Tish’s outrageous taxpayer-footed legal charges: – Latest News
The Issue: Albany Democrats’ invoice that will permit Letitia James entry to a taxpayer fund for legal charges.
If a New York official commits a fraud that isn’t tied to his or her official authorities duties, why ought to taxpayers be on the hook for his or her prison exercise (“Rotten scheme vs. NYers,” Editorial, May 8)?
Again, this assumes the exercise of a authorities official in query just isn’t duty-related, reminiscent of with Attorney General Letitia James — who’s being investigated for her own allegedly fraudulent mortgage exercise.
By no stretch of the creativeness can personal mortgage fraud be thought-about attorney-general-related work.
Clearly, this finances proposal is designed to guard James, and possibly different Democratic officers. It will mainly absolve her of taking personal accountability for her actions.
If she is proven to be a “criminal,” New Yorkers mustn’t should pay for it.
Harold Fishman
Manhattan
This is as an outrage towards New York’s taxpayers.
At a time when New York’s congressional delegation is trying to increase the federal tax deduction for state and native taxes, asking taxpayers to subsidize Tish James’ legal payments goes too far for first rate Americans.
David Levine
Hobe Sound, Fla
There’s already a mechanism in place the place taxpayers foot legal payments —it’s referred to as a public defender’s workplace.
First, James will need to be arrested, charged and indicted. Then, if she is really needy and can’t pay for her protection, the court docket can assign a public defender.
Considering that James’ mantra is “no one is above the law,” why ought to she be granted particular therapy? Is she more privileged than another financially challenged defendant?
Frank Russo
Centereach
Abbe Lowell, the protection legal professional for Letitia James, is seemingly so costly that a state legal professional basic’s wage definitely can’t cowl the charges that defending her will generate. This might clarify why language was inserted into the state finances deal that will permit taxpayer {dollars} to bankroll James’ legal protection prices.
Meanwhile, James claims she is preventing to safeguard the rights and well-being of thousands and thousands.
Julia Lutch
Davis, Calif.
Let me get this straight: An particular person who occurs to be the New York legal professional basic might have dedicated mortgage fraud, and the taxpayer is answerable for protecting her legal charges.
Bless our legislators. They insult and offend, but nonetheless get elected.
Jerry Chiappetta
Monticello
The Issue: Bill Gates’ plan to offer away his $200 billion fortune over the following 20 years.
The subsequent time the ineffective idiots on campus call for the tip of capitalism, they need to be reminded of what Bill Gates and Warren Buffett pledged and are already within the midst of finishing up (“Clean bill of wealth,” May 9).
They are giving freely billions of {dollars} that our financial system allowed them to build up to help thousands and thousands of people stay longer and more helpful lives. No different financial system comes close.
Bravo to Gates, Buffett and different profitable capitalists for his or her philanthropy. And bravo to the American system which makes all of it doable.
Mel Young
Boca Raton, Fla.
Think what you need about his politics, however Gates giving freely most of his fortune to help resolve world issues, significantly people who have an effect on the much less lucky, is an admirable factor.
In distinction, what does President Trump give of himself? He is endlessly on the grift, seeking to line his pockets.
Mitch Berkowitz
Philadelphia, Pa.
Want to weigh in on right this moment’s tales? Send your ideas (alongside together with your full identify and metropolis of residence) to letters@nypost.com. Letters are subject to modifying for readability, size, accuracy, and magnificence.
