CITY COUNCIL MEETING

There is a City Council meeting scheduled for tonight Thursday February 11th, 2010. The hot topic of discussion will be the elimination of the Inspector General's office.

The position of the Inspector General has been met with controversy from the onset. Speak up and have your voices heard in support of the elimination of Mayor Young's henchmen.

Mount Vernon fire union seeks ouster of fire chief

Mount Vernon fire union seeks ouster of fire chief

Posted using ShareThis

UPDATE: COUNCILMAN STEVEN HORTON REPEATEDLY VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW #3

MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCILMAN STEVEN HORTON

On Wednesday January 13^th, 2010 at the City Council meeting Mount Vernon City Councilman was put on notice that he may be in violation of federal law, specifically the Hatch Act of 1939.  Horton responded by stating that he has been a Councilman for close to 15 years and that he is not in violation of any law.  Horton spoke in an arrogant, cocky tone as he addressed the Mount Vernon resident that brought this matter to the attention of Mount Vernon City Council members.  By the tone of Horton’s voice it appeared that he had no care in the world and this matter would be swept under the rug. 

On Thursday January 28^th, 2010 the Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee held their monthly meeting.  Chairman Devereux Cannick allowed Mr. Horton to address the room filled with district leaders.  At first, district leaders thought Horton was going to brief the audience about the state of Mount Vernon and other matters of public concern.  That was not the case. 

Horton took the time to address district leaders about the complaint that was filed against him for his possible violation of The Hatch of 1939.  The Hatch Act restricts the political activity of individuals principally employed by state or local executive agencies and who work in connection with programs financed in whole or in part by federal loans or grants.

There was a difference in Horton’s tone as he addressed district leaders.  He appeared to be nervous, scared, and confused.  He was very humble this time around.  Horton realized that the complaint filed against him with The United States Office of Special Counsel was real and that his political career is now in serious jeopardy.  Horton stated that the complaint in now in the hands of the City of Mount Vernon Law Department, however the Law Department has no jurisdiction whatsoever over Hatch Act complaints and/or violations.  Prohibitions of the Hatch Act are not affected by state or local laws.

Horton seemed confused as to why now that his alleged violation of the Hatch Act is now coming to light.  Horton stated that he has been Executive Director of The New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority for 20 years and a Mount Vernon Councilman for 14 years.  Horton stated any questions of impropriety should have been addressed long before now. 

Many critics disagree.  Many Mount Vernon residents that were interviewed by Mount Vernon Exposed ®™did not even know what the Hatch Act was until informed by Mount Vernon Exposed. ®™  “Just because he got away with it [possible violation of Hatch Act] for so long, doesn’t mean he[Councilman Horton]  didn’t break the law, said one resident who spoke on the condition of anonymity. 

On February 2^nd, Horton held a press conference in New Rochelle boasting about $1Million dollars that was secured via federal stimulus funds for The New Rochelle Municipal Housing Authority.  Highlights of the press conference appeared on News 12 Westchester and an article was printed in The Journal News the following day.  The United States Office of Special Counsel, the federal agency investigating the complaint against Horton, was also notified. 

Regardless of the outcome of Horton’s situation, there will always be unanswered questions.  Residents expressed their frustration and anger to Mount Vernon Exposed®™, when they saw Horton on News 12 announcing the $1Million award from the federal government.  One resident asked, “How can he get on TV and brag about all of the nice things that he is doing in New Rochelle, when he is an elected official in Mount Vernon?”  

New Rochelle Public Housing Gets $1 Million From Feds

CHIEF OF STAFF SEEKS $30K PAY HIKE; FAILS TO COMPLY WITH MOUNT VERNON IDA MANDATES

SPECIAL INVESTIGATIVE REPORT

CHIEF OF STAFF YOLANDA ROBINSON

MAYOR CLINTON I. YOUNG JR

On Wednesday January 27^th, 2010 The Mount Vernon City Council held their 2^nd bi-weekly meeting for the month of January.  Mount Vernon Democratic District leader Joseph Pombo urged Mount Vernon lawmakers to stop wasteful spending.  Pombo stated that he has been a resident of Mount Vernon for over 20 years and during this time his property taxes have gone up significantly.  Pombo further insisted that lawmakers institute a hiring freeze.  Many municipalities throughout Westchester County and even throughout the nation have taken this route to reduce the size of government to provide tax relief to homeowners.

Pombo must have been talking about Mayor Young’s Chief of Staff Yolanda Robinson when he asked the Mount Vernon City Council to stop wasteful spending.  On Friday, January 29^th, 2010, The Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency approved the transfer of $30,000 annually for the salary of the Chief of Staff to supervise and coordinate all economic development activities for the City of Mount Vernon. 

Yolanda Robinson was hired as Chief of Staff in 2008.  The amount that was approved in the budget for Robinson’s salary at the time that she was hired was $77,250.   In a Journal News article on August 15, 2008, Mayor Young said he agreed to hire Yolanda Robinson at a salary of $107,000.  How can Mayor Young agree to hire Robinson at a salary of $107,000 if only $77,250 was budgeted?  Mayor Young then went on to state that he learned that the revenue needed to increase Robinson’s salary came from The Urban Renewal Agency. 

Robinson $30K annual raise has been met with controversy in the last.  In 2008, Mayor Young had signed a check to issue payment to Robinson even though she was appointed to the IDA as a voting member.  Comptroller Maureen Walker refused to sign the payment because voting members are not entitled to compensation. 


Chief of Staff Yolanda Robinson Wants $30k Raise

ROBINSON’S SALARY NOT BUDGETED CORRECTLY IN ANNUAL ESTIMATE

Mount Vernon taxpayers are outraged that a portion of Robinson’s salary comes from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency.  Funds from the IDA are earmarked for economic development.  Robinson stated publicly in The Journal News on August 15^th, 2008 that going forward her salary would be budgeted correctly and that her salary would be included under one budget line. 

Two years later, Robinson’s salary is not budgeted correctly and is still not under one budget line item.  Mayor Young and Robinson stated on several occasions that the reason Robinson is compensated from IDA funds is because Young’ s predecessor Ernie Davis’ Chief of Staff was compensated that way.  Mayor Young and Yolanda Robinson conveniently left out that Davis’ Chief of Staff was an attorney that drafted legal documents and provided legal advice to the Mayor and fellow Board members.  Robinson is not licensed to practice law. 

JOB DESCRIPTION AND DUTIES

Yolanda Robinson’s job duties that would earn her an additional $30K would be to supervise and coordinate all economic development activities for the City of Mount Vernon.  She would also be responsible for creating a new IDA brochure.  Mount Vernon Exposed has yet to find one person that has been issued or has even reviewed this brochure.  Robinson would also be responsible for writing press releases, prepare speeches, and draft correspondence for the IDA and the Urban Renewal Agency.

POOR ATTENDENCE RECORD AT IDA MEETINGS

Mount Vernon Exposed recently reviewed all IDA meeting minutes for 2008 and 2009 to get a better understanding of what Yolanda Robinson does for the IDA.  For starters, Yolanda Robinson has a problem with attending meetings.  In 2008, Mount Vernon Exposed could find just two meeting minutes that confirmed Yolanda Robinson’s attendance at their monthly meetings.  In 2009, Mount Vernon Exposed could only find three meeting minutes that listed Robinson in attendance.  However, Mount Vernon Exposed found a handful of meeting minutes that listed John Boykin, the foul mouthed punk and former Special Assistant to Mayor Young, as being in attendance. 

The January 23, 2009 special meeting for the IDA meeting minutes was amended to remove Helen Blackwood, Yolanda Robinson, and John Boykin as attendees.  Mount Vernon Exposed could find no explanation as to why these individuals were removed from the meeting minutes as attendees.  Coincidently, a resolution approving Robinson’s $30,000 transfer from the IDA to increase her salary was voted on and approved at this meeting.

YOLANDA ROBINSON VIOLATES HER CONTRACT WITH IDA

The resolutions that were approved by the IDA Board and the City Council required Robinson to issue quarterly reports to the City and the IDA regarding said economic development activities.  Mount Vernon Exposed could find no reports from Yolanda Robinson to the IDA for calendar year 2008 and Mount Vernon Exposed was only provided with two reports for calendar year 2009. 

Mount Vernon Exposed took a close look at the two reports dated June 1^st, 2009 and December 31^st, 2009 respectively.  The two reports appear to identical in nature except for a few minor changes.  A few of the projects that Mount Vernon taxpayers have paid Yolanda Robinson $60,000 for are as follows:

CHIEF OF STAFF YOLANDA ROBINSON FILES REPORTS WITH MOUNT VERNON IDA

(IN YOLANDA ROBINSON’S OWN WORDS)

June 1^st, 2009 IDA Report

·         On January 7^th, 2009 attended Governor Paterson’s State of the State address.   (What was the outcome of Robinson’s attendance at the State of the State address?  What did she accomplish?  How much did this trip cost Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         On January 22, 2009 attended WESTCHESTER COUNTY ASSOCIATION BREAKFAST WITH ANDY SPANO. Discussed the possibility of a tour of the Greyston bakery in Yonkers and future partnerships. (Why are Mount Vernon taxpayers paying Robinson to attend a breakfast with Andy Spano?  How will a tour of the Greyston Bakery in Yonkers benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?  Is Greyston Bakery looking to relocate Mount Vernon?  Was the tour of Greyston Bakery ever organized? Is Grayson Bakery looking to hire Mount Vernon youth and/or residents?)

·         Attended NYCOM conference in Albany on Monday, February 23^rd, 2009.  There, I spoke to Governor Patterson briefly and State Senator Ruth Hassell-Thompson regarding the status of economic development and state appropriations for Mount Vernon.  I attended the following NYCOM sessions: Federal Stimulus Money for Governments and The State Economic Development in New York. (Why did Robinson need to drive all the way up to Albany to speak briefly with Governor Patterson and Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson?  Isn’t Ruth Hassel-Thompson elected to serve the citizens of Mount Vernon? Doesn’t she owe it to Mount Vernon taxpayers to discuss state appropriations?  How much did this trip cost Mount Vernon taxpayers?  Couldn’t a phone call, letter, or e-mail sufficed? How much Federal Stimulus money did Mount Vernon receive?)

·         Commissioner Jeff Williams and I have met with members of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce of Commerce board to discuss shared resources and programs: (What resources can the City of Mount Vernon and the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce quite possibly share? Is the sharing of these resources going to benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         Attended public hearings and facilitated Request for Proposals and Legislation for Memorial Field Project. (What public hearings for Memorial Field project?  When were they held?)

·         I have been working with Commissioner Jeff Williams and IDA Executive Director Carmen Sylvester on a new IDA Brochure. (Is the brochure complete?  Is the IDA brochure on the City of Mount Vernon’s website- www.cmvny.com ?)

·         Organized and facilitated the Westchester Municipal Officials meeting in Mount Vernon March 12^th, 2009.  I continue to work with the organization to promote shared resources and business development.  (What was the outcome of this meeting?  How did this meeting benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         March 13^th, 2009, I attended the New York State Legislative Breakfast in Tarrytown.  Discussed upcoming stimulus funding and economic development projects with Governor Paterson’s Regional Representative Richard Thomas. (What did Robinson accomplish by attending this meeting? What stimulus funding and economic development projects are slated for Mount Vernon?  How did this meeting benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         Facilitated meeting with Consolidated Edison to discuss future business projects in the City. (How does Con Edison doing business in the City of Mount Vernon benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?  Did Con Edison make a committment to hire Mount Vernon youth/residents?)

·         Participated in negotiations with Atlantic-Kenwood Development to develop a mixed use project on Gramatan Avenue in Mount Vernon. (What was negotiated at this meeting?   How does this meeting benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers? Did Atlantic Development offer Robinson a bribe or other incentive in exchange for promising to lobby City Officials for a favorable vote on this project?)

·         Spearheaded a committee to host Mount Vernon’s first Business Expo in September 2009.  We have prepared and sent out sponsorship letters and save the date cards.  This is an on-going project with the Chamber of Commerce. (Were funds appropriated for this project in the 2009 budget?  How much did this Expo cost Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         I met Senator Gillibrand and her staff regarding stimulus/economic development packages for Mount Vernon.  As a result of our discussions, Senators Gillibrand and Chuck Schumer have proposed one million dollars for The City of Mount Vernon to establish an EOC. (What was the outcome of this meeting?  Did Mount Vernon ever received the proposed one million dollars or was this just hype because both Gillibrand and Schumer are up for re-election this year)

December 31^st, 2009 IDA Report

·         Frank Fraley of the Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce on November 6^th to discuss shared resources and programs: (Didn’t Robinson list this item in her June 1^st, 2009 report to the IDA?  What was accomplished at this meeting and what shared resource initiatives have been put in place since the last IDA report of June 2009?)

·         Attend Memorial Field planning meeting public hearings and facilitated Request for Proposals and legislation for Memorial Field Project. (Didn’t Robinson list this item in her June 1^st, 2009 report to the IDA?)

·         Attend regular Mount Vernon Chamber of Commerce and Fleetwood business meetings. (What was accomplished at these meetings?  Did you attend any business meetings on the South Side of Mount Vernon?  How did these meeting benefit Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

·         Organized Mount Vernon Coalition press conferences and Town Hall meeting at Dole Center on September 9^th, 2009.  (Is the Mount Vernon hospital closing?  What was accomplished at the Town Hall meeting?)

·         I have been working with Commissioner Jeffrey Williams and IDA Executive Director Carmen Sylvester on a new IDA brochure. (Didn’t Robinson list this item in her June 1^st, 2009 report to the IDA?  How long does it take to design a new brochure for the IDA?

·         Spearheaded a committee to host Mount Vernon’s first Business Expo in September 2009.  We have prepared and sent out sponsorship letters and save the date cards.  This is an on-going project with the Chamber of Commerce (Didn’t Robinson list this item in her June 1^st, 2009 report to the IDA?

·         March 13^th, 2009, I attended the NYCOM Legislative Priority setting breakfast in Albany.  Discussed upcoming stimulus funding and economic development projects with Governor Patterson’s regional representative Richard Thomas.  (Robinson stated in her June 1^st, 2009 report to the IDA that she attended New York State Legislative Breakfast in Tarrytown and met with Richard Thomas.  How can Robinson be in two places at the same time?  Does Robinson possess special superhero powers?  Did Mount Vernon taxpayers pay for Robinson to take a private jet to Albany?)

·         November 9^th, 2009 I accepted NYCOM’s invitation to participate in a round table discussion to develop business and government legislative priorities in Albany.  Also, attended Governor Paterson’s Joint Session on in Albany (Couldn’t this have been accomplished with a conference call, e-mail, or video-conferencing?  How much did this trip cost Mount Vernon taxpayers?)

FINDINGS OF FACT

Yolanda Robinson was hired by Mayor Young as Chief of Staff.  Robinson was not hired to supervise all economic development activities for The City of Mount Vernon.  If this is the vision that Mayor Young had for Robinson, then Robinson should have been hired as the Planning Commissioner.
 

Mount Vernon taxpayers should not have to pay for Mayor Young’s shortcomings and failing to review the budget prior to the hiring of Robinson.
 

Yolanda Robinson attendance was extremely poor at IDA meeting in 2008 and 2009.  Robinson’s reports to the IDA are incomplete and duplicative.  The reports as submitted, does not go into detail about the projects that were undertaken in 2008 and 2009.  If Robinson was to suddenly quit or take a leave of absence, it would be impossible to know what Robinson was working on.  Robinson has repeatedly not adhered to the terms of the resolutions that were approved by the IDA and The Mount Vernon City Council.  Mount Vernon Exposed could not find any reports submitted by Robinson to the IDA in 2008 and Robinson only submitted two reports in 2009.  The resolution that was approved by the IDA requires that Robinson submit a report to the IDA quarterly. 

Yolanda Robinson has spent a substantial amount of time in Albany.  Such trips are very costly for Mount Vernon taxpayers.  Mount Vernon taxpayers would have been served better if Robinson would have reached out to Mount Vernon’s elected officials that are currently serving in Albany. 

In closing, Robinson is abusing her authority as Chief of Staff and has not provided a substantial and legitimate reason as to why Mount Vernon taxpayers should continue to supplement her income with $30,000 from the Mount Vernon Industrial Development Agency.  It is hereby recommended and in the best interest of Mount Vernon taxpayers that the Mount Vernon City Council denies any and all resolutions for Yolanda Robinson that may be presented before such body for approval.  

EMBATTLED DEVELOPER UNDER CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION BY MANHATTAN DISTRICT ATTORNEY'S OFFICE TO APPEAR BEFORE PLANNING BOARD; MAYOR YOUNG PAL BECOMES EXTREMELY BELLIGERENT

KENNETH PLUMMER OF KENSWORTH CONSULTING

JAMES (JAMIE) DICKERSON OWNER OF RESOLUTION TRUST REALTY

CLOSE PAL OF MAYOR CLINTON YOUNG

INVESTIGATORS AS THEY LEAVE THE OFFICES OF ATLANTIC DEVELOPMENT

Atlantic Development, the embattled developer that had their offices raided by the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office in April 2009, is scheduled to appear before the Mount Vernon Planning Board on Wednesday, February 3, 2010.  The meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. in City Council chambers.

On Tuesday, February 02, 2010, Mount Vernon Exposed®™ crossed paths with another Mayor Young crony working with Atlantic Development “to provide direction in order to gain approvals” for the controversial massive low income complex they are seeking to build in downtown Mount Vernon.

James Dickerson, owner of the real estate firm Resolution Realty, became extremely belligerent and verbally abusive when he found out that Mount Vernon Exposed®™ was in City Hall gathering documentation about the proposed development. Dickerson yelled out “Fucking Faggot” when he spotted the reporter from Mount Vernon Exposed®™.   Dickerson, an extremely close pal of Mayor Clinton Young, has become violent on several occasions, even threatening bodily harm against those that oppose the administration of Mayor Young.  On one occasion Dickerson was observed attacking a citizen in the courthouse in Mount Vernon.  Subsequently, a police report was filed against Dickerson.

Westchester District Attorney Janet DiFiore instructed her Branch Chief in Mount Vernon, Patrick Macarchuk, not to pursue any criminal charges against Dickerson, even though Yolanda Robinson, Mayor Young’s chief of staff, witnessed a portion of the incident and gave a statement to Mount Vernon detectives stating the same. DiFiore did not want to upset the powers that be in Mount Vernon.  The Mount Vernon Democratic City Committee lead by Devereaux Cannick endorsed DiFiore in her re-election bid for Westchester County District Attorney. 

Planning Board Agenda

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER OF MOUNT VERNON EXPOSED

We regret to inform our readers that there is someone perpetrating to be Mount Vernon Exposed®™.  Several of our loyal readers have brought it to our attention at Mount Vernon Exposed that they have received an email from someone representing that they are Mount Vernon Exposed.  The suspect email address that was used to circulate this false information was mvexposed@gmail.com.  The genuine email address for Mount Vernon Exposed is mountvernonexposed@gmail.com.

While we are flattered that we have inspired individuals to follow in our footsteps, we take acts of copyright infringement very seriously.  An investigation is currently under way to bring the perpetrator(s) to justice.  We will pursue this matter to the fullest extent of the law.

All articles that are genuinely published by Mount Vernon Exposed®™ are published to our website at www.mountvernonexposed.blogspot.com.  

We did review a copy of the email that was circulated and the information presented therein was 100% false.  We will address the false and misleading email in a follow up article.  Mount Vernon Exposed®™ will continue to provide our readers with accurate and reliable information.

Sincerely,

Samuel L. Rivers

Publisher /Mount Vernon Exposed®™

FALSE E:MAIL THAT WAS SENT

Original Message-----
From: MV Exposed
Sent: Tue, Feb 2, 2010 4:36 pm
Subject: Mount Vernon City Council acts in the dark - yet again

Fellow Mount Vernonites, it has just been told to MV Exposed that the Mount Vernon City Council, led by its President Yuhanna Edwards, has held yet another special meeting with no public notice. This meeting is supposed to have happened late yesterday afternoon. These sunlight hating elected representatives didn't even have the decency to hold the meeting at the usual 7:00pm time. Instead, they held it at 5:30pm - a time when most are traveling home from work and unable to attend.

It seems that all of that campaign pillow talk about transparency was all a load of you know what. In their very first month, they now have held two secret special meetings, both of which have had zero public notice. Just what is it that they are trying to hide?

It is time for the antics to cease. Stop with the window dressing and get onto the people's business. Maureen's puppets made a big deal out of extending public comments to four minutes from three. However, 95% of the speakers never had a problem staying under three minutes. In the meantime, the more important issue of transparency is out the window with these in the dark "special" meetings.

Also important to note: there are five members of the City Council, however, having a four person stranglehold on the council isn't enough for the four blind mice. It seems as if they are trying to run Councilman Steven Horton out of the council so that they can appoint a fifth member. Just which crony is it that they are trying to add to their power base?

So let's sum up the council's actions so far this year.

• One special meeting called on less than 24 hours notice to raise the salary of a part time entry-level legislative aide position from $35,000 to $85,000/year - all so that they could add crony Nichelle Johnson to the payroll. Question, on top of her $85,000 part-time salary, is Ms. Johnson also practicing law at a certain Mount Vernon law firm?

• A second special meeting at 5:30pm with no public notice. Still trying to find out the dirt that they were trying to do on that one

• A behind closed doors attempt to eliminate the Office of the Inspector General. An office that has saved Mount Vernon taxpayers millions of dollars in fines and penalties, fought for restitution from those who have stolen from the taxpayers, and has created oversight in a city that has reeled in the face of three high profile corruption cases that occurred during the Ernie Davis era. Maureen Walker's fingerprints are all over this one.

• They have bellied up to the feeding trough with career criminal Scam Rivers, a detestable slug if there ever was one.

• In coordination with Maureen Walker, they have tried to create a brand new $52,000/year job for a Secretary in their office. The crony chosen for this position was to have served as secretary to the $85,000 part-time Legislative Aide.

Mount Vernon, this is your new City Council. Help shine a light on their antics by forwarding this email to those who have a stake in our future.

UPDATE: COUNCILMAN STEVEN HORTON REPEATEDLY VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW

Mount Vernon City Councilman Steven Horton

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.

Peta-Gay Irving Brown

Attorney, Hatch Act Unit

U.S. Office of Special Counsel

San Francisco Bay Area Field Office

510.637.3464 x5226 (voice)

510.637.3474 (fax)

WAIT JUST ONE MINUTE MR. INSPECTOR GENERAL; WHAT ART THOU TRYETH TO GETTETH AWAYETH WITH? VOLUME#2

'

EMBATTLED INSPECTOR GENERAL HARRY STOKES

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.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL PRESENTATION TO DEPARTMENT HEADS

COUNCILMAN STEVEN HORTON REPEATEDLY VIOLATED FEDERAL LAW; COMPLAINT FILED WITH UNITED STATES OFFICE OF SPECIAL COUNSEL

MOUNT VERNON CITY COUNCILMAN STEVEN HORTON

SPECIAL REPORT

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. 

Hatch Act Presentation

WAIT JUST ONE MINUTE MR. INSPECTOR GENERAL; WHAT ART THOU TRYETH TO GETTETH AWAYETH WITH? VOLUME#1

Embattled Inspector General Harry M. Stokes

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.

INSPECTOR GENERAL HARRY STOKES DUBIOUS EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION

QUALIFICATIONS OF INSPECTOR GENERAL

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.

4 Years, $2 Million, And No Answers