MTA To Probe Promotion Allegations
A few days ago Pete Donohue of the New York Daily News broke the story of alleged bullying of recently resigned MTA CEO/Executive Director Elliot Sander by Brooklyn Democratic Party Chairman Vito Lopez.
Politicians from both sides of the aisle have been quiet on the allegations that Vito tried to bully Elliot into promoting a relative of his. Now the story takes another turn as the MTA Inspector General will probe these allegations. Lets find out more in the latest report from Pete Donohue:
MTA Inspector General Barry Kluger will probe allegations that powerful Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez tried to bully the top transit executive into promoting a relative.
Lopez unsuccessfully demanded Metropolitan Transportation Authority CEO Elliot Sander promote son-in-law Keith Summa to a higher-paying post in the authority’s bus and subway division, the Daily News reported Sunday.
One source accused Lopez of using “extremely threatening language” when Sander refused to promote Summa, an engineer, in 2007.
Lopez threatened to derail Sander’s career and do unspecified harm to the authority, that source said.
“We’re looking into the allegations,” Kluger said.
The allegations bubbled to the surface after Gov. Paterson forced Sander out in the wake of the MTA budget gap debacle.
State lawmakers bashed the MTA as an untrustworthy and secretive behemoth in the long-running transit-funding debate in Albany.
On Thursday, Paterson vowed to install new leadership to run the subway, bus and commuter train system.
Hours later, Sander resigned.
Lopez denied urging Sander to promote his son-in-law. Sander declined to comment.
Board members Mitchell Pally and Andrew Albert called for an investigation.
Click here for the complete report.
As I mentioned previously, I am proud of Elliot standing up the business as usual attitude allegedly portrayed by Vito Lopez. Albany & more accurately everywhere from business to politics to everyday life, needs more people like Elliot who will do the right thing when faced with people who are trying to force your hand wrongfully. I will be keeping track of this story for everyone as I support exposing people such as Vito Lopez.
xoxo Transit Blogger
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