Crime Does Pay

Hi Everyone:

Who ever says that crime doesn't pay obviously doesn't live in New York State. New York State is more screwed up then I even imagined. I have said numerous times that a whole lot of politicians, from both sides of the aisle, simply don't have any common sense what-so-ever. Well, hold on to your seats and get ready for an unbelievable story with an even more unbelievable ending.

Vincent Leibell, a lawyer and a Republican, was in the New York state Assembly for 13 years and then was a state Senator for 15 years. Leibell won this past November 2nd election for Putnam County Executive. That is the top political job in the county. He is well liked or should I say used to be.

On December 2nd, he abruptly resigned from his state Senator's seat which shocked a lot of people. On December 6th he pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and tax evasion in U.S. District Court in White Plains, New York. He faces up to 24 months in jail. Prosecutors say he extorted money from an attorney who did work for the Putnam Community Foundation, (which Leibell founded) and then urged that lawyer to lie about it to the grand jury during a conversation recorded by investigators. He also took consultant fees from a partner in a Westchester firm doing work for the county and did not pay taxes on that income.

At first glance, this just seems to be another crooked politician's tale. But, Leibell took this to another level. He knew that he was under investigation in April of this year. He knew that what he had done was illegal, but he still ran for County Executive and won. He won because no one knew about the extent of his problems. Why would he do that? The obvious answer is that he has absolutely no common sense! This goes to show that career politicians truly believe that they are above the law and can do whatever they want. The only positive thing I can say about this is that at least Leibell pleaded guilty and didn't force a trial by pleading innocent. Yea for that I guess.

But the conclusion to this sorry tale is that Leibell, even though he pleaded guilty to illegal activities that dealt directly to his elected position, will receive a pension of $71,000 per year. If he lives another 20 years, he will then have received...................$1.4 million. To top that off, the receipt of his pension is all legal. NYS elected officials have never approved making it illegal to use your office for illegal activities. Shame on New York! But then again, why would politicians vote for a bill that would take away their pensions? Common sense dictates that if you plead guilty or are found guilty by trial for using your elected office for illegal activities you should forfeit your entire pension, case closed!!!

Til next week.

Peter