|
ALBANY---Gov. George Pataki has formally requested that the NYS Ethics Commission forward the thousands of pages of supporting documents in the case of embattled Democratic state comptroller Alan Hevesi to his office and those documents are currently under review.
According to a statement by David Catalfamo, director of communications for the Governor's office, "we are reviewing potential candidates with unimpeachable credentials to present the case to the Senate in the event there is a decision to move forward with the removal process".
Pataki is expected to make a decision with respect to initiating the removal of Hevesi by Friday.
The state Ethics Commission has concluded that Hevesi violated Public Officers Law by using a state employee at taxpayer expense to chauffeur his wife for nearly three and half years.
Hevesi has made reimbursement to the state of $82,688.
Hevesi is seeking reelection on Nov. 7 to another four year term and faced off in a debate Wednesday night with his challenger, former Saratoga County treasurer, Republican Christopher Callaghan.
Hevesi said he was proud of his 35-year record of public service and apologized for not reimbursing the state sooner but offered no apologies for having used the state employee, saying that he was justified in doing so for security reasons, claiming that threats against his family had been received.
Callaghan said that the Ethics Commission had "debunked" the security argument and that Hevesi's unethical acts had impaired his credibility.
The Ethics Commission referred the matter to the state Legislature. Hevesi could be fined, censured, suspended or removed from office based on a recommendation from Gov. Pataki which must be approved by two-thirds of the Senate which means every Republican member of the Senate would have to vote for impeachment along with seven Democrats.
But Hevesi says that he believes that the ultimate decision about whether an elected official remains in office should be made by the voters, not Republicans Pataki and Bruno.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Brunswick) is demanding Hevesi's resignation and could join with Pataki to force the removal of Hevesi. Bruno, who has been the subject of alleged ethical violations himself, attacked Democratic gubernatorial candidate and Attorney General Eliot Spitzer for his continued support of fellow Democrat Hevesi. Spitzer said that he is reconsidering his position but hasn't made a decision.
Democratic Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said that any action the state Legislature takes against Hevesi wouldn't happen until after Election Day. Silver that there isn't enough time before Nov. 7 to completely investigate the allegations and make a ruling before the election.
Silver also said that the Assembly would wait until the Albany County District Attorney's office and the state Attorney General's office have completed their investigation of the matter.
The last time a state official was impeached was in 1913 when Gov. William Sulzer was impeached for campaign finance violations. 10-25-06
All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed by anyone without the express written permission of the publisher. This article is copyright protected. Fair Use is not applicable.
© 2006 North
Country Gazette
|
