Who knew a bagel sandwich was that expensive?
Just about everyone who visits New York City for the first time has the same observation: from meals to museums, everything tends to be expensive. But who knew a bagel sandwich and a diet soda cost $177?
This editorial in yesterday's New York Times reports on Larry Seabrook, a city councilman in the Bronx who sought a $177 reimbursement from public funds for that meal. Seabrook has been indicted on 13 counts of corruption.
Other elected officials in New York are being investigated -- either by the state's attorney general or federal officials -- for misappropriating public funds. The lesson, writes the Times, is that serious reform is needed:
... it is just too hazardous to give politicians their own pots of money, especially in difficult economic times. It is time to end these slush funds in the city and in Albany. The money should go where it’s most needed, not where it’s most politically fruitful.
Blog
February 08, 2012
Judges are Getting it Right – We Deserve to Know What DOJ is Up To
Botched prosecutions like that of Senator Stevens undermine confidence in DOJ.
February 08, 2012
Shining a Light on Rep. Cantor and the STOCK Act
CREW points out Rep. Cantor’s strong ties to Wall Street.
Media Center
February 09, 2012
February 08, 2012
CREW Slams Cantor’s Sham STOCK Act and Calls for Open Conference
February 01, 2012
CREW Strongly Urges Senate to Pass Congressional Integrity & Pension Forfeiture Amend. to STOCK Act
January 30, 2012
CREW Congratulates January’s Scoundrel of the Month: Newt Gingrich
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February 15, 2012 | Associated Press
Gingrich declines to release to watchdog group documents from 1990s ethics investigation
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February 13, 2012 | The Florida Independent
CREW asks Department of Justice, FBI to further investigate Buchanan
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February 9, 2012 | ABC News
Will "political intelligence" stay in the dark?
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February 9, 2012 | The Raw Story
Petition urges Obama to replace five FEC commissioners
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February 9, 2012 | The Hill
Watchdog files ethics complaint against GOP lawmaker Grimm