Democracy In Albany

DIA is correct: Most vacant buildings in Albany are in private hands.

Re the "hiding" of programs, the city certainly doesn't advertise the big tax exemptions you can get for rehabbing a vacant building in a historic district.

TerryONeillEsq@aol.com
www.constantine-institute.org

                                    25 September 2007

Sean Patrick Maloney, Esq.
First Deputy Secretary to the Governor
Executive Chamber
State Capitol
Albany, New York 12224

Dear Mr. Maloney:

    I watched your interview with Channel 9 here in the Capital District last Friday evening with interest.  The many kind things you had to say about our first-term District Attorney David Soares were most gratifying to hear.  As an Albany County voter who both campaigned for Mr. Soares and served on his signature community prosecution initiative the Community Accountability Board, I appreciate the Spitzer administration's vote of confidence in my choice.  I'm sure I speak for many other Albany County voters.

    Doubtless because of the positive result of Mr. Soares' recently concluded review of the circumstances surrounding the so-called "Troopergate" affair, the governor's administration has a much invigorated appreciation for our talented and upcoming prosecutor.  I'd invite the governor to recognize the voters of Albany County who elected Mr. Soares and have encouraged him to use the resources we as taxpayers have provided his office to take on responsibilities that arise out of his jurisdiction over state government to a heretofore unprecedented extent.

    I would, however, haste to remind the governor that we elected Mr. Soares on a very specific platform.  He promised us that he would devote himself to achieving reform of the Rockefeller drug laws (RDL) that have had such a devastating impact on the wellbeing of those of our neighbors who live in our most distressed neighborhoods.  I've seen no evidence that Governor Spitzer has made this reform a priority.  Mr. Soares himself ran into trouble a year ago last May when he gave an impassioned and truthful speech about the war on drugs in Vancouver, British Columbia.  His words resulted in a firestorm of criticism from the law enforcement interests that have so vested an interest in the status quo.  He endured that criticism alone and without the support of Governor Spitzer or any other prominent Democrat for that matter.

    In reaching the conclusions set forth in his report on the "Troopergate" affair, Mr. Soares faithfully acquitted himself of the duties and obligations of his office.  It would be improper to suggest that the governor show any particular favor to him for so doing.  But as to the voters of Albany County, I think it would be more than appropriate for the governor to be mindful of the objective that we had in putting Mr. Soares into office.  It would be easy enough for the governor to demonstrate his appreciation to us by helping us achieve reform of the drug laws.

    Earlier this year, I had occasion to work with Mr. Soares on developing two specific proposals that would constitute a highly intelligent and responsible effort to lay the groundwork for RDL reform.  He wants to do two things.  The first is to involve returning prison inmates -- most of whom are RDL offenders -- in an urban renewal effort focusing on abandoned housing in our distressed neighborhoods.  The second is the creation of a time banking program that would give inner city young people an alternative to getting involved in drug trafficking and gang activity.  Mr. Soares and I shopped these ideas around and could find no government or philanthropic funding source for them.

    Governor Spitzer would be doing everyone a great favor by providing Mr. Soares with the resources he needs to implement these inspired ideas.  They have positive implications for all crime-plagued communities in New York and would help make the case for true and effective reform of our drug abuse control policy.  

    I would be delighted to have the opportunity to confer with a representative of the governor's administration to elaborate on the particulars of Mr. Soares' proposals.

    Thank you for your consideration.

                                Yours truly,

1) Just how many of the people involved in "Troopergate" did Mr Soares put under oath and question.

My understanding is that the number is
-0-.  Am I correct that he has simply not bothered to actually investigate this and has taken the "See no evil" approach in his investigation.  Is this an example of the "public integrety" that he promised all of the voters who elected him.

I also am looking forward to his vigerous investigation of the criminal complaints that he has already recieved regarding forgeries and intimidation in the Wanda Willingham campaign as well as the other complaint in other legislative district where 603's are missing and voter machine under counts.  

Does anyone want to bet how "vigerous" this will be investigated.