTA refused to budge, telling Westchester that a no-bid contract would lose $13 million in 2014 and an estimated $9 million a year over the contracts ensuing four years, putting the potential loss to taxpayers at nearly $50 million. Tax Watch broke the story in late June, as the Astorino administration faced a July 1 deadline to tell Liberty whether it would continue the no-bid deal. (The Journal News, 8/15/13)
Astorino Tried To [Hold] Out For Liberty Which Has Showered His Campaign Committee With Contributions, But Ultimately Buckled. The Journal News reported, Since then, the administration and Liberty Lines searched for ways to keep the federal money and the no-bid contract, which guarantees Liberty its $1.8 million-a-year management fee, on top of reimbursement for operating expenses. Astorino held out for Liberty, and the Bernacchia family, which has showered his campaign committee with $22,050 in donations since 2009. With the contract expiring Dec. 31 and time running out to solicit bids in whats called a request for proposals, Astorino buckled. (The Journal News, 8/15/13)
Liberty Lines Ultimately Renewed Its $113,650,295 Contract With The County After No Other Bids Were Submitted. The County announced in a press release, Westchester County's Bee-Line Bus System will continue to be operated by Liberty Lines of Yonkers and PTLA of Cortlandt under new five-year contracts that were submitted by County Executive Robert P. Astorino to the Board of Acquisition & Contract and approved by it on Thursday, Dec. 12. The 59-route Bee-Line network serves approximately 32.4 million customers a year in Westchester, Putnam and New York City. The new contracts will be for five years, with an option to renew for an additional five years. Under terms of the proposed contracts, Liberty will be paid an amount not to exceed $113,650,295 in 2014. This represents a savings of $3,373,412 over its current contract. PTLA will be paid $2,370,614 in the first year, which is the same as in the current contract. This outcome protects our taxpayers and Bee-Line bus riders, said Astorino. Our bus system serves about 115,000 weekday riders, and this ensures that service remains dependable at the best possible price for both riders and taxpayers. The contracts were awarded through an RFP or request for proposals process conducted by the county. Liberty Lines and PTLA were the only two companies to respond to the RFP. The county's current contracts with the two bus operators expire on Dec. 31. (Westchester County Government, 12/18/13)
Liberty Lines Has Contributed $36,550 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firm and principals of the firm. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 12/8/09 Liberty Systems, Inc. $500.00 5/11/10 Liberty Systems, Inc. $1,100.00 3/30/11 Liberty Systems, Inc. $200.00 5/25/11 Liberty Systems, Inc. $1,500.00 7/11/11 Joseph T Murphy $2,000.00 8/15/11 Liberty Systems, Inc. $1,500.00 1/12/12 Bruce Bernacchia $2,000.00 1/12/12 Joseph T Murphy $2,000.00 5/7/12 Bruce Bernacchia $5,000.00 5/7/12 Gennaro A D'amore $500.00 5/7/12 Newport News Llc $5,000.00 5/8/12 Joseph T Murphy $250.00 7/5/12 Liberty Systems, Inc. $1,500.00 7/26/12 Joseph T Murphy $500.00 8/20/12 Gerard Bernacchia $500.00 11/14/12 Bruce Bernacchia $1,000.00 11/14/12 Joseph T Murphy $1,000.00 1/10/13 Liberty Systems, Inc. $2,500.00 2/4/13 Liberty Systems Inc. $2,000.00 2/4/13 Phantom Trading Inc. $1,000.00 1/10/14 Liberty Systems, Inc. $5,000.00
BIRDSALL SERVICES GROUP
Birdsall Services Group Pleaded Guilty In Pay-To-Play Scandal In New Jersey. The New Jersey Star-Ledger reported in June 2013, Once one of the state's largest and most politically influential engineering firms, Birdsall Services Group pleaded guilty today to funneling thousands of dollars in political contributions through employees to elected officials. (Star-Ledger, 6/13/13)
Birdsall And Seven Former Executives Were Indicted By NJ State Grand Jury For Circumventing Pay-To-Play Laws. The New Jersey Star-Ledger reported, Birdsalland seven of its former executives were indicted by a state grand jury in March for conspiring to write personal checks of $300 or less, bundle them together and send them to elected officials to circumvent the state's pay-to- play law. The company allegedly reimbursed employees for the payments through salary bonuses and routinely lied about the payments in certifications to state election officials. In all, the seven executives are charged with cloaking more than $686,000 in contributions that would have otherwise disqualified the company from receiving contracts. They pleaded not guilty last month and their cases are pending. (Star-Ledger, 6/13/13)
Birdsall Has Contributed $11,000 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firm, and the firms principals and family members. Thomas Rospos and Alan Hilla were two of the seven executives indicted in the pay-to-play scheme in New Jersey (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14; Star-Ledger, 6/13/13)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 3/26/10 Birdsall Services Group, Inc. $2,500 1/24/11 Birdsall Services Group, Inc. $1,000 6/25/12 Birdsall Services Group, Inc. $3,000 12/10/09 Birdsall Services Group, Inc. $500 6/24/10 Birdsall Services Group, Inc. $700 9/7/10 Mary Rospos $1,000 6/14/11 Thomas Rospos $300 9/7/10 Thomas Rospos $1,000 9/7/10 Alan Hilla $1,000
Birdsall Has Received $215,371 In County Contracts Since Astorino Has Taken Office. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
VENDOR CONTRACT TERM DEPARTMENT AMOUNT BSG Engineering 2012-2015 Public Works $167,621 BSG Engineering 2012-2014 Public Works $47,750
YONKERS CONTRACTING COMPANY
Yonkers Contracting Focuses On Large-Scale Public Works Type Projects. (Yonkers Contracting Company, accessed 2/28/14)
September 2010: A Former Yonkers Contracting Vice President Was Convicted In A Kickback Scheme. The U.S. Office of Inspector General announced, On September 23, 2010, Joseph Iorio, former Vice President of Construction for Yonkers Contracting Company (Yonkers), was convicted by a federal jury in Brooklyn, New York, on charges of mail and wire fraud. The charges were based on his role in soliciting kickbacks from a trucking subcontractor on construction projects, including a Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) funded project. The investigation revealed that between March and October 2008, Mr. Iorio solicited kick-backs from a trucking company subcontractor in connection with at least three New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority construction projects on which Yonkers was bidding. One of the projects included the federally funded Atlantic Yards Arena Development in Brooklyn, on which Yonkers was bidding around $346 million. Mr. Iorio's arrangement with the trucking company owner was for the trucking company owner to build into his price proposals $.25-$.50 a ton in kickbacks payable to Mr. Iorio by checks, made out to JJA Construction, a business entity associated with Mr. Iorio, and to keep their arrangement discrete and hidden from Yonkers. In exchange, Mr. Iorio would use his influence to ensure the trucking company was chosen for the sub-contract work if Yonkers was awarded the projects. (U.S. Office of Inspector General, 9/23/10)
April 2012: A NYC Worker Died After A Crane Belonging To Yonkers Contracting Collapsed At The 7 Line Subway Extension; OSHA Cited Yonkers Contracting For $68,000 In Fines. The New York Times reported, Six months after a fatal crane collapse on the West Side of Manhattan, federal investigators have cited the contractor that owned the crane for alleged serious violations of workplace safety, including a failure to conduct required inspections that could have identified rope defects. On April 3, a worker, Michael Simermeyer, 30, was killed and four others were injured after a crane belonging to Yonkers Contracting Company collapsed near West 34th Street, at a construction site for the No. 7 subway extension. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration said Thursday that it cited Yonkers Contracting this week for violations that included allowing a worker inside the cranes fall zone, not ensuring that a rigger was properly trained and failing to adequately inspect the wire ropes used to hoist materials. Yonkers Contracting faces $68,000 in proposed fines, the agency said. (New York Times, 10/4/12)
Yonkers Contracting Had A Checkered History Of Work Accidents And Previous Investigations. The New York Times reported, Yonkers Contracting has had a checkered history of work on projects in New York City, including an accident in 2000 in which a painter died after falling from the Manhattan Bridge. Several previous investigations of the company led to acquittals or dropped charges. (New York Times, 10/4/12)
The Journal News: A Whiff Of Corruption Has Lingered On Yonkers Contracting Co. For Decades. The Journal News reported, But a whiff of corruption has lingered on Yonkers Contracting Co. for decades, though charges never stuck. In the late 1950s, state investigators probed the company's reconstruction of Yonkers Raceway. In the 1960s, there was an indictment against the company, President Edward Petrillo and several other firms and executives alleging the state was overcharged more than $125,000 for construction of the New England Thruway between Mamaroneck and Rye. The case dragged on for five years before state prosecutors dropped the charges. In the late 1980s, the founder's son, Edward Petrillo Jr., and the company were among several firms and principals indicted on bid-rigging charges. The initial trial ended in a hung jury, and the second one resulted in acquittals. A civil case that followed concluded with Yonkers and two other companies paying a $2 million settlement to municipalities that had joined a lawsuit by the state Attorney General's Office. The developer plays a key part in the latest scandal to rock Albany, the indictment of state Sen. Carl Kruger and several others, including lobbyist Richard Lipsky. Lipsky was one of numerous lobbyists paid by Forest City for both projects. Another of the developer's lobbyists, LoCicero & Tan, also was retained by Yonkers Contracting. But while the contractor paid the firm more than $200,000 in retainer fees over the past six years, state lobbying records show LoCicero never reported doing any lobbying on YCC's behalf. (The Journal News, 5/1/11)
Yonkers Contracting Has Contributed $55,250 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firm, the firms principals, and subsidiaries of the firm. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 1/28/11 Crimmins Constructors Inc. $2,000 1/28/11 Traction Power Corporation $5,000 4/5/11 Brook Hills Corporation $500 6/28/11 Brook Hills Corporation $1,000 6/28/11 Cheesequake Commons, Llc $1,000 6/28/11 Crimmins Constructors Inc. $500 6/28/11 Hampshire Management Company $1,000 11/2/11 Hampshire Management Company $5,000 12/14/11 Cheesequake Commons, Llc $500 1/13/12 Crimmins Constructors Inc. $5,000 3/1/12 Brook Hills Corporation $2,500 5/15/12 Hampshire Management Company $1,000 1/9/13 Brook Hills Corporation $5,000 1/9/13 Traction Power Corporation $5,000 2/22/13 Crimmins Constructors Inc. $5,000 3/14/13 Yonkers Contracting Company Inc. $250 5/21/13 Cheesequake Commons, Llc $5,000 5/22/13 Carl Petrillo (President) $4,000 5/22/13 Deborah Nargi (Secretary) $1,000 5/22/13 Midland Realty Associates Inc. $5,000
Yonkers Contracting Has Received $218,599,504 In County Contracts Since Astorino Has Taken Office. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
VENDOR CONTRACT TERM DEPARTMENT AMOUNT Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. 2013-2015 Public Works $2,577,000 Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. 2010-2014 Public Works $121,811,000 Yonkers Contracting Company, Inc. 2011-2016 Public Works $94,211,504
WILSON ELSER
Since 2011, Wilson Elser Has Received An Annual $2,700,000 Contract. The annual contract is to provide of counsel legal services to the County Attorney pursuant to the Countys self-insurance program. These contracts have totaled $13,500,000. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
Wilson Elser And Its Principals Have Contributed $28,005.70 To Astorinos County Executive Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firm and its principals. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
2011: CSEA Sued Astorino For Wrongly Firing Workers Who Managed The Countys Section 8 Program. The Journal News reported, Westchesters largest union filed suit Friday, sayingAstorino wrongly fired dozens of workers managing a housing program for low-income people. It claims the county executive didnt have the authority to ax 38 workers with the Section 8 program after the Board of Legislators brought back those positions during the budget process. They want the program and jobs restored - with back pay and benefits. He ignored the law that created the budget and went off on his own, Steven Crain, an Albany-based attorney with CSEA, said of Astorino. He doesnt have the authority to act on his own when the Legislature approved the program. (The Journal News, 1/15/11)
Astorino Hired Outside Counsel For $10,000 While Legislators Used In-House Lawyers. The Journal News reported, As Westchester County's executive and legislative branches begin court proceedings today with the Civil Service Employees Association, each will have its own attorneys. Legislators gave County Executive Rob Astorino the go-ahead this week to hire outside counsel - Wilson Elser Moskowitz Edelman & Dicker, for a maximum of $10,000 - to defend a lawsuit by the county's largest union over canceling the Section 8 Housing contract with the state. The Board of Legislators, meanwhile, is going with its own in-house lawyers... (The Journal News, 3/3/11)
Astorino Hired Wilson Elser Edelman, Which Had Contributed $4,750 To His County Executive Campaign, To Defend Him In CSEA Lawsuit. The Journal News reported, Some people would call it a good return. Others, simply business as usual or pay to play. The law firm defendingAstorino in a lawsuit against the county's largest union kicked in at least $4,750 to his campaign coffers since he was elected in 2009. And it recently retained its position as the top lobbying firm in the state, collecting millions for its efforts while doling out hundreds of thousands of dollars to people in high places. (The Journal News, 3/9/11)
MARATHON DEVELOPMENT GROUP
Marathon Development Is A Real Estate Development And Management Firm. (Marathon Development Group, accessed 2/28/14)
Marathon Development Has Contributed $49,077 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firm and principals of the firm. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 7/7/10 Marathon Development Llc $5,000.00 7/9/10 A New Spin, Llc $5,000.00 7/10/10 Relocco, Llc $5,000.00 7/11/10 Ms & B Construction Co., Llc $5,000.00 1/21/11 Mark Soja $1,000.00 6/9/11 Marathon Development Llc $500.00 6/28/11 Ann Soja $1,000.00 7/11/11 Mark Soja $1,000.00 9/19/12 Ncp Partner Services Inc. $1,000.00 12/10/12 Ncp Partner Services Inc. $1,000.00 1/15/13 Marathon Development Llc $3,577.34 10/11/13 M S & B Construction Co. Llc $10,000.00 10/11/13 Marathon Development Llc $10,000.00
Marathon Development Has Received $72,141 In County Contracts Since Astorino Has Taken Office. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
In 2013, The Westchester IDA Provided Marathon Development $12 Million In Tax Exempt Bonds To Renovate A 99-Unit Affordable Housing Complex. SEE MORE BELOW (LoHud, 9/12/13)
VENDOR CONTRACT TERM DEPARTMENT AMOUNT Marathon Development Group LTD 2010-2010 Planning $19,559 Marathon Development Group LTD 2010-2011 Planning $32,975 Marathon Development Group LTD 2010-2010 Planning $19,607
BLEAKLEY PLATT & SCHMIDT
Bleakley Is A Westchester-Base Law Firm. (Bleakley Platt & Schmidt, accessed 2/28/14)
Bleakley Has Contributed $59,550 To Astorinos County Executive Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firms attorneys. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 8/21/14)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 10/16/09 William P Harrington $2,500.00 12/5/09 William P Harrington $5,000.00 3/4/10 William P Harrington $5,000.00 1/4/11 William P Harrington $5,000.00 4/6/11 William P Harrington Esq. $600.00 8/15/11 William P Harrington Esq. $1,500.00 11/10/11 William P Harrington Esq. $500.00 1/9/12 Carolyn Harrington $2,500.00 1/9/12 William P Harrington Esq. $2,500.00 5/22/12 William P Harrington Esq. $1,000.00 1/11/13 William P Harrington Esq. $2,000.00 3/15/13 William P Harrington Esq. $250.00 5/2/13 William P Harrington Esq. $500.00 5/21/13 William P Harrington Esq. $1,000.00 9/9/13 William P Harrington Esq. $1,000.00 10/21/13 Carolyn Harrington $5,000.00 9/23/13 James Ausili $200.00 5/2/13 Robert Braumuller $500.00 5/2/13 Raymond Planell $500.00 3/27/14 William P Harrington Esq. $20,000.00 6/5/14 William P Harrington Esq. $2,500.00
Bleakley Has Received $8,650,000 In County Contracts Since Astorino Has Taken Office. Lockwoods largest contract is for the replacement of the Bronx River Parkway Bridges. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
VENDOR CONTRACT TERM DEPARTMENT AMOUNT Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP 2010-2011 Law $350,000 Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP 2011-2012 Law $2,700,000 Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP 2010-2011 Law $200,000 Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP 2014-2014 Law $2,700,000 Bleakley Platt & Schmidt LLP 2010-2010 Law $2,700,000
OCONNOR DAVIES
OConnor Davies Is A New York City-Based Accounting Firm. (OConnor Davies CPA, accessed 2/28/14)
OConnor Davies Has Contributed $30,550 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
OConnor Davies Has Received $2,817,250 In County Contracts Since Astorino Has Taken Office. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
Urstadt Biddle Is A Real Estate Investment Trust. (Urstadt Biddle Properties, Inc., accessed 2/28/14)
Urstadt Has Contributed $47,692 To Astorinos County Executives Campaigns. These contributions have come from the firms principals and relatives of principals. (New York State Board of Elections, accessed 2/28/14)
DATE CONTRIBUTOR AMOUNT 1/11/08 Charles J Urstadt $5,000.00 1/21/09 Charles J Urstadt $1,000.00 4/30/09 Charles J Urstadt $42.00 5/27/09 Charles J Urstadt $500.00 9/17/09 Charles J Urstadt $1,000.00 10/15/09 Charles J Urstadt $1,000.00 12/8/09 Charles J Urstadt $500.00 1/14/11 Charles J Urstadt $100.00 4/15/11 Charles J Urstadt $500.00 11/10/11 Charles J Urstadt $5,000.00 4/26/12 Charles J Urstadt $50.00 4/1/13 Elinor F Urstadt $500.00 4/17/13 Charles J Urstadt $100.00 6/13/13 Charles J Urstadt $2,000.00 7/11/13 Elinor F Urstadt $7,000.00 10/2/13 Charles J Urstadt $2,500.00 10/20/13 Elinor F Urstadt $1,000.00 10/30/13 Charles J Urstadt $250.00 1//8/2014 Charles J Urstadt $5,000.00 10/16/09 E. Virgil Conway $250.00 10/2/13 E. Virgil Conway $500.00 10/13/09 E. Virgil Conway $500.00 6/12/09 E. Virgil Conway $2,500.00 5/6/13 E. Virgil Conway $2,500.00 6/11/13 E. Virgil Conway $200.00 9/11/13 Catherine Biddle $500.00 7/23/12 Willing Biddle $100.00 3/26/13 Willing Biddle $100.00 5/23/14 Charles J Urstadt $2,500.00 7/9/14 Charles J Urstadt $5,000.00
Urstadt Has Received One $2,008,930 County Contract Since Astorino Has Taken Office. In 2011, they received the contract from the Public Works Department to extend the lease agreement at 22 Rockledge Avenue to be utilized by Westchester Community College for ten years. (Westchester County Government Contract Search, accessed 2/28/14)
The Untold Story About How Unions Took over Illinois Government: Who Is Actually Running Illinois Government? It’s Not the Administration. It’s Not the Department Heads. It’s the Public Employee Unions. —Chicago Tribune, November 25, 2019