As reported earlier by Mount Vernon Exposed there has been a formal complaint made with The United States Office of Special Counsel regarding Councilman Steve Horton’s possible violation of Federal Law, specifically The Hatch Act of 1939.
Mount Vernon Exposed publisher Samuel L. Rivers requested an advisory opinion from The United States Office of Special Counsel. An advisory opinion is an opinion rendered by a judge or court that indicated how the court would rule on a question without actually ruling on some adversary proceeding; an advisory opinion is only informative and not binding.
The United States Office of Special Counsel provided an advisory opinion that we would like to share with our readers.We will continue to update you on the status of Councilman Steven Horton.
E:MAIL FROM THE UNITED STATES OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL;
HATCH ACT UNIT
Dear Mr. Rivers:
The Hatch Act, 5 U.S.C. §§ 1501-1508, restricts the political activity of individuals principally employed by state, county or municipal executive agencies in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by loans or grants made by the United States or a federal agency. It has long been established that an officer or employee of a state or local agency is subject to the Hatch Act if, as a normal and foreseeable incident of his principal position or job, he performs duties in connection with an activity financed in whole or in part by federal funds. In re Hutchins, 2 P.A.R. 160, 164 (1944); Special Counsel v. Gallagher, 44 M.S.P.R. 57 (1990). An employee covered by the Act is prohibited from, among other things, being a candidate for public office in a partisan election i.e., an election in which any candidate represents, for example, the Republican or Democratic Party.
Whether an individual is covered by the Hatch Act is a very fact specific inquiry. An employee of a state or local executive agency is covered by the Hatch Act only if he has duties in connection with federally financed activities.
If the employee is covered by the Hatch Act, he would be prohibited from being a candidate in a partisan election.
If you would like to file a Hatch Act complaint and request that OSC investigate the matter, you may download OSC Form 13 from www.osc.gov and send the completed form to the attention of the Hatch Act Unit via fax or e-mail. Our fax number is (202) 653-5151 and our email address is hatchact@osc.gov.
You may also file the complaint in a response to this email. If you do so, please provide us with Mr. Horton’s daytime telephone number and the name and daytime telephone number of an official at the Housing Authority who would be able to give us information about the federal funding the agency receives. In addition, please provide as much information as possible regarding the candidacy and fundraising allegations.
Harry Stokes did not waste any time get acclimated to his new position as Inspector when he took the reins in January 2008. Corruption was running rampant in the City of Mount Vernon and the idea of having an Inspector General sounded like a good idea at the time. After all, the Inspector General was going to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. At least that is what taxpayers thought he was going to do.
In March of 2008 Harry Stokes sent around a memo to all department heads in City Hall describing the role of an Inspector General and what kinds of allegations fall under the jurisdiction of his office. Stokes was very detailed in his memo and from the outside looking in; the City of Mount Vernon appeared to be moving in the right direction.
Mount Vernon taxpayers had no idea that Stokes’ premeditated mission was to go after Comptroller Maureen Walker. His marching orders would come from none other than Mayor Clinton Young. In 2006 The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) released an audit stating that the City of Mount Vernon had overbilled the government in excess of $2million dollars. Mayor Young subsequently entered into an agreement to repay HUD approximately $1.7 million dollars. Mayor Young was boasting that he saved taxpayers $500,000 through superb negotiating skills.
Mayor Young must not have done very well in math class. Mount Vernon taxpayers ultimately would have to pay $1.7 million to the federal government because someone decided to stick their hands in the cookie jar. The payment to the federal government is approximately $43,000 per month. Where did Mayor Young get the idea that he was saving taxpayers $500,000? In the end Mount Vernon taxpayers are left holding the bag for someone else’s mismanagement of government funds.
The Inspector General’s first assignment should have been to investigate the troubled Urban Renewal Agency. Mount Vernon taxpayers deserved to know how over $2million is still unaccounted for. To this date, the Inspector General and Mayor Young have not publicly disclosed what internal controls have been put in place to prevent this from happening again, even The Mayor and the Inspector General held a press conference in April 2008 stating that this was the administration’s top priority. Mayor Young even stated that he was going to consult with the Corporation Counsel to what are the legal options for recouping the stolen loot.
Just a few months ago, The Journal News reported that over $12,000 was stolen via forged checks from the Urban Renewal Agency. It is quite obvious that Mayor Young has no intentions of finding out why government funds keep growing legs and walking out of the door of the Urban Renewal Agency.
There are only two viable solutions to correct the longstanding pattern of corruption plaguing City Hall. Dissolve the Urban Renewal Agency altogether or make permanent office space for the F.B.I. in City Hall.
GLOSSARY OF ALLEGATIONS REVIEWED/TRACKED
BY THE OFFICE OF THE INSPECTOR GENERAL (OIG)
In his memo, Stokes was so kind to include a glossary of allegations describing in detail what the OIG investigates. Stokes should have been extremely busy as Mayor Young’s administration falls under nearly every category of allegations named in Stokes memo.
Here are some of the allegations that the OIG investigates-
Abuse of Power- Mayor Young and Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger consistently and repeatedly abuse their power. Whether it is not providing documents to the public through simple Freedom of Information requests of the retaliatory firing of 1st Corporation Counsel Nichelle A. Johnson, Hottinger and Mayor Young should be investigated. Mayor Young and Stokes again are guilty of abuse of power. Stokes does not live adhere to residency requirements as mandated by The Mount Vernon City Charter.
Background Investigations- There is several Commissioners in City Hall that have criminal records and/or are convicted felons. There has been widespread speculation that DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton is a convicted felon and walks freely through City Hall with a gun on a daily basis. Horton stated on his employment application that he has been convicted of a crime. In he is indeed a felon, it is a violation of Federal law for a felon to posses any type of firearms whatsoever.
Bribery- There has been allegations that Mayor Young and former Councilmember’s have accepted bribes from Atlantic Development in order to gain approvals for a massive affordable housing complex they are seeking to build in The City of Mount Vernon. Atlantic Development is a Manhattan based development company that had their offices raided by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. The Daily News reported that Atlantic Development is being probed for bribing public officials and the hiring of undocumented workers. Kenneth Plummer a close friend and crony of Mayor Young, has been retained by Atlantic Development to lobby City and County officials to gain approvals for this project. Plummer’s firm Kensworth Consulting has received payments in excess of $20,000 for working on Mayor Young’s campaign.
Conflict of Interests- DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton has an application before the planning board seeking approval to construct a massive 42 unit tower on Franklin Avenue. Horton’s activity is strictly prohibited by the Mount Vernon City Charter.
Contract Fraud- Ralph Tedesco aided and abetted by newly appointed Water Commissioner Brian Bochow fraudulently prepared contracts that resulted in Rossignuolo Contracting being award over $65,000 in no-bid contracts. Rossignuolo Contracting is owned by Bochow’s brother in law. Tedesco falsely stated to City officials that these were emergency demolitions when in fact that was not the case.
Embezzlement- A few months back it was reported that over $12,000 in federal funds were stolen via forged checks from the Urban Renewal Agency. It has been alleged that Mayor Young’s signature stamp was used to commit this crime
Falsifying Official Documents- Former building commissioner Ralph Tedesco falsified several documents to obtain a certificate of occupancy for his personal residence located at 24-26 Devonia Avenue. Documents were also falsified by Tedesco in order for Rossignuolo contracting to get the award to demolish buildings in the City of Mount Vernon
Favoritism- The hiring of the Inspector General was solely based on friendship. Stokes previously worked for the law firm of Aiello and Cannick. Devereaux Cannick is a friend of Mayor Young and Chairman of the Democratic City Committee in Mount Vernon. Stokes conveniently left his employment with Aiello and Cannick off of his resume that he submitted to the Civil Service Commission.
Fraud- Fraud is running rampant in the City of Mount Vernon. From the buildings department to DPW to the Mayor’s office there is no shortage if fraud in City Hall.
Kickbacks- There has been allegations that Mayor Young and former Councilmember’s have received kickbacks from Atlantic Development in exchange for their blessing for the affordable housing complex they are seeking to build in downtown Mount Vernon.
Mismanagement- Mayor Young and many members of his administration as well as former council members repeatedly and consistently abused taxpayer monies. Approving $21M in bond spending and beautifying the sidewalks around Terrence Horton’s personal properties are just some examples of how Mayor Young and his cronies abuse taxpayer dollars
Misuse/Diversion of City Property- Last year, former Special Assistant to Mayor Young, John Boykin, crashed a City vehicle on a Sunday. It has not been determined if Boykin was on official business. The person involved in the accident is now pursuing legal action against the City of Mount Vernon. It has also been alleged that Chief of Staff Yolanda Robinson used her City issued vehicles for personal errands. Sources have told Mount Vernon Exposed that they have seen Yolanda Robinson’s vehicle during the holiday season at the Westchester Mall in White Plains.
Operational Issues- With the exception of the City Clerk, Assessor, and Comptrollers’ office virtually every city agency has operational issues thus having an adverse effect on operations.
Unethical Conduct- unethical conducts is systemically embedded into the culture of Mayor Young’s administration.
As duly noted, there is plenty for the Inspector General to do without engaging in a political witch hunt against Comptroller Maureen Walker. Mount Vernon Exposed commends the newly elected City Council members for their commitment to restoring trust to the public.
On Wednesday January 13, 2010 at the City Council meeting, a Mount Vernon resident brought it to the City Council’s attention the Councilman Steve Horton was in direct violation of Federal law. Councilman Steve Horton is allegedly in violation of The Hatch Act of 1939. The main provision of the Hatch Act is to prevent federal employees (civil servants) and certain state and local employees from engaging in partisan political activity. Mount Vernon City Council members referred the complaint of Horton's alleged illegal federal law violations to their legal counsel for appropriate action.
Councilman Steve Horton is the Executive Director of the New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, an agency that receives federal grants and funds from The Department of Housing and Urban Renewal. Steve Horton’s latest violation of the Hatch Act of 1939 was in 2007 when he was a running for re-election as councilperson in Mount Vernon. Horton was also the running mate of Mayor Clinton Young and Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger.
Councilman Horton apparently does not bother to read federal statutes or simply just doesn’t care. Horton’s alleged illegal political activities have gone unchallenged for such a long period of time that his nefarious behavior has trickled down to his younger brother Terrence. Terrence Horton is the embattled DPW Commissioner that has came under fire for splurging taxpayer funds beautifying sidewalks immediately surrounding his properties.
5 U.S.C § 1502 of The United States Code specifically states:
(a) A State or local officer or employee may not -
(1) use his official authority or influence for the purpose of interfering with or affecting the result of an election or a nomination for office;
(2) directly or indirectly coerce, attempt to coerce, command, or advise a State or local officer or employee to pay, lend, or contribute anything of value to a party, committee, organization, agency, or person for political purposes; or
(3) be a candidate for elective office.
A complaint has since been filed with The United States Office of Special Counsel to determine if Councilman Horton is indeed in violation of the Hatch Act of 1939. After investigating an alleged Hatch Act violation, OSC may seek disciplinary action against an employee before the Merit Systems Protection Board. When violations are not sufficiently egregious to warrant prosecution, OSC may issue a warning letter to the employee involved.
Steve Horton has violated Federal law on more than one occasion. Every time that he decided to run for City Council while still employed as Executive Director of The New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority, Horton was in violation of Federal law.
Mount Vernon Exposed has received notification that a formal complaint was filed with The United States Office of Special Counsel and that an attorney has been assigned to investigate the complaint.
If indeed it is determined that Councilman Horton has violated Federal law, the City of Mount Vernon could be put at a serious disadvantage as every bill and resolution voted on by Horton could be declared null and void especially if his vote was the deciding vote in those instances.
The hiring of Harry M. Stokes as Inspector General in The City of Mount Vernon has been met with controversy from the onset. The creation of the Office of Inspector General was not the problem. The person that was handpicked to become the Inspector General did not sit well with Mount Vernon taxpayers. The position of Inspector General is nothing new to The City of Mount Vernon. Former Mayor Ernest D. Davis had the position of Inspector General listed for years unfunded in the budget under Office of the Mayor.
Mount Vernon Exposed begins its investigative series into the Office of the Inspector General. The dots will be connected as well as answering who, what, when, where, and how Inspector General Harry Stokes rose to power. Harry Stokes has been on the city payroll for over 2 years and has only completed 2 investigative reports for public inspection. There is now legislation before the Mount Vernon City Council addressing the taxpayers concerns about this position. The proposed legislation calls for the removal of funding and possibly abolishing the Office of Inspector General all together. The Inspector General has not disclosed what internal controls that he has implemented tp prevent fraud, waste, and abuse since he was appointed to that position. Corruption is running rampant throughout the administration of Mayor Young.
Inspector General Stokes has only found the time to report on PILOT programs and so called abuse of authority in City Hall. Comptroller Maureen Walker was the focus of both of his one sided investigations. The hiring of Harry Stokes as the Inspector General in the City of Mount Vernon is viewed by taxpayers as monkeyshine. Harry Stokes immediately upon taking office decided to take orders from Mayor Young whom former Special Assistant to the Mayor John Boykin, DPW Commissioner Terrence Horton and other regularly refer to as “The Emperor”. His mission: To ruin comptroller Maureen Walker’s reputation so that she would be tainted in the community ultimately leading to a failed election bid. MISSION FAILED: Comptroller Walker was re-elected with over 70% of the vote in the Democratic primary against another handpicked Mayor Young crony, Marcus Griffith. Griffith has since been appointed to The City of Mount Vernon’s planning board. Stokes would then compile a report stating the Comptroller abused her authority by not issuing payments to the law firm of Wilson and Elser.
Judge Rory Bellantoni issued a decision that The Mount Vernon City Council did not properly retain the law firm to represent The City Council in an Article 78 proceeding against Ravi Batra. Subsequent to that, 1st Deputy Comptroller Thomas Rajala asked Corporation Counsel Loretta Hottinger for an advisory opinion on how to recoup the $39,000 that was illegally paid to the law firm of Wilson and Elser. Hottinger stated in her opinion that Judge Bellantoni “failed to understand clear principles of law” when he rendered his decision. It is bloodcurdling that Mayor Young and his minions in the Democratic Party are even thinking about putting Hottinger on the bench in the event that there becomes a vacancy in the Mount Vernon City Court System.
MULTIPLE EMPLOYEMENT APPLICATIONS ON FILE WITH
CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
Through the New York State Freedom of Information law, Mount Vernon Exposed has obtained multiple employment applications on file with the civil service commission. Initially, Harry Stokes applied for the Commissioner of Management Services, a position now occupied by Mayor Young’s sister Mary. That application was time stamped by the Civil Service Commission on January 7th, 2008 at 10:14 a.m.
On January 11th, 2008, Mayor Young sent a memo to City Council President Loretta Hottinger and her fellow council members requesting that a local law be enacted “establishing an Office of the Inspector General”. Mayor Young further stated that “this position will significantly contribute to a transparent, efficient government for the residents and business owners within the City.”
MAYOR YOUNG REQUESTS LEGISLATION ESTABLISHING OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL
Eager to get Harry Stokes onto the City of Mount Vernon payroll and to avoid additional scrutiny, Mayor Young recommended that Stokes apply for the Commissioner of Management Services position first. Next, all that needed to be done to move him over to the Inspector General position would be just erasing Commissioner of Management Services and inserting Inspector General on the application.
After the City Council approved Mayor Young’s legislation establishing the Office of the Inspector General, personnel in City Hall simply took white-out and erased Harry Stokes application and inserted the Inspector General position in its place. The new “Inspector General” application was time stamped January 30, 2008 at 9:26 a.m. Both applications are identical in nature except for the altering of position title.
There is a discrepancy about the qualifications adopted by the City Council and the qualifications sent to the City Council by Mayor Young. The resolution adopted by the City Council did not include the minimum qualifications were in the original letter sent to City Council members.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A college degree with ten (10) years experience in law enforcement/inspector general’s office, with a substantial background in conducting investigations/audits, preferably that correspond to the “TYPIAL WORK ACTIVITIES” of this position
-OR-
Attorney or CPA licensed to practice in the state of New York for 10 years, with a substantial background conducting investigations/audits, preferably that correspond to the “TYPICAL WORK ACTIVITIES” of this position.
Mayor Young’s handpicked Inspector General does not even meet the minimum requirements of this position. Mount Vernon Exposed has obtained the letters and other correspondence sent to members of the City Council. The resume provide to the City of Mount Vernon by Harry Stokes does not indicate that he has any investigative experience whatsoever.
ARTICLE VI-B3
Office of the Inspector General
(As added by L.L. No. 2008, No. 1)
§ 69. Office established; Inspector General.
There is hereby created an Office of the Inspector General. The head of the office
shall be an “Inspector General” who shall be appointed by the Mayor to hold office
until the end of the term of the mayor by whom he or she was appointed and until
his or her successor is appointed. The Inspector General shall receive an annual
salary to be fixed by the Board of Estimate and Contract. The Inspector General
may appoint a secretary, and shall appoint such other subordinates as may be
prescribed by the Board of Estate and Contact.
§ 69-a. Qualifications of the Inspector General.
The Inspector General shall be a person experienced in the investigation of 207-a
claims, 207-c claims, workers compensation claims, disability claims, sick leave
claims, pre-employment screening, medical investigations, and risk management
possess thorough knowledge of municipal government operations, principles and
practices of public administration, investigative techniques and procedures; and
possess the ability to conduct and oversee audit, develop and enforce internal
auditing controls, and keep confidential information received during the
performance of duties.
§ 69-b. Powers and duties of the Inspector General.
The Inspector General shall have the following powers and duties, which shall be
exercised and performed subject to the provisions of law:
(a) Receive and investigate complaints from any source, or upon his or her
own initiative, concerning allegations of corruption, fraud, criminal activity,
conflicts of interest or abuse in any covered agency;
(b) Inform the heads of departments and/or agencies of such allegations
and the progress of investigations related thereto, unless special circumstance
require confidentiality;
(c) Determine with respect to such allegation whether disciplinary action,
civil or criminal prosecution, or further investigation by an appropriate federal,
state or local agency is warranted, and to assist in such investigations;
(d) Prepare and provide the Mayor, Comptroller, and City Council,
simultaneously, written reports of such investigations, as appropriate and to the
extent permitted by law, subject to redaction to protect the confidentiality of
witnesses;
(e) Prepare and release to the public written reports of such investigations,
as appropriate and to the extent permitted by law, subject to redaction to protect
the confidentiality of witnesses;
(f) Review and examine periodically the policies and procedures of
departments and/or agencies with regard to the prevention and detection of
corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse;
(g) Recommend remedial action to prevent or eliminate corruption, fraud,
criminal activity, conflicts of interest or abuse in departments and/or respective
agencies;
(h) Establish programs for training City officers and employees regarding
the prevention and elimination of corruption, fraud, criminal activity, conflicts of
interest or abuse in departments and/or agencies;
(i) Subpoena and enforce the attendance of witnesses;
(j) Administer oaths or affirmations and examine witnesses under oath;
(k) Require the production of any books and papers deemed relevant or
material to any investigation, examination or review;
(l) Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, examine and copy or remove
documents or records of any kind prepared, maintained or held by any departments
and/or agency;
(m) Require any officer or employee in a covered agency to answer questions
concerning any matter related to the performance of his or her official duties;
(n) Monitor the implementation by departments and/or agencies of any
recommendations made by the Office of the Inspector General;
(o) Pe rform any other functions that are necessary or appropriate to fulfill
the duties and responsibilities of office.
§ 69-c. Responsibilities of agencies, municipal officers and employees.
(a) Every agency, municipal officer or employer shall promptly report to the
Inspector General any information concerning corruption, fraud, criminal activity,
conflicts of interest or abuse by another municipal officer or employee relating to his
or her office or employment, or by a person having business dealings with a covered
agency relating to those dealings.
(b) The knowing failure of any officer or employee to so report, or refuse to
answer questions, may be cause for removal from office or employment or other
appropriate penalty.
(c) Any officer or employee who acts pursuant to this subdivision by
reporting to the Inspector General improper governmental action as defined in §
– 39 –
75(b) of the Civil Service Law shall not be subject to dismissal, discipline or other
adverse personnel action.
(d) The head of any agency shall advise the Mayor within ninety days (90)
of the issuance of a report by the inspector general as to the remedial action that
the departments and/or agency has taken in response to any recommendation for
such action contained in such report.
During our investigation Mount Vernon Exposed has uncovered voter disenfranchisement within the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee (MVDCC). Elections and candidates are pre-determined and voters are left to select from the hand-picked candidates endorsed by the embattled MVDCC.
This process of voter disenfranchisement is only made possible by appointing district leaders to the most heavily weighted election districts and by political appointments to taxpayer funded jobs. District leaders, fearing loss of their high paying, taxpayer funded jobs, essentially do what they are told to do. These rogue district leaders know no bounderies or limits, for their only loyalty only lies with the person that hired them for their position. Many of these district leaders appointed to these political positions, lack the basic skills and education requirements for these positions.
The investigation uncovered 38 MVDCC district leaders that currently serve as elected officials, appointed commissioners or hold various other appointed positions throughout the City of Mount Vernon. By having district leaders serve as in government in these positions, the quality of life decreases dramatically for all Mount Vernon citizens. Our investigation has discovered that district leaders put the self-serving interests of politicians ahead of public service and the constituants they were elected to represent. Mount Vernon Firefighters even serve as district leaders even though they are forbidden by doing so according to the Mount Vernon City Charter.
Article X-A of the Mount Vernon City Charter
§ 127-h. Political activity prohibited.
No officer or member of the Fire Department shall be a member of or delegate to
any political convention, nor shall he be present at such convention except in the
performance of duty relating to his position as such officer or member. He shall not
solicit any person to vote at any political primary or election, nor challenge, nor in
any manner attempt to influence any voter thereat. He shall not be a member of
any political committee. Any officer or member violating any provision of this
section shall be dismissed from office. (As added by L.L. 1928, No. 1)
During one observation, district leader and former City of Mount Vernon Building Commissioner Ralph Tedesco, routinely issued building permits and reviewed architectural plans 85% quicker for persons and businesses that donated to and were allies of the MVDCC. Persons and businesses that were not part of the status quo, experienced extensive delays which resulted in lost revenue, damaged reputations, and increased carrying costs. It is alleged that the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee is more than 10 months behind in their $950.00 in rent for occupying some over 2000 square feet of office space at 1 Park Avenue in Mount Vernon. The landlord of this location is assessed $40,000 lower than he is supposed to be paying in property taxes. It is unclear if the relationship between the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee has anything to do with him receiving preferential treatment.
The current system used by the MVDCC is not democratic at all. It resembles the communistic system used in North Korea and Cuba. One party rule has hurt the political landscape of Mount Vernon. At the present moment all commissioners, elected officials, and appointed officials are registered Democrats. It is essential that a multi party system exist in Mount Vernon.
Utilizing and continuing the current one party system in Mount Vernon will ultimately lead to the demise of this great city. The district leaders that currently enjoy the perks of their appointed positions stroll through life with a sense of entitlement. The party leaders and elected officials operate the City of Mount Vernon as if it were a private corporation.
DISTRICT LEADER
DISTRICT
TAYPAYER FUNDED POSITION
Clinton I. Young Jr.
45
Mayor
Mary L. Young
64
Commissioner Management Services
Loretta J. Hottinger
40
Corporation Counsel
Jennifer Coker-Wiggins
43
Deputy Commissioner
Human Resources
Brian Bochow Jr.
34
Commissioner Department of Water
Henry Miller
24
Deputy Chief of Staff
Raquel Ledesma
25
Administrative Assistant
William Holmes Jr.
58
Planning Board
Jonathan Logan
72
1st Deputy Commissioner Planning
Deborah M. Norman
69
2nd Deputy Commissioner Planning
Marcus Griffith
61
Planning Board Member
Karan Watts
8
City Council
Steve Horton
5
City Council
Diane Munro Morris
54
City Council
Micheal Justino
39
Planning Board Member
Yuhanna Edwards
8
City Council
Antoine Lowe
26
Director of Civil Defense
Ruby Lohse
24
Executive Secretary
Kenneth McCallister
76
Firefighter
Maureen Walker
3
Comptroller
Thomas Rajala
62
1st Deputy Comptroller
Sylvia Reid
59
Executive Secretary
Brian G. Johnson
49
3rd Assistant Corporation Counsel
Ulyssess Bullock
42
Zoning Board of Appeals
Collie N. Edwars
35
Commissioner Civil Service
Curtis Woods
35
Deputy Commissioner DPW
Theresa Reid
29
Empire Zone Coordinator
Henry G. Thomas
26
Firefighter
Stephanie Vanderpool
20
Assistant Commissioner Assessment
George W. Brown
18
City Clerk
Louis Ellis
16
Recreation
Beretha Elkins
14
Copy Coordinator
Marleen Y. Dandridge
13
Joan Horton
5
Recreation
Danielle Williams
2
Planning
Melinda Williamson
25
Bethany Elkins
11
Special Assistant to Mayor
Arnold Keith Jr
54
Commissioner Civil Service
Conflicts of Interests
There are several conflicts of interests that we uncovered during our investigation that would taint the election process in Mount Vernon. The system currently utilized by the MVDCC is designed to evade public scrutiny. All of the members on the Executive Committee at the time of their appointment were in some shape of form affliated to Mayor Young. By appointing these set of members the system was designed not to taken over in a coup and top party bosses could not be voted out. Many members of the Executive Committee have since had a falling out with Mayor Young and the debatched power structure at the MVDCC. However, those members who went against the grain do not have enough votes to overthrow the current leadership.
Stacking/Multiple Family Members are District Leaders
There is a systematic pattern of district leaders to list their entire household as district leaders in order to control more of a weighted vote and to control their family members proxies in their absence. In our opinion this practice is illegal and disenfranchises voters of those election districts (Fleetwood) where this activity is taking place.
·2nd Vice-Chairman MVDCC-Ronald Detres-Entire Household are district leaders
R Ronald Detres-2nd Vice Chairman-MVDCC-District#47
Loretta Hottinger-Current City of Mount Vernon Corporation Counsel-District #40
Russell A. Detres-District #46
Katherine Detres-District #48
Note: Russell Detres and Katherine Detres did not carry Democratic nominating petitions for the calendar year 2009 and hardly ever attend monthly meeting at MVDCC Headquarters. Mount Vernon Exposed recommends further investigation into the Detres/Hottinger household as we have received intelligence that Detres’ daughter was married and may not be residing at the address anymore. Furthermore, only 2nd Vice-Chairman Ronald Detres resides in the district that he is assigned to.
·The Justino Household
Micheal Justino- close pal of 2nd Vice Chairman Ronald Detres and husband of FormerCouncilwoman Eileen Justino- District #39
Danielle Justino-District #27
Note: Danielle Justino is hardly ever present at monthly MVDCC meetings and did not carry Democratic nominating petitions in 2009. After her mom, Eileen Justino was dropped from the Democratic Primary, Danielle Justino did carry nomination petitions for the newly created “One Mount Vernon Line”
