Paladino company hit with felony 10 years ago

ALBANY - One of the development companies owned by Republican candidate for governor Carl Paladino was hit with a felony charge a decade ago for failure to detect asbestos in a Syracuse bowling alley he was renovating and eventually razed.

Paladino said yesterday a licensed inspector's mistake in the initial inspection and an overzealous federal prosecutor turned what should have been a civil matter into a criminal charge against one of his companies. Paladino wasn't charged in the case involving the commercial property in Syracuse.

Paladino said asbestos was removed properly once discovered and the building was converted into retail space. He says his company acted responsibly. The criminal case, as a violation of the Clean Air Act, was resolved with a plea bargain.

"Yet another dark and disturbing revelation about Mr. Paladino's judgment and business practices. Once again he has lots of questions to answer," said David James, spokesman for Rick Lazio, Paladino's Republican primary opponent.

"Of course the career politicians are attempting to smear me and derail our campaign," said Paladino, who polls show is gaining on Lazio as Tuesday's primary approaches. "Ten years ago, the government overreacted to an error by one of my employees."