New York Governor Paterson fined for soliciting Yankees World Series tickets

December 21st 2010

The New York State Commission on Public Integrity on Monday said it fined Governor David Paterson with $62,125 for soliciting, accepting and receiving five tickets for the 2009 World Series.

Paterson is said to have solicited five complimentary tickets for Game One of the World Series between the N.Y. Yankees and the Philadelphia Phillies in 2009. The tickets were used by the Governor, his son, two aides and his son's friend.

The Governor previously testified that he had always intended to pay for the tickets but these statements were refuted by his staff, the Yankees organization, and an independent handwriting expert. The Commission determined that Paterson's false testimony was evidence that he knew his conduct was unlawful.

"Evidence indicates that his decision to pay for the tickets for his son and his son's friend was made following a press inquiry the day after the game," said Judith Kaye, an independent counsel, in August. "In addition, evidence indicates that, contrary to the Governor's testimony, he did not partially prepare and bring a check for $850 to the game to pay for the tickets for his son and his son's friend."

The Commission which led the investigation said, by Paterson's own admission, he did not speak at the opening ceremonies of Game One and was not even recognized by name during the public address announcement which recognized the public officials who were present.

Even if he had performed a ceremonial function at the game, he was not entitled to free tickets. The New York Yankees organization has many continuing businesses with the state government, including real estate, stadium development and taxes.

"The moral and ethical tone of any organization is set at the top. Unfortunately the Governor set a totally inappropriate tone by his dishonest and unethical conduct," said Michael Cherkasky, Chairman of the Commission. "Such conduct cannot be tolerated by any New York State employee, particularly our Governor."

The $62,125 civil penalty consists of the value of the tickets, $2,125, plus $25,000 for violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(a), $25,000 for violating Public Officers Law §73(5)(b), and $10,000 for violating Public Officers Law §74(3)(d). The law does not authorize a civil penalty for a violation of Public Officers Law §§74(3)(f) and §74(3)(h).