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Hartford Mayor Says the Right Things Upon News of His Arrest
Tuesday, January 27th, 2009
See updates below
It's refreshing to feel good after reading a mayor's statement in response to a warrant for his arrest. According to an article in today's Hartford Courant, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez was arrested this morning on state charges of bribery, fabricating evidence, and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. He hired a city contractor to redo his kitchen and bathroom and, although he paid the contractor $20,000, the state is alleging that documents were fabricated and that the transaction was actually a bribe.
What's refreshing about the mayor's statement is that he doesn't just deny it all, and doesn't accuse anyone of a conspiracy against him (or worse). He says straight out that what he did was wrong, only insisting that it wasn't a crime.
He goes on to say more right things:
But speedy is not how this problem was handled. News of the renovations came out in August 2007, shortly after the mayor paid for them. At that time, ethics proceedings should have begun, and a mayor who realized what he had done was wrong should have quickly settled for a fine and admission. But a year and a half later, we finally get an admission as criminal proceedings begin. This doesn't seem like the way it should go.
Update: January 29, 2009. I was asked by the Hartford Courant to write an op-ed piece on this topic (attached; see below).
Update: June 19, 2010. According to an article in the Hartford Courant, the mayor was convicted yesterday on five counts of bribery, first-degree larceny by extortion, and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. He still insists on his innocence and is threatening to appeal, but he is expected to resign.
Robert Wechsler
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics
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It's refreshing to feel good after reading a mayor's statement in response to a warrant for his arrest. According to an article in today's Hartford Courant, Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez was arrested this morning on state charges of bribery, fabricating evidence, and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. He hired a city contractor to redo his kitchen and bathroom and, although he paid the contractor $20,000, the state is alleging that documents were fabricated and that the transaction was actually a bribe.
What's refreshing about the mayor's statement is that he doesn't just deny it all, and doesn't accuse anyone of a conspiracy against him (or worse). He says straight out that what he did was wrong, only insisting that it wasn't a crime.
I wish to apologize to the people of
Hartford. My lapse in judgment in using a city contractor to perform
work on my house was inexcusable. Though I firmly believe that I have
not committed a crime, I have allowed the appearance of impropriety to
color how those may view my administration. For this, I am truly sorry
and take full responsibility.
He goes on to say more right things:
-
Even though Mr. Costa was paid for the
work he completed at my house, it was a mistake on my part to retain a
city contractor to perform work at my house. Further, I should have
ensured the proper permits were obtained. The perception in today's
environment has the potential to undermine public confidence in
government.
But speedy is not how this problem was handled. News of the renovations came out in August 2007, shortly after the mayor paid for them. At that time, ethics proceedings should have begun, and a mayor who realized what he had done was wrong should have quickly settled for a fine and admission. But a year and a half later, we finally get an admission as criminal proceedings begin. This doesn't seem like the way it should go.
Update: January 29, 2009. I was asked by the Hartford Courant to write an op-ed piece on this topic (attached; see below).
Update: June 19, 2010. According to an article in the Hartford Courant, the mayor was convicted yesterday on five counts of bribery, first-degree larceny by extortion, and conspiracy to fabricate evidence. He still insists on his innocence and is threatening to appeal, but he is expected to resign.
Robert Wechsler
Director of Research-Retired, City Ethics
---
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