The New York City's Conflicts of Interest Board issued an Advisement yesterday that limits most Donations to a Public official's Legal Defense Fund to less than $50.
The Decision could preclude Mayor Bill de Blasio's plan to raise enough money, through crowd-sourcing, to cover a Seven-Figure Legal Bill he incurred dealing with Investigations into his Fundraising Activities.
State and Federal Investigations of Mayor Bill de Blasio's Fundraising will not result in Criminal Charges against him or others acting on his behalf, Prosecutors said as they eliminated an Election-year obstacle for the Mayor.
Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance said the facts were insufficient to successfully argue a provable Violation of State Election Laws, in part because the Parties relied on the Advice of Attorneys. But he said the actions appear to be "contrary to the intent and spirit of the law."
Acting U.S. Attorney Joon H. Kim said a "thorough investigation" was conducted into Complaints about circumstances in which de Blasio and others Solicited Donations from individuals who sought Official Favors from the City. The Investigation looked into allegations of Misconduct by and on behalf of the Democratic Mayor for his 2013 Election Campaign and the 2014 State Senate effort to get a Democratic Majority.
The Board's opinion would severely restrict the number of Donors de Blasio could appeal to in order to pay those bills. It bars donations greater than $50 per person from almost every kind of Donor, including anyone who has Business before the City, any Subordinate City Employees and any City Employee or Constituent whose familiarity with de Blasio comes from his or her awareness of the fact that he's the Mayor.
NYC Wins When Everyone Can Vote! Michael H. Drucker
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