Willis Stephens

Last updated

Re: Comments on Stephens Campaign Website

more interesting crap.

I'm "on" 10509 to monitor what is going on in Brewster. I do not post anymore. Just watching the idiots pontificate. Keeping informed is important and it also gives me a window to what GB and some of his supporters are thinking.

Let me know how you think we should proceed with the website. I'd like to get it up and running before too long and don't want to hurt Michele and Jay ... I like them and they are talented. Maybe a collaboration of some sort? I'll let you be my guide.

What's the scuttlebutt on the election ... is Hauser circulating a Conservative petition ... are you going to do an opportunity to ballot on the "D" line? How about an independent line ... like the Save Pawling Party or "Chicks with Balls Party" or some such thing?

If it is really hot tomorrow you are welcome to come for a swim (a suit would be appropriate :0 ) ... I don't think I'm around this weekend for Guinans ... sounds like a blast though.

Got pozzi's announcement in the AM and then its back to the Law Office ... I feel like I've been away for a month!

Later,

Will

Assemblyman Stephens apologized publicly to the members of the group as well as the entire district. [13]

Putnam victory fund

Stephens, who also serves as the legal counsel to the town of Southeast, New York, drew heavy criticism after accepting $9,355 from trash magnate, convicted felon and reputed mob boss James Galante, who was in turn awarded a $1.5 million no-bid garbage contract by the town board on Stephens' recommendation. [14]

Assemblyman Stephens refused to make public a copy of the secret memo recommending that Galante's contract be renewed for a record $1.5 million without allowing public bids even as Galante had been recently arrested under the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), stating that "[t]hat's a legal opinion that is a matter of attorney–client privilege. It's not subject to the New York Freedom of Information Law ... it would be up to the town, not [me], whether to release the memo." [15]

According to the Danbury News-Times , "Willis H. Stephens, Jr. has received millions of tax dollars in aggregate payments as Southeast's municipal counsel for more than ten years. In 2005 alone, Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. an estimated $190,000 for legal work, which included legal work involving a no-bid municipal contract worth an estimated $1.5 million tax dollars to an admitted felon at that time under investigation by Federal law enforcement authorities for alleged racketeering. Although Southeast taxpayers paid Stephens, Jr. for legal work, although pertinent Southeast garbage contract negotiations ceased nearly a year ago, although Southeast taxpayers are bound today under contract terms negotiated by Stephens, Jr. and the Southeast Town Board with a major campaign contributor presently under Federal indictment for alleged racketeering, Stephens, Jr. asserts that taxpayers have no right to see his legal work." [16]

Galante, who was previously convicted of tax evasion and arrested in June for allegedly conspiring with organized crime to prevent competition in the garbage business in Connecticut, was accused of donating to a Political Action Committee which laundered money to several politicians who may have used their influence to award contracts to Galante's trash hauling business. [17]

Personal life

Stephens, his wife, Ginny, and their three children reside in Brewster, New York. [2]

See also

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References

  1. "Planned Parenthood Endorsements". ppany.com. October 3, 2005.
  2. 1 2 "Willis Stephens, Jr.'s Biography". Vote Smart. Retrieved 2022-07-06.
  3. "Ball's Military Record Assailed". Newscopy.org. June 2006.
  4. "Watchdogs say elections include questionable spending sprees". The Journal News. April 2005.
  5. "Primary 2006". NY1 News. September 2006.
  6. "Ball Defeats incumbent Stephens for GOP Line in Assembly Race". The Journal News. September 2006.
  7. "99th Assembly District Race - Now the Fun". Newscopy.org. September 14, 2006.
  8. "Politician Tells Voters They're Idiots". Associated Press. June 30, 2005.
  9. "POL RIPS VOTERS IN MASS E-MAIL SLIP" (PDF). New York Post. June 30, 2005.
  10. "'Hey Morons, I'm sorry ... '" (PDF). Washington Post. June 30, 2005.
  11. "Politician tells voters they're idiots" (PDF). Fox News. June 30, 2005.
  12. "Errant e-mail post from assemblyman calls Brewster villagers 'idiots'". The Journal News. June 29, 2005.
  13. "E-mail gaffe leaves lawmaker red-faced". Poughkeepsie Journal. June 29, 2005.
  14. "Ball Fires at Will". North County News. August 23, 2006.
  15. "Ball assails Stephens over Southeast trash contract". The Journal News. August 23, 2006.
  16. "Secrecy is not best reaction to Federal Investigation". Danbury News Times. August 24, 2006.
  17. "Galante an issue in NY election". Danbury News Times. August 23, 2006.
Willis Stephens
STEPHENS3.jpg
Member of the New York State Assembly
from the 99th district
In office
1995–2006
New York State Assembly
Preceded by New York State Assembly, 91st District
1995–2002
Succeeded by
Preceded by New York State Assembly, 99th District
2003–2006
Succeeded by