Gaffney and Dowling from Rick Brand

[martys]

Printer friendly format Rick Brand

POLITICS & POWER
Dowling gifts raise questions
April 1, 2007

Call former Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney Dowling College's $81,000 man.

In the months before and after his selection as Dowling's new president last year, that's how much Gaffney forked over to the 6,500-student Oakdale-based school. Such philanthropy might be noble if Gaffney were using his own money, but it came from Gaffney's old campaign fund, making it a public - and potentially legal - issue.





Campaign records show Gaffney made a $25,000 contribution last year on June 30, and another of $6,000 on July 18, one month before the trustees picked him as president. Then on Nov. 28, two months after taking over, the new president gave $50,000 more, leaving $522,000 in his campaign fund.

Gaffney, who was a college trustee before becoming president, said his contributions had nothing to do with him obtaining his new job. "Did I buy the job? No," he said.

Several trustees said they agreed with Gaffney's assessment.

Gaffney said trustees unexpectedly approached him in early July and there never was any discussion of contributions before or afterward. While Gaffney has not disclosed his college pay, his predecessor recved $287,813 in annual salary and benefits in 2004-05.

The former county executive said most of his commitments predate any talk of the new job. He agreed to give $25,000 in February, as honoree of the college summer golf outing. The $6,000 was the second installment on a promise he and other trustees made a year ago to give $30,000 each over five years to fund a scholarship.

"I've always tried to use the money in ways that benefit the community," said Gaffney, who left office in 2002 with a $1 million campaign fund. "I believe in Dowling and thr mission."

The thorniest issue is the $50,000 in political funds that went to the college after Gaffney went on the school payroll. Gaffney said that he earmarked the money for the new Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute, which he set up to help fulfill his mission from trustees to make the college more relevant and to raise its profile and endowment.

Institute director Martin Cantor, once the head of Democrats for Gaffney, holds monthly breakfasts on high-profile issues to promote the college, not to mention Gaffney himself. Its latest newsletter includes four photos of the former county executive.

State election law states "funds shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position." However, state elections board opinions have also allowed funds to go to "bona fide charitable organizations" or an "academic institution recognized as a charity."

But a 1997 opinion on setting up a "research organization" with campaign money warned that groups can "not use the funds to compensate individuals associated with the political committee" nor should the candidate or campaign staff "exercise control over the disposition of the funds" once given away. Gaffney said he never considered the potential for problems, thinking of it as a charitable donation. "I honestly never thought it could be a conflict," he said.

Questionable campaign expenses also abound elsewhere. State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's fund paid for a swimming pool cover and an aide's trip to Italy. Former upstate Democratic Assemb. Michael Bragman bought $1,200 worth of wine, while former GOP State Sen. Roy Goodman of Manhattan ran up a $2,500 lunch tab at the 21 Club.

Locally, officials have paid for campaign abuse. Former Supervisor Peter McGowan pleaded guilty to misspending $50,000 in campaign cash on trips to Ireland and facials at a local spa. Ex-Suffolk Legis. Fred Towle (R-Shirley), who used campaign funds to pay for gambling junkets, also pleaded guilty to misspending funds.

Rachel Leon of Common Cause/New York says all are textbook examples of why laws need tightening.

"We see example after example how campaign money becomes slush funds for personal benefit," she said. "Campaign funds should be used for just that - campaigns, period."

THOUGHTS?

[resume builder for Suozzi]

Printer friendly format Rick Brand

POLITICS & POWER
Dowling gifts raise questions
April 1, 2007

Call former Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney Dowling College's $81,000 man.

In the months before and after his selection as Dowling's new president last year, that's how much Gaffney forked over to the 6,500-student Oakdale-based school. Such philanthropy might be noble if Gaffney were using his own money, but it came from Gaffney's old campaign fund, making it a public - and potentially legal - issue.





Campaign records show Gaffney made a $25,000 contribution last year on June 30, and another of $6,000 on July 18, one month before the trustees picked him as president. Then on Nov. 28, two months after taking over, the new president gave $50,000 more, leaving $522,000 in his campaign fund.

Gaffney, who was a college trustee before becoming president, said his contributions had nothing to do with him obtaining his new job. "Did I buy the job? No," he said.

Several trustees said they agreed with Gaffney's assessment.

Gaffney said trustees unexpectedly approached him in early July and there never was any discussion of contributions before or afterward. While Gaffney has not disclosed his college pay, his predecessor recved $287,813 in annual salary and benefits in 2004-05.

The former county executive said most of his commitments predate any talk of the new job. He agreed to give $25,000 in February, as honoree of the college summer golf outing. The $6,000 was the second installment on a promise he and other trustees made a year ago to give $30,000 each over five years to fund a scholarship.

"I've always tried to use the money in ways that benefit the community," said Gaffney, who left office in 2002 with a $1 million campaign fund. "I believe in Dowling and thr mission."

The thorniest issue is the $50,000 in political funds that went to the college after Gaffney went on the school payroll. Gaffney said that he earmarked the money for the new Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute, which he set up to help fulfill his mission from trustees to make the college more relevant and to raise its profile and endowment.

Institute director Martin Cantor, once the head of Democrats for Gaffney, holds monthly breakfasts on high-profile issues to promote the college, not to mention Gaffney himself. Its latest newsletter includes four photos of the former county executive.

State election law states "funds shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position." However, state elections board opinions have also allowed funds to go to "bona fide charitable organizations" or an "academic institution recognized as a charity."

But a 1997 opinion on setting up a "research organization" with campaign money warned that groups can "not use the funds to compensate individuals associated with the political committee" nor should the candidate or campaign staff "exercise control over the disposition of the funds" once given away. Gaffney said he never considered the potential for problems, thinking of it as a charitable donation. "I honestly never thought it could be a conflict," he said.

Questionable campaign expenses also abound elsewhere. State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's fund paid for a swimming pool cover and an aide's trip to Italy. Former upstate Democratic Assemb. Michael Bragman bought $1,200 worth of wine, while former GOP State Sen. Roy Goodman of Manhattan ran up a $2,500 lunch tab at the 21 Club.

Locally, officials have paid for campaign abuse. Former Supervisor Peter McGowan pleaded guilty to misspending $50,000 in campaign cash on trips to Ireland and facials at a local spa. Ex-Suffolk Legis. Fred Towle (R-Shirley), who used campaign funds to pay for gambling junkets, also pleaded guilty to misspending funds.

Rachel Leon of Common Cause/New York says all are textbook examples of why laws need tightening.

"We see example after example how campaign money becomes slush funds for personal benefit," she said. "Campaign funds should be used for just that - campaigns, period."

THOUGHTS?

Maybe this is how Tom Suozzi leaves the County too someday, and why those campaign contributions are so important for politicians. God bless

[Viva Steve Levy]

Dont forget me! Im gonna head Suffolk Community Kollege./

[wayne's prospects]

Printer friendly format Rick Brand

POLITICS & POWER
Dowling gifts raise questions
April 1, 2007

Call former Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney Dowling College's $81,000 man.

In the months before and after his selection as Dowling's new president last year, that's how much Gaffney forked over to the 6,500-student Oakdale-based school. Such philanthropy might be noble if Gaffney were using his own money, but it came from Gaffney's old campaign fund, making it a public - and potentially legal - issue.





Campaign records show Gaffney made a $25,000 contribution last year on June 30, and another of $6,000 on July 18, one month before the trustees picked him as president. Then on Nov. 28, two months after taking over, the new president gave $50,000 more, leaving $522,000 in his campaign fund.

Gaffney, who was a college trustee before becoming president, said his contributions had nothing to do with him obtaining his new job. "Did I buy the job? No," he said.

Several trustees said they agreed with Gaffney's assessment.

Gaffney said trustees unexpectedly approached him in early July and there never was any discussion of contributions before or afterward. While Gaffney has not disclosed his college pay, his predecessor recved $287,813 in annual salary and benefits in 2004-05.

The former county executive said most of his commitments predate any talk of the new job. He agreed to give $25,000 in February, as honoree of the college summer golf outing. The $6,000 was the second installment on a promise he and other trustees made a year ago to give $30,000 each over five years to fund a scholarship.

"I've always tried to use the money in ways that benefit the community," said Gaffney, who left office in 2002 with a $1 million campaign fund. "I believe in Dowling and thr mission."

The thorniest issue is the $50,000 in political funds that went to the college after Gaffney went on the school payroll. Gaffney said that he earmarked the money for the new Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute, which he set up to help fulfill his mission from trustees to make the college more relevant and to raise its profile and endowment.

Institute director Martin Cantor, once the head of Democrats for Gaffney, holds monthly breakfasts on high-profile issues to promote the college, not to mention Gaffney himself. Its latest newsletter includes four photos of the former county executive.

State election law states "funds shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position." However, state elections board opinions have also allowed funds to go to "bona fide charitable organizations" or an "academic institution recognized as a charity."

But a 1997 opinion on setting up a "research organization" with campaign money warned that groups can "not use the funds to compensate individuals associated with the political committee" nor should the candidate or campaign staff "exercise control over the disposition of the funds" once given away. Gaffney said he never considered the potential for problems, thinking of it as a charitable donation. "I honestly never thought it could be a conflict," he said.

Questionable campaign expenses also abound elsewhere. State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's fund paid for a swimming pool cover and an aide's trip to Italy. Former upstate Democratic Assemb. Michael Bragman bought $1,200 worth of wine, while former GOP State Sen. Roy Goodman of Manhattan ran up a $2,500 lunch tab at the 21 Club.

Locally, officials have paid for campaign abuse. Former Supervisor Peter McGowan pleaded guilty to misspending $50,000 in campaign cash on trips to Ireland and facials at a local spa. Ex-Suffolk Legis. Fred Towle (R-Shirley), who used campaign funds to pay for gambling junkets, also pleaded guilty to misspending funds.

Rachel Leon of Common Cause/New York says all are textbook examples of why laws need tightening.

"We see example after example how campaign money becomes slush funds for personal benefit," she said. "Campaign funds should be used for just that - campaigns, period."

THOUGHTS?

Maybe this is how Tom Suozzi leaves the County too someday, and why those campaign contributions are so important for politicians. God bless

S Levy could some day benefit too

[Wayne's world Party time]

Maybe even the Baranello'
s and others of that ilk. Dont forget NH politicians.

[dum dum]

Kudos to Mr. Gaffney's generosity and appointment to President of Dowling.
Its nice to know that he realizes that his money can be better used at Dowling than in some kingmakers fund. Patrick Halpin thought him a backbencher. I think he's a class act! Now on the other hand if we could get
Mr.Petrone to part with any of his money maybe he could have got the Suffolk juco job. Its a rare bird who needs 6 figures for lunch money.

[kudos to the idiot]

kudos to the moron who posted last!

[Motty Cantor CPA?]

Do I know what the f Im talking about with Gaffney?


I really do not. I kiss Pat Hairpins arss.

quote Printer friendly format Rick Brand

POLITICS & POWER
Dowling gifts raise questions
April 1, 2007

Call former Suffolk County Executive Robert Gaffney Dowling College's $81,000 man.

In the months before and after his selection as Dowling's new president last year, that's how much Gaffney forked over to the 6,500-student Oakdale-based school. Such philanthropy might be noble if Gaffney were using his own money, but it came from Gaffney's old campaign fund, making it a public - and potentially legal - issue.





Campaign records show Gaffney made a $25,000 contribution last year on June 30, and another of $6,000 on July 18, one month before the trustees picked him as president. Then on Nov. 28, two months after taking over, the new president gave $50,000 more, leaving $522,000 in his campaign fund.

Gaffney, who was a college trustee before becoming president, said his contributions had nothing to do with him obtaining his new job. "Did I buy the job? No," he said.

Several trustees said they agreed with Gaffney's assessment.

Gaffney said trustees unexpectedly approached him in early July and there never was any discussion of contributions before or afterward. While Gaffney has not disclosed his college pay, his predecessor recved $287,813 in annual salary and benefits in 2004-05.

The former county executive said most of his commitments predate any talk of the new job. He agreed to give $25,000 in February, as honoree of the college summer golf outing. The $6,000 was the second installment on a promise he and other trustees made a year ago to give $30,000 each over five years to fund a scholarship.

"I've always tried to use the money in ways that benefit the community," said Gaffney, who left office in 2002 with a $1 million campaign fund. "I believe in Dowling and thr mission."

The thorniest issue is the $50,000 in political funds that went to the college after Gaffney went on the school payroll. Gaffney said that he earmarked the money for the new Long Island Economic and Social Policy Institute, which he set up to help fulfill his mission from trustees to make the college more relevant and to raise its profile and endowment.

Institute director Martin Cantor, once the head of Democrats for Gaffney, holds monthly breakfasts on high-profile issues to promote the college, not to mention Gaffney himself. Its latest newsletter includes four photos of the former county executive.

State election law states "funds shall not be converted by any person to a personal use which is unrelated to a political campaign or the holding of a public office or party position." However, state elections board opinions have also allowed funds to go to "bona fide charitable organizations" or an "academic institution recognized as a charity."

But a 1997 opinion on setting up a "research organization" with campaign money warned that groups can "not use the funds to compensate individuals associated with the political committee" nor should the candidate or campaign staff "exercise control over the disposition of the funds" once given away. Gaffney said he never considered the potential for problems, thinking of it as a charitable donation. "I honestly never thought it could be a conflict," he said.

Questionable campaign expenses also abound elsewhere. State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno's fund paid for a swimming pool cover and an aide's trip to Italy. Former upstate Democratic Assemb. Michael Bragman bought $1,200 worth of wine, while former GOP State Sen. Roy Goodman of Manhattan ran up a $2,500 lunch tab at the 21 Club.

Locally, officials have paid for campaign abuse. Former Supervisor Peter McGowan pleaded guilty to misspending $50,000 in campaign cash on trips to Ireland and facials at a local spa. Ex-Suffolk Legis. Fred Towle (R-Shirley), who used campaign funds to pay for gambling junkets, also pleaded guilty to misspending funds.

Rachel Leon of Common Cause/New York says all are textbook examples of why laws need tightening.

"We see example after example how campaign money becomes slush funds for personal benefit," she said. "Campaign funds should be used for just that - campaigns, period."

THOUGHTS?

Maybe this is how Tom Suozzi leaves the County too someday, and why those campaign contributions are so important for politicians. God bless

S Levy could some day benefit too

[kkefe]

Gaffney is a fine man

[Gaffney Sux]

He really does........always on the patronage tit like Rich S.