Yankees World Series tickets net Gov. Paterson big-time fine

NY has had some embarrassing governor troubles in recent years. Fred Armisen’s spoof of the legally blind politician on "SNL" has stuck to New York’s governor like a scarlet letter, comparable to what Fey did for Sarah Palin. The legally blind politician had no qualms about taking comp passes for Game 1 of the 2009 WS, despite the ethical questions doing so would create. The slip of judgment will cost Paterson $ 62,125, which is around 30 times higher than what the 5 passes would have cost. Source for this article – New York Gov. David Paterson fined $62,125 for baseball tickets by MoneyBlogNewz.

David Peterson showing just how much he loves the Yankees

The NY commission explained that there was a game at the Yankee Stadium that had the Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies playing. In attendance was Gov. David Paterson, two aides, Paterson's son and his son's friend. Abusing power was something that obtained Paterson into trouble. He did not realize what kind of effect would be had. Paterson reportedly claimed that he had "always meant to pay for the passes," but this testimony was refuted by Paterson’s staff, the New York Yankees baseball club, an independent handwriting expert and additional evidence that proves that Paterson didn’t even perform a ceremonial function at the game.

Even if Governor Paterson had presented himself at the game in his official capacity, he would not have been entitled to free passes. The Commission said that "the Governor’s false testimony is … evidence that he knew his conduct was unlawful." The Commission's estimation ended up having several New York State laws violated.

Governor Paterson getting fined

The NY State Commission on Public Integrity levied a $62,125 penalty on embattled Gov. Paterson. That $25,000 for violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(a), $25,000 for "violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(b) and $10,000 for violating "Public Officers Law §74(3)(d). He is even getting fined $2,125 for the tickets. The Commission had considered penalties under additional statutes, however no others could legally be applied.

Citations

New York Daily News

nydailynews.com/news/2010/02/09/2010-02-09_major_meltdown_in_albany_as_he_fends_off_rumors_of_scandal_patersons_increasingl.html

New York State Commission on Public Integrity

nyintegrity.org/pubs/2010/122010_press.html

Stepping over the line (Note: Video contains adult references)

youtube.com/watch?v=Ir5Cwc_TSlo