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February 15, 2006

Ratner aide, key buildings get heave-ho

The NY Daily News article by Elizabeth Hays covers the big conflict of interest when it's business as usual in NY State:

The Judge's ruling:

In an unprecedented move, Edmead disqualified a lawyer who has worked for both Ratner and now works for the state agency charged with approving the project.

"It's just so tainted in appearance," said Edmead, ordering high-powered lawyer David Paget "be removed as counsel effective immediately."

During the contentious hearing, Edmead lashed out at one of Ratner lawyer's reasoning calling it "bone-headed, stupid ...[and] killing trees to make a point.

"I would not rest my partner bonus on that," Edmead said.

Ratner views the relationship with NY State as a collaboration:

Ratner's lawyers argued the two sides worked "collaboratively" so it was not a problem that Paget worked first for the developer and then in September 2005 began advising the Empire State Development Corp. on the same project.

Opponents claim process is not "objective":

Opponents' attorney Jeffrey Baker said he was "disappointed" the buildings were not saved but applauded Paget's disqualification.

"It shows that the court is convinced that to date the process hasn't been as objective as it should have been," said Baker, who may appeal.

article

Posted by lumi at February 15, 2006 8:52 AM