FATHER OF FORMER MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCILMAN AND DPW COMMISSIONER PASSES AWAY

Mount Vernon Exposed regrets to inform you that we have just received news that the father of beloved former City Councilman and DPW Commissioner James (Jimmy) Finch has passed away today.  The cause of death is unknown at this time.  Mount Vernon Exposed will continue to keep you posted on funeral arrangements.

CORPORATION COUNSEL LORETTA HOTTINGER SHOULD BE JAILED IMMEDIATELY; RECENT COURT RULING DEEM HER PAST ACTIONS WHILE SERVING AS CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT ILLEGAL PART#2

CITY OF MOUNT VERNON CORPORATION COUNSEL LORETTA HOTTINGER

The City of Mount Vernon will be better off without Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger. She has transformed the Law Department into a cesspool. She has put her own self interest before the interest of Mount Vernon taxpayers. Mount Vernon Exposed earlier this month reported that Hottinger while as City Council voted on the resolution that authorized the unlawful dispensing of $39,000 of taxpayer funds to a law firm unlawfully retained by the Mount Vernon City Council while Hottinger was the President.

Judge Rory J. Bellantoni stated in his ruling that the law firm of Wilson, Elser, did not have authority from the Mount Vernon City Council to represent the City Council for the pilot programs. The law firm was retained by the City Council to sue Ravi Batra, the Pro Bono attorney retained by former Mayor Ernie Davis.
The Comptroller’s Office quickly realized that the City of Mount Vernon taxpayers may have fraudulently paid the law firm of Wilson and Elser. This activity was aided and abetted by current Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger. 1st Deputy Comptroller Tom Rajala asked Hottinger for an opinion on how to proceed in recouping the $39,000 of questionable payments to the law firm of Wilson, Elser. In her opinion Hottinger stated that the Judge “failed to understand clear principles of law” when he rendered his decision. Hottinger apparently wants to be judge, jury, and executioner. Mount Vernon Exposed has learned that several residents are presently commencing legal action against Loretta Hottinger to force the Courts to compel her to recoup the fraudulent payments to the law firm of Wilson and Elser.

Despite the ruling on this matter, the City Council and the Board of Estimate being advised by their ringleader Loretta Hottinger have approved ordinances and resolutions “demanding” that Comptroller Maureen Walker issue payments to the law firm Wilson, Elser. In one such ordinance there was even language stating that there was a 10% discount if the invoices were paid by December 3rd. Mount Vernon Exposed has learned that the invoices are still unpaid. Mount Vernon Exposed hopes that Comptroller Walker never pays these illegal, fraudulent invoices.

Freedom of Information Requests

When Mayor Young took office on January 1st, 2008, he promised to bring transparency to City Hall. As with everything else that has came out of the mouth of Mayor Young, this too was a lie. New York State Freedom of Information Law States that a government body has 5 days to acknowledge the receipt of FOIL request and give an estimated time frame on when the FOIL will be fulfilled. After a date is provided, then the government body has an additional 20 days to fulfill the request. If the request is denied or unanswered after 20 then the person making the request can file an appeal with the denying agency. If the appeal still goes unanswered then the person can commence an Article 78 proceeding The City of Mount Vernon systematically violates the Freedom of Information Law. Instead, City Officials use the FOIL as a means to see what the public is inquiring about. Then the appropriate personnel are notified and all the necessary steps are taken to cover up any wrongdoings in City Hall.

Mount Vernon Exposed currently has over 50 unanswered FOIL requests in City Hall that have gone unanswered and that are way beyond appeal status.

Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger Opinion on illegal payment to law firm

Bellantoni Decision

Copyright 2009 - Journal News, The White Plains, NY - All Rights Reverved

MOUNT VERNON COUNCIL DIRECTS COUNCIL TO PAY LEGAL BILLS

MARCH 12TH, 2009

MOUNT VERNON - The City Council yesterday joined the mayor's call for Comptroller Maureen Walker to pay a series of outstanding legal bills to a law firm doing work for the council.

"This has absolutely nothing to do with politics or personalities," Council President William Randolph said. "This is about upholding the integrity of our charter."

The issue at hand deals with a law firm that the City Council had hired to look into agreements with developers for payments in lieu of taxes. Since November 2007, the firm - Wilson, Elser, Moskowitz, Edelman & Dicker - has billed Mount Vernon $84,567. Only one bill for $14,121 was paid.

The City Council, during its regular meeting yesterday, passed a resolution agreeing to join the firm in filing an Article 78 against Walker demanding that she pay the bills in their entirety. Randolph was asked about the advantage of having the City Council joining the law firm in the Article 78 against Walker.

"We hired the law firm," Randolph said. "It would be hypocritical of us if we didn't join them to see that they get paid."

Several council members emphasized that their decision was not personal and that they supported the resolution after extensive deliberation.

"We are aware of the implications of this matter, and we feel that it is the appropriate thing to do," Councilman Steven Horton said.

In January, a report by Inspector General Harry Stokes said Walker had abused her power by not paying the law firm's bills. Walker on Tuesday called for Stokes' firing, disputing the report and questioning his qualifications to investigate city departments and officials.

"It appears that the City Council is working for and on behalf of the inspector general," Walker said yesterday. "Once again, the concept is repeated over and over again."

Walker said she was not refusing to pay the legal bills. Her concerns, she said, were procedural ones, saying the firm wasn't separating in its bills charges to the city on separate legal matters. Walker said she had not seen the resolution.

She pointed to the fact she had prepared a city check to the firm on three separate occasions this month for $32,115.01 that Mayor Clinton Young said he would not sign. Young said this week he did not sign the check because the total in the check was not the amount approved of by both the City Council and the Board of Estimate and Contract.

The council voted 4-0 yesterday to pass the resolution. The council's fifth member, J. Yuhanna Edwards, said he was abstaining from the vote for "philosophical differences." He said he wasn't against the resolution but felt the matter should be discussed further.

"An abstention is not a nay vote, but I don't want to go along just to be going along," Edwards said.

Several residents yesterday encouraged the City Council to bring an end to the matter, saying the issue fuels negative perceptions of the city.

"I'm tired of reading (these stories) about the city of Mount Vernon," resident Mary Harris said. "We need to get our act together, and I ask that this legislative body to somehow work with the executive body to see what needs to be done and do it."

Reach Aman Ali at aali@lohud.com or 914-694-5063.

DEVELOPER SEEKING TO BUILD MASSIVE AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLEX IN MOUNT VERNON UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BY MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE

Atlantic Development Owner Peter Fine 

Currently under criminal investigation

Mayor Clinton Young

Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee Chairman Devereaux Cannick

Kenneth Plummer of Kensworth Consulting

Alleged Lobbyist/Consultant

Last week Mount Vernon Exposed reported that Atlantic Development is proposing to build several low income skyscrapers on Gramatan Ave.  This particular development project is receiving extra scrutiny because it is alleged that Democratic Chairman Devereaux Cannick, Kenneth Plummer, and James (Jamie) Dickerson have joined forces to create a lobbying and/or consulting firm to expedite Atlantic Development’s construction project through City Hall.  It could not be determined if Mayor Young is any financial compensation from the above mentioned persons.

Mount Vernon Exposed has conducted an investigation into the developer Atlantic Development and our findings were very disturbing.  Atlantic Development is the focus of a probe by the Manhattan District Attorney office for bribery and for employing undocumented workers for their construction projects. 

Atlantic Development is no stranger to pay to play politics.  During the Daily News probe, it was uncovered that Atlantic Development paid over $12K to a lobbying firm in NYC to expedite a buildings permit for project under construction.  Atlantic Development also contributed more than $52,000 to former Bronx borough President Adolpho Carrion for his blessing for zoning changing among other items in connection with a massive affordable housing project at Boricua College.  The particular project is the center of the probe by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. 

Peter Fine, co-owner of Atlantic Development appeared personally before the City Council last week and spoke as if he was doing the City of Mount Vernon a favor by coming north of the city line and bribing Mount Vernon officials.  Many residents spoke loud and clear that Atlantic Development and their low income housing is not welcome in Mount Vernon.  It is also speculated that Cannick, Plummer, and Dickerson are lobbying to get Atlantic Development a PILOT deal with the City of Mount Vernon.

Atlantic Development Criminal Investigation Probe

ROADRUNNER EXPRESS

SOME POSITIONS NOT RESTORED TO 2010 PROPOSED BUDGET

ECONOMICS, RETALIATION OR POLITICS?

Mayor Clinton Young may be trying to pull a fast one in order to sway public opinion back his way. Last Wednesday his office put out a frantic press release emphatically stating that he is against any proposal increasing tax liability beyond 3.99 percent for fiscal year 2010 and accused the Comptroller and the City Council President of obstructing the budget process progress.

By now most citizens have heard or read that City Councilman Bill Randolph did a 180 during last week's Board of Estimate and Contract meeting. After voting in favor of the 2010 Proposed Annual Budget for the City of Mount Vernon only weeks before, he suddenly decided that the document needed further study before the Board of Estimate and Contract officially voted in favor of it in so the document could hurredly go to the City Council for Public Hearing and approval. Both Councilman Randolph and Comptroller Walker refused to vote on Mayor Young's revisions to the original document presented at the Public Hearing of December 16, 2009. The revisions failed to restore some positions that are needed by departments or could expose taxpayers to liability from lawsuits. 

According to the mayor's press release, 10 positions were restored to the budget. Of the 15 not restored, RoadRunner has identified the following positions that may trigger legal action by affected employees. Citizens need to fully understand that funds to defend current and potential claims have been under budgeted and the city's reserves have been tapped, maying any potential claims financially burdening. 

A1420.101            1st Assistant Corporation Counsel
Employee removal from budget is said to be in retaliation for employee running a campaign against the Mayor's choice for City Court Judge. Although employee is alleged to be one of the most productive attorneys in the Law Department and is responsible for saving taxpayers millions of dollars, Mayor Young considers employee untrustworthy.

A1315.101            Chief Accountant, Department Finance
Retaliation against Comptroller Maureen Walker's refusal to transfer one of two Chief Accountants (Civil Service employee) to the office of Mayor Young's sister, Mary Young in the Department of Management Services.

A1410.101            Deputy Registrar, Office of the City Clerk
It is alleged that appointed employee's significant other had harassment charges filed against him after attempting to speak with George Brown regarding harsh treatment of employee by Mr. Brown. The City Clerk is now said to have an order of protection in effect against him by the gentleman in question.

A3640.101            Typist, Civil Defense
Employee is senior citizen nearing retirement who was assigned work for Civil Defense Department and Veterans Service Agency in Civil Service position.

A7020.101            Senior Clerk, Recreation
Employee, Civil Service Union officer, allegedly retaliated against for addressing alleged improprieties occurring within the Civil Service Commission.

Any revision to the Proposed 2010 Budget must be made available for public inspection once those changes are made. The public has to be given the opportunity to review any and all revisions that the City Council will vote upon after its public hearing. There is no doubt that the City of Mount Vernon has failed miserably in advising to the public on the 2010 Budget process and has failed to post timely notices regarding meetings. RoadRunner has been unable to obtain a copy changes because no revised document seems to have been made for public inspection.

Sudden commonsense thinking on the part of Councilman Bill Randolph, whether the result of the large turnout of citizens and employees at the Public Hearing of December 16th; the upcoming court appearance on a citizen filed Order to Show Cause on Budget meeting notification; rumors of the Councilman being considered for the City Clerk position or as the new head of the Democratic Party has worked to the advantage of citizens. Councilman Randolph finally shut up and did something in the best interest of the citizens of Mount Vernon. He said, "No" and the mayor went ballistic. Something is seriously wrong when a mayor refuses to do the right thing because his feelings have been hurt, he can't get what he wants or because he is so vindictive that he doesn't care about anyone other than himself.  

Mayor Young, in predictable fashion, is said to be appointing one of his faithful followers to the Mount Vernon Board of Water Supply, which coincidentally doesn't have a cash register connected to the Comptroller's Office. It has been suggested that the mayor's loyal assistant Brian Bochow will be heading off to that position straight from his Mayoral Assistant job. Mr. Bochow certainly holds a favorable position with the mayor. His trip to Italy was paid for (through reimbursement) from Young's campaign funds. The rumor that Yolanda Robinson may be going to the Police Department is so ridiculously unbelievable that it may very well be true given the comedy of errors being written for the last two years at city hall.  Bochow, along with Robinson, have quickly moved up the city hall executive ranks. Prior to their city hall jackpot win they were both legislative aides at the County Board of Legislators. The two of them worked hard on the County payroll to get Mayor Young elected. The old adage, "it's not what you know but who you know" and possibly what tidbits you and others know but nobody else needs to know, may be the reason for their meteoric rise.

Councilman Randolph's sudden spate of bravado carried him to the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee meeting of Thursday December 17th where he stood before membership and echoed David Ford's call for the resignation of Mayor Young's Party leadership. The Councilman must steel himself in order to face the mayor's double dose of wrath. The good councilman will now feel the sting of unjustness from Young's retaliation for doing that which he has a right and responsibility to do; disagree on behalf of that which is in the best interests of the people he was elected to serve. Councilman Randolph surely experienced some kind of humiliation when Mayor Young sent out his negative press release accusing him of hindering the budget progress. His disappointment cannot feel as bad as that of employees written out of the budget for reasons unrelated to cost effectiveness.

The current 2010 Budget Proposal has so stripped recreational services to constituents of all ages that there needs to be strong outcry from the community. Mount Vernon has seen an explosion in fatal crime over the last 24 months.  With little hope and even less constructive activity, residents can only pray that things don't get worse since the little Mayor Young offered youth after promising them so much more, is gone. Mayor Young finally stopped whatever cultural and social programming remaining under the jurisdiction of city hall. Although citizens and private groups can work together to offer some structured social programming, city government should not fail in its duty to the people. Organized recreational activity offers constructive outlets for young people and seniors as well as promotes positive social interaction amongst residents of all ages. Citizens deserve more than just offices open to pay bills.

The mayor, with budget axe in hand, unwisely cut, not trimmed, the budget to the extent that one has to wonder what services the city will be offering for residents in 2010. There is no money to transport young people to any events, free or otherwise. There seems to be no appropriations for summer camp opportunities for children of families struggling to survive. There little to no money for program supplies or for park repairs. It appears that recreational social programming, one of the most essential expenditures for a city full of young people and seniors is not a priority for this administration. What we see as priority are consultants and opportunities for individuals not employed by taxpayers to take money out of the city till. Residents will get little or nothing in return for their tax dollar.

RoadRunner continues to question why the Law Department needs to increase its Labor Counsel expenses by $50,000 while a capable attorney will be removed from the budget and why the Department of Management Service needs $90,000, the Inspector General needs $40,000,, and  the Planning Department $125,000 for Outside Contracted Services? There can be no doubt that the City Council's appropriation for Contracted Services was reduced as a politically based cost saving measure. The City Council will undoubtedly need triple the $20,000 granted them in order to protect citizens from the shenanigans of the mayor.

Citizens must carefully watch budget developments and be prepared to stand before the City Council at its Public Hearing and demand that they review the document not with political eyes but with those of representatives elected by the people to serve in their best interests. The people should accept nothing less.
                                               

ATLANTIC DEVELOPMENT GROUP LLC
PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT FOR GRAMATAN & OAKLEY AVENUES

The mixed-use development project being planned for Gramatan Avenue and Oakley Avenue is getting a lot of attention because of the sudden hurry to get as many things started before new City Council members are sworn in. RoadRunner has done a little research and feels that the community should have as much information as possible on the organization developing the project.

Atlantic Development Group has grown into one of New York City's largest developers of affordable housing since 1995. Co-founders, Marc Altheim, former Chief Executive Officer of H.E.L.P. USA and Peter Fine, the son of a New York City cab driver, have made themselves millionaires by tapping into the affordable housing construction market. They have been quite adept at securing any number of financial enticements offered through governmental entities and are also highly skilled at saving costs by employing nonunion and immigrant workers on their construction sites.

Last April the company was the target of a raid and investigation orchestrated by the Manhattan District Attorney's office. Although the exact details of the investigation still remain sketchy, it is suggested that investigators were looking into such alleged bribery tactics as using expediters to pay off city officials to move projects along. Atlantic drew a lot of heat and had the DA's office looking at them for allegations of bribing construction companies to use nonunion, cheaper labor. Atlantic Development Group LLC has a documented history of paying to play. They specialize in tapping into greedy politicians for support of their projects by offering money hungry elected officials pennies to grant access to millions.

The youthful Marc Altheim and Peter Fine have the distinction of being some of the most politically generous developers in New York City, meaning they don't have a problem spending a buck to take the bank. According to the New York Village Voice, as of the end of April 2009, "Atlantic has also been a virtual cash machine in recent years for Bronx politicians and others. City campaign finance records show that Atlantic and its officers and family members have anteed up more than $160,000 to city pols in the past four years." Atlantic and Mr. Fine have also contributed nearly a half million dollars to state Democrats during the period late 2006 and late 2008, according to the New York Observer.

With the financial crisis creating problems for affordable housing developers in New York City and politicians being leery exposure for accepting contributions from developers willing to buy "friends," smooth operating big city boys have found more agreeable territory. Some would call Mount Vernon the perfect location to keep a business floating until the scrutiny wears off.  The city has all of the right ingredients; citizens  who don't question, ill-informed and greedy politicians and even less informed monitoring agents. What makes the situation even better for agents of gain is there the impression of Mount Vernon having a local government interested in only one thing; getting paid.

RoadRunner's research revealed an interesting campaign contribution to Mayor Clinton Young's 2007 Campaign Fund. One Peter Fine of 220 Riverside Boulevard), New York City, contributed the amount of $1,700. Could this possibly be the same Peter Fine, principal of the Atlantic Development Group? Is it also possible that allegations may be true about a group of Clinton Young connected individuals are working to move this project along for their own personal gain?  Why is the city moving forward with a developer embroiled in scandal, political bribery, union busting and employment of undocumented workers?

Development in the city stopped as soon as Mayor Young took his seat. The city had completed a number of projects that brought new life and pride into Mount Vernon as well as new sources of revenue. Citizens should be reminded that this development project was not the brainchild of Mayor Clinton Young but that of his predecessor. It was meant to compliment the work already started in the downtown area. The mayor's sudden interest in "sealing the deal" should cause citizens to think long and hard about why the mayor is adamant that this particular developer is the best choice.

Given Atlantic Development's widely publicized controversies in the City of New York, and the current administration's continual reference of wrongdoing by the previous administration, citizens need to recognize that all may not be as aboveboard with this deal as they may be led to believe. When the mayor's associates who are not paid by the city lose their cool and challenge members of the public who question the proposal or speak out in opposition then something is very wrong. It is then that citizens should pay attention to the probability that these individuals and the mayor have something to lose.  Mount Vernon needs leadership that has citizens' best interest at heart; leadership that recognizes the needs of the people, not only the things that serve their own personal best interest.

If this deal is aboveboard, then the deal can wait for further study with newly elected City Council members who have pledged to operate in the best interest of the all of the people, all of the time.

FYI -        Project Location:        Gramatan Avenue and Oakley Avenue. The Project further contemplates acquisition and/or improvement of certain property owned by the City of Mount Vernon, as follows: (i) Atlantic's acquisition of certain real property in which the City is the record owner, including, property currently used as a surface municipal parking lot, Lot Number 1; and (ii) improvements by Atlantic to the City's Municipal Garage ("Municipal Parking Garage") located at 61 Gramatan Avenue and 30 North 3rd Avenue.

ROGUE MOUNT VERNON DEMOCRATIC CHAIRMAN DEVEREUX CANNICK AND HIS PARASITES MUST RESIGN IMMEDIATELY

"THE CABAL"

Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee Chairman Devereaux Cannick

Mayor and MVDCC Executive Committee member Clinton Young 

 County Legislator and MVDCC Executive Committee member Lyndon Williams

  

Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee 2nd Vice Chairman Ronald Detres

District Leader Kenneth Plummer of Kensworth Consulting

"One Mount Vernon" candidates from L to R Jennifer Anne Sampson, Debra Stern, Eileen Justino

On Thursday December 17^th, 2009 the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee (MVDCC) held its first meeting since the nominating convention back in the spring.  The attendance was overwhelming, despite the meeting being held on a very cold night and also taking place one week before Christmas. 

Chairman Devereaux Cannick opened the meeting.  After he was finished speaking, former Democratic Chairman and Water Commissioner David Ford took the floor.  Mr. Ford without any hesitation asked for Cannick’s resignation as well as others on the Executive Committee for several reasons.   Mr. Ford explained that while Cannick was in the driver’s seat, the MVDCC has become the laughingstock of the entire County of Westchester and even throughout New York State.  Ford also told Cannick about the “One Mount Vernon” line that was created when the courts ruled that the candidates endorsed by the MVDCC petitions were fatally flawed. 

Cannick struck back by stating that he had nothing to do with the creation of the “One Mount Vernon”, line.  Ford and several others mentioned to Cannick that his name appeared on the Committee to fill vacancies along with 2^nd Vice Chairman Ronald Detres, and Beretha Elkins, a district leader hired by Mayor Young to work under the leadership of his younger sister Mary Young in City Hall.  Cannick responded that he did not give anyone permission to use his name for the Committee to Fill vacancies.   The entire room was in suspense and was confused.

After Mr. Ford spoke, Councilman Steve Horton took the floor and supported Mr. Ford’s call for the immediate resignation of Cannick and his rogue followers.  District Leaders, who in the past had differences, were uniting for a common cause. They were coming together to overthrow the scandalous leadership of the MVDCC.  Cannick responded by stating that he would resign when he felt the time was right, but emphasized that it would be in the very near future.  Cannick during his remarks, tried to convince the district leaders that the party is going to suffer without him in the driver’s seat.  District Leaders were not feeding into his propaganda and remained vigilant in their quest for an immediate changing of the guard.  It is alleged that Cannick will resign as soon as the low income project being proposed on Gramatan Avenue is approved by City Officials. 

Mount Vernon Exposed last week reported that it is alleged the Chairman Devereaux Cannick, Edward Dowdy, who is also on the Executive Committee, Jamie Dickerson, and Kenneth Plummer have joined forces to start a consulting firm to “usher” development projects through City Hall.  In return, they would reap huge financial rewards.  One development project already on the table is the controversial low income development project being proposed by Atlantic/Kenwood Development on Gramatan Avenue across from Hartley Park.  The United States Attorney’s Office has been asked to intervene and investigate the above mentioned allegations of racketeering and bribery. 

While all of this was going on, County Legislator Lyndon Williams walked in the room. Williams quickly took the floor and tried to divert everyone’s attention away from the subject at hand.  Williams began by stating that he was named Vice-Chairman of the Board of Legislators the previous evening and spoke of a long list of things that he had in the works and things that he wanted to achieve during his second term.  While William’s speech would have been appropriate at the end of the meeting, many district leaders had taken offense because Williams did not acknowledge the cause of the present state of disarray at the MVDCC nor did he address the issue.

After Williams started speaking district leader Samuel Rivers, realized Williams was changing the subject from the issue of leadership resignation to another topic that was not relevant at the present moment.  At first Williams thought, Rivers had a question for him.  Rivers stated that we must not stray away from the topic of new leadership and it would not be a good idea to go into the New Year with the current leadership and if possible it would be wise to hold a special election that evening.  Commissioner Ford quickly responded that a special election cannot be held and that the only way to replace the leadership is by resignation. 

While Ford was speaking, 2^nd Vice Chairman Ron Detres and his wife, Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger strolled into the room.  Detres took up cover in the corner of the room trying not to attract much attention to him.  After all he is one of the culprits that are responsible for the way the MVDCC is today. 

Finally, City Council President William Randolph took the floor and also stated that the time has come to change the leadership in the MVDCC.  Randolph stated that he hears from all over, especially throughout Westchester County Government, where he has held a high ranking position within the Spano administration, that the MVDCC is looked at as a joke.  Randolph was also angered about a press release that was sent out by the Mayor’s Office calling him and Comptroller Maureen Walker obstructionist and that they are the reasons that the 2010 budget is being delayed.  Randolph simply stated that the Mayor could have picked up the phone and let him and the Comptroller know that he was going to trash them in a press release instead of Randolph receiving the notice by email.  Randolph further stated that he did not agree with the way that the Mayor is going about reducing positions at City Hall.  District Leaders assumed Randolph was referring to the retaliatory slashing of 1^st Assistant Corporation Counsel Nichelle Johnson’s position.  Johnson ran against party backed candidate Helen Blackwood for City Court Judge.  Mayor Young was alleged to be heard cursing and yelling at the top of his lungs when Randolph asked the Mayor about the elimination of Johnson’s position.  The Mayor further ranted on that he needed someone he can trust.  Anyone with an ounce of intelligence can assume that the Mayor needs an attorney with whom he can steal with and wouldn’t question his perfidious motives.  The arrogance and selfishness of Mayor Young is the reason why Mount Vernon is stagnated and viewed as a joke throughout the State of New York.

Democratic Nominating Petitions

The nominating petitions for 2009 for City Council candidates were fatally flawed.  The petition failed to indicate which candidate was running for the shorter, unexpired term.  2^nd Vice-Chairman Ronald Detres is usually charged with the responsibility with putting the petitions together.  During our investigation, we have interviewed several witnesses, including other bosses from other political parties in Mount Vernon and we have learned that this error was brought to Detres’ attention long before the deadline for submitting the nominating petitions.  Mount Vernon Exposed has even learned that 1^st Chairman Reginald Lafayette heard about the mistake, reached out the Dems in Mount Vernon and even offered to send someone down to make sure the petitions were in order. 

Detres and other figureheads in Mount Vernon refused Lafayette’s help and even referred to him as “the enemy’.   It was also reported that the MVDCC even banned Commissioner David Ford from the MVDCC headquarters during the election process The MVDCC isolated themselves from two individuals who could have spotted this mistake a mile away.  Chairman Devereaux Cannick during the meeting held at headquarters on December 17^th, 2009, stated that some district leaders knew about the mistake and failed to bring it the attention of the party bosses.  As the saying goes, what comes around goes around. The party bosses knew that the nominating convention they held in the spring was illegal and unethical.  One can argue that each side is now even with the other.

Democratic Endorsements

Our investigation uncovered disturbing allegations that can be classified as extortion.  It is alleged that MVDCC Executive Members conducted the interviews for the party nominations.  All of the interviews were conducted by operatives of Mayor Young.  During the interviews, it is alleged that they asked City Comptroller candidate Maureen Walker for $50,000, City Judge Candidates were asked for $25,000, and the City Council Candidates were each asked for $15,000.  Once the cash was turned over to the MVDCC, they had no intentions of supporting the contributing candidate and they ultimately would use their donation to finance a campaign against said individual.  The MVDCC asked for these substantial amounts of cash as a means to intimidate the candidates from running in the Democratic Primary

During a search of financial disclosure reports, Mount Vernon Exposed uncovered some interesting information.  The following individuals contributed to the MVDCC this past election cycle. 

Payee/Recipient	Amt	Expense Code	Date	Disburser	Filing	Sched	Office	Dist	County
MOUNT VERNON DEM CITY COMM PO BOX 269 MOUNT VERNON, NY 10551	1,800.00	OTHER - REIMB GOTV	15-SEP-09	JANET DIFIORE FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY	2009 Post Primary	F	District Attorney	N/A	Westchester
MOUNT VERNON DEM CITY COMM PO BOX 269 MOUNT VERNON, NY 10551	300.00	OTHER - REIMB GOTV	15-SEP-09	JANET DIFIORE FOR DISTRICT ATTORNEY	2009 Post Primary	F	District Attorney	N/A	Westchester
MOUNT VERNON DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE PARK AVENUE MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550	5,000.00	LITER	01-SEP-09	FRIENDS OF MARCUS A. GRIFFITH	2009 Post Primary	F	Comptroller	N/A	Westchester
MOUNT VERNON DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE PARK AVENUE MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550	2,250.00	LITER	03-SEP-09	FRIENDS OF MARCUS A. GRIFFITH	2009 Post Primary	F	Comptroller	N/A	Westchester
MOUNT VERNON DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE 1 PARK PLACE MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550	500.00	PETIT	09-JUN-09	FRIENDS OF DEBRA STERN	2009 July Periodic	F	City Council	N/A	Westchester
MOUNT VERNON DEMOCRATIC COMMITEE ONE PARK AVENUE MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550	4,000.00	CNTRB	08-NOV-09	FRIENDS OF ANDY SPANO	2009 27 Post General	F	County Executive	N/A	Westchester
Total Expenses	13,850.00

Payee/Recipient	Amt	Expense Code	Date	Disburser	Filing	Sched	Office	Dist	County
MV DEMOCRATIC CITY COMMITTEE ONE PARK AVENUE MOUNT VERNON, NY 10550	10,000.00	OTHER - 2009 PRIMARY ELECTION ASSOC COSTS	02-SEP-09	COMMITTEE TO ELECT JUDGE HELEN M. BLACKWOOD	2009 Post Primary	F	City Court Judge	N/A	Westchester
Total Expenses	10,000.00

“One Mount Vernon Line”

Mount Vernon Exposed was very intrigued when Chairman Cannick mentioned that he did not authorize his name to be used for the committee to fill vacancies.  Mount Vernon Exposed decided to conduct an investigation into the allegations and it did not take much time at all to find out who were the individuals that participated in this heinous act.  After interviewing several witnesses, it was determined that Lyndon Williams was the chief architect of this scheme.  Williams was also the attorney that represented the “One Mount Vernon” line when other City Council candidates challenged the nominating petitions of the “One Mount Vernon” line. 

Mount Vernon Exposed did not feed into Cannick’s propaganda that he had nothing to do with the “One Mount Vernon” Line.  After all he is a defense attorney and he is highly trained to convince juries that his clients are innocent even though they may have committed a crime, and that they should be found not guilty based on a technicality.  If Cannick had publicly came forward earlier and mentioned that his name was fraudulently used by Williams and Detres, challengers to the petitions could have went to court and have had the entire nominating petition invalidated.  This would have spared unwarranted voter confusion this past election season. 

It was alleged during our investigation that Cannick was present along with Mayor Young, Detres, and the other conspirators during meetings at MVDCC.  It was alleged that meetings were even held at Williams’s residence.  It is a violation of NYS Election Law for the MVDCC to allocate funds or commit resources to another party line for the purpose of sabotaging its own candidates.   It was also determined that the candidates running on the “One Mount Vernon” line, were indeed perpetrating to voters that they were the Democratic candidates when in fact they were declared ineligible to run in the September Democratic Primary.  On the new literature and yard signs that were printed, the “One Mount Vernon” candidates had “DEMOCRAT” printed on the literature in an attempt to further confuse voters.  The “One Mount Vernon” candidates even had their “seal of approval” on their literature. 

On Election Day, Williams was seen parading around town with porch puppy John Boykin and distributing the “One Mount Vernon” line literature.  Williams being on the Executive Committee of the MVDCC and also an attorney, should have known it was a conflict of interest and unethical for him to represent and campaign for the “One Mount Vernon” line candidates.  Furthermore, Mount Vernon Exposed believes it is a conflict of interest for any elected official to serve in any capacity as an officer or on the Executive Committee of the MVDCC.  It was also reported that Williams was upset the Judge Blackwood was now supporting the Democratic Candidates and not the newly created “One Mount Vernon” line.  Williams allegedly told some folks that he no longer wanted his posters or yard signs to appear next to Judge Blackwood’s.  If these allegations prove to be true, then Williams must resign as a district leader from the party.  Williams was also noticeably missing from the photograph on the palm card with the other Democratic nominees after the September Primary. 

Rogue Democratic District Leaders Face Disciplinary Action

Mount Vernon Exposed has learned that several district leaders have filed written complaints with Westchester County Democratic Chairman Reginald Lafayette asking him to bring these rogue agents formally up on charges for not being in sympathy with the principles of the Democratic Party.  If the proceedings before Chairman Lafayette or the sub-committee determine that the district leaders are guilty for not being in sympathy with the principles of the Democratic Party, they will be ordered removed from the Board of Elections by a Supreme Court Justice.  The conspirators facing removal from the MVDCC are; Chairman Devereaux Cannick, Mayor Clinton Young, 2^nd Vice- Chairman Ron Detres, the entire Executive Committee, and the candidates that ran on the “One Mount Vernon” line, Michael Justino, and Kenneth Plummer. 

Conclusion

The perpetrators that caused the mass confusion among Mount Vernon voters this past election cycle should resign immediately.  Failure to do so will severely impact the quality of life for every Mount Vernon resident.  It was stated at the meeting on December 17^th, 2009, that the Mayor is the head of the Democratic party.  Mayor Young should not have any say so whatsoever about local elections.  The City of Mount Vernon under the leadership of Mayor Young has taken 10 steps backwards. Until Mayor Young and his cronies are removed from power, the quality of life in Mount Vernon will continue to deteriorate.