New York's Political Crime Wave Blamed on New Jersey

What do all these corrupt New York politicians have in common? They're all Democrats, of course. So rather than take ownership of these lowlifes, New York Daily News columnist Michael Daly loses control of his sense and blames their action on New York's proximity to New Jersey.

Sure, that makes perfect sense.

In times past, we could gaze across the Hudson River and give thanks that it separated us from the cesspool of corruption known as the State of New Jersey.

Lately, the bridges and tunnels span two realms that no longer seem so different.

Every day seems to bring word of some new investigation into yet another New York official.

Bernard Kerik came from New Jersey, but we made him the NYPD commissioner and even named a jail after him before he pleaded guilty to eight felonies.

New Yorkers convicted of corruption include former state Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, former state Controller Alan Hevesi, former Liberal Party head Ray Harding, former Brooklyn Democratic boss Clarence Norman, four former state legislators and a former city councilman.

Another city councilman, Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx), has been charged with a crime spree involving more than $500,000. “Cash and Carry Larry” at one point allegedly doctored a receipt so he would be reimbursed $177 for a $7 bagel and soda.

“Bagels can be expensive,” his lawyer actually said.

Among those under investigation are Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-Queens), along with former Rep. Floyd Flake, state Senate President Malcolm Smith (D-Queens), state Senate Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr. (D-Bronx), Assemblyman Peter Rivera (D-Bronx), Assemblywoman Carmen Arroyo (D-Bronx) and Queens Borough President Helen Marshall. Hevesi is being eyed in a “pay-to-play” scandal unrelated to the crime for which he has already been convicted.

No longer can we hear of a New Jersey official such as the one in Millville who was arrested for stealing $20,000 in Little League funds and tell ourselves such a thing could happen only across the Hudson.

Our own former assemblyman and labor leader Brian McLaughlin of Queens out Jersey-ed Jersey by stealing $95,000 from the Eastchester Little League. McLaughlin also pocketed more than $2 million in taxpayer funds and he is presently serving a 10-year federal prison term [Note McLaughlin is also a Democrat--ed.].

He would have gotten 15 years, but he agreed to introduce an undercover FBI agent posing as a businessman to then-Assemblyman Anthony Seminerio (D-Queens).

The result was that Seminerio got an 11- to 14-year term for shaking down various businesses and nonprofit groups for over $1 million in “consulting fees.” His victims included Jamaica Hospital.

“You tell me what you want and I’ll take care of you,” Seminerio was recorded as saying.

In further proof that we can sink as low or even lower than Jersey, former City Councilman Miguel Martinez (D-Manhattan) was convicted of pocketing money intended for a children’s arts fund.

Of all those listed he makes sure to mention Joe Bruno and Bernie Kerik first. How kind of him. The overwhelming majority of these crooks are Democrats, naturally.

Having lived in both state, trust me when I tell you the crooked pols in New Jersey are pikers next to these rogues in New York State.