Alan Hevesi still on investigators' radar for pension scandal
Photo credit: AP | A file photo of former New York Comptroller Alan Hevesi, who controlled the state pension fund until his resignation in 2006, when he pleaded guilty to a felony. (Feb. 9, 2007)
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Three years after his political world began to unravel, Alan Hevesi shuns the public eye - but remains on investigators' radar. New guilty pleas and commitments of cooperation by two defendants in pension "pay-to-play" cases suggest that the probe, conducted by Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, is moving closer to the former state comptroller - who resigned when convicted on unrelated charges.
Over time, the relationships among key players create twists and ironies. Ray Harding, former Liberal boss, who admitted to securities fraud, backed Democrat Cuomo for governor in 2002 - after being a close adviser to Mayor Rudy Giuliani throughout the latter's tenure. Harding's long-term dealings with Democrat Hevesi and company aside, Giuliani ended his elected tenure as a Hevesi adversary, nixing a dubious land deal that would benefit contributors to the then-city comptroller. Giuliani is due to say next month if he will run for governor - perhaps against Cuomo.
ONE POL, ONE VOTE:
In Hevesi's eight years as city comptroller, this type of allegation involving top cronies didn't crop up. Unlike the state, where the comptroller is sole trustee, the city pension funds are run by boards. Advocates of ending the rare sole trusteeship admit this is no cure-all. Businessman Saul Meyer, the other "pay-to-play" defendant to plead guilty last week, also made admissions about retirement funds in New Mexico - run by boards. Still, it could help. A scandal earlier in the decade in Connecticut, which also has sole trusteeship, was similar to New York's.
ROUGH ROADS:
Three days before Gov. David A. Paterson rejected the five-year transportation plan submitted to him as unaffordable, former Nassau GOP Assemb. Marc Herbst, executive director of the Long Island Contractors' Association, spoke to local Congress members, state lawmakers and Suffolk Executive Steve Levy about shortfalls in infrastructure funds for Nassau and Suffolk. Some at the gathering noted that six months after Astrid Glynn left as state transportation commissioner, Paterson has yet to name her successor. Stanley Gee is acting commissioner.
DEBATE DRAMA:
Debates air on News 12 Long Island as Election Day approaches - including one Oct. 28 between incumbent County Executive Thomas Suozzi and challenger Edward Mangano. Candidate faceoffs for Suffolk sheriff, Nassau district attorney and county legislative seats also are featured.
