DA Hynes Backs Eugene
It turns out that Brooklyn District Attorney Joe Hynes has donated money to Mathieu Eugene, the candidate who won the February special election to fill the seat but never took office. (Eugene failed to prove that he lived in the district at the time of the election.)
The contribution, made on Feb. 3, was for $250.
The practice of a DA getting involved in a local race is not illegal -- a spokesman for the city's Conflict of Interest Board said there is no regulation barring them from making political contributions -- but it is frowned upon by good government advocates.
"Very strange," is how the Citizens Union executive director Dick Dadey described the contribution.
"I don't think it's illegal but it certainly raises concerns," he told me.
"What," he asked hypothetically, "if something were to arise, with political corruption, with Mathieu Eugene?"
Hynes, through a spokesman, defended the contribution he made, and rebuffed the notion of any impropriety.
Here's his quote, as read to me by a spokesperson:
"I rarely contribute to political campaigns but I like and respect Dr. Eugene. I have appeared on his Haitian television show several times. He has given us space for one of our neighborhood offices. There is neither the perception of impropriety nor conflict of interest in my choosing to contribute to his campaign."
According to a search of the city's campaign finance board database, which goes back to 1989, this is the first personal contribution Hynes has made to a city candidate.
-- Azi Paybarah
Not sure what to make of this except say bad move Hynes and can you say you say Special prosecutor?
You have to be kidding me. Why would Hynes get involved with that race?
So I guess we will never no if Unagene is really a Doctor or when he really moved in on February 1st.
A terrible decision by Hynes, who should be smart enough to know to stay out of electoral campaigns. A District Attorney's credibility rests on the appearance of neutrality before the law.
I guess Eugene can live anywhere he wants to, now...
Quid pro quo is what this is.
Sounds like a payoff to me. How do others feel.
very odd indeed...would not seem so if Joe had given to others but first time in 20 years???
Hard to see the quid pro quo here. What can Unagene do for Hynes? Unless of course, some deal involved one of Unagene's prominent supporters.
The quid pro quo here is using his space for free without paying rent and if you ask me could be an insurance issue. Going on Unagene's show 'several' times. Hynes should know better.
There isn't a DA in our city who would do something so stupid. Una probably told him that Eugene would stay with him in 2009 if Sampson runs again. Sampson laid the smackdown on Hynes in the DA race in 2005.
Hynes can relate because he lives in Breezy Point, Queens and became the Bklyn DA, LOL !
There isn't a DA in our city who would do something so stupid. Una probably told him that Eugene would stay with him in 2009 if Sampson runs again. Sampson laid the smackdown on Hynes in the DA race in 2005.
Somebody write the Governor, I think a DA is up for sale.
Hynes lives where?
This just shows Hynes is running in 2009 and wants to shore up support in the Haitian/Carribean community against another run by Sampson.
He rarely contribute to political campaigns, how about he never contributes to them unless it serves his purpose. Almost two decades go by and he has not given anybody a dime and this Quack runs and he writes a check. What a fool.
He gives that Bozo $ 250.00 and that is how he gets the Haitian community to support him? I find that to be quite insulting to this community.
12:57 is completely correct. Sampson ran a racially motivated ad campaign, and Hynes needs to make sure the black vote is split between African-American and Caribbean.
Tell the truth Charlie. Una told you to cough up the money otherwise stay out of Central Brooklyn. We will forgive you if you do?
No we won't, 1:09.
ADA's are forbidden by the legal canons to become involved in partisan politics. Does this apply to the DA as well?
1:26 I think you already answered your own question. Hynes is a joke.
Mr. Hynes should really know better, he should stay of paritisan politics and do his job, which he continues to do poorly. Oh and do yourself a favor get a news spokesperson they are doing you a disservice.
In 1996 Hynes prosecuted John O'hara for perjury using legal implement (voter registration form). John O'hara was considered a fly in the DA's ointment when summarily and selectively punished Mr. O'Hara for being registered to vote at one address but living at his girlfriend's address several blocks away. Did Eugene vote for himself, if so will the Bell of Belle Harbor prosecute Eugene for perjury using legal implement.
Hynes' Address
19 Roosevelt Walk
Breezy Point, NY 11697-1627
Looks like the Department of Invesitigation needs to watch this.
That Breezy point address is his Summer villa, that does not count!
So Hynes a city resident wrote a check to Eugene who did not get matching funds and is not registered with the Campaign Finance Board. I smell a Special prosecutor coming to a television near you real soon.
This must be the topic of the day. I have not seen so much action since Eugene did his Press Conference.
Eugene tried to move into the district he did not live in after he won an election.
O'Hara moved into a district to run for office.
WHAT IS THE DIFFENCE?
Hynes goes after O'Hara and give money to Eugene.