Steuben County Legislature February 25, 2008 Letter by James Hall

February 25, 2008

Steuben County Legislature
3 East Pulteney Square,
Bath, New York 14810

Legislative Representatives,

The purpose of addressing your assembly today is to inform the elected county officials of Steuben County that there is a serious problem with SCIDA. As you are aware, this body appoints the board members of SCIDA. The New York State legislature has in the past provided the authority for IDA’s. Last year a temporary extension for the state’s IDA was passed. That extension expired on January 31, 2008. To the best of our knowledge, the NYS legislator has not voted to reinstate the IDA’s.

Therefore, SCIDA has no lawful authority to meet and conduct their affairs. What is far more disturbing is that SCIDA has done little or nothing to address the harsh criticism that the New York State Comptroller leveled against SCIDA’s internal operation in its audit report of March 28, 2007.

Reports have been made to Cohocton Wind Watch that individuals connected with SCIDA have the appearance of personal financial benefit from decisions made by the SCIDA board. Evidence of such allegations warrants a full scale investigation into the methods and conduct of SCIDA as an organization. These accusations far surpass conflict of interest violations. CWW asks that the Steuben County Legislature recommends to the District Attorney that a grand jury be convened to look into the practices of SCIDA.

Since other counties are presently engaged in similar investigations and state wide authorities are investigating potential criminal conduct, it would be prudent for this assembly to act upon the systemic questionable transactions whereby SCIDA sells public tax exemptions for fees. CWW is prepared to assist any professional investigation and provide documentation that may prove or dispel the cloud of dishonest conduct which has shaken public confidence in SCIDA.

Presented to the Clerk of the Legislature is a DVD of the January 24, 2008 SCIDA meeting. Open Committee law was clearly violated, according to Robert Freeman. This meeting documents Corning employees who are board members voting on tax exemptions that benefit their employer.

The Naples School District is actively considering filing a legal action against SCIDA that will expose the gross violation of their authority. It behooves this legislature to act in the public interest and address the serious misconduct that is the normal pattern of behavior for SCIDA.

Cordially,


James Hall for CWW