ALBANY, N.Y. — New York Gov. David Paterson contradicted his staff, the Yankees and common sense when he falsely claimed he always intended to pay for five tickets to the first game of the 2009 World Series at Yankee Stadium, a state commission said in assessing him a $62,125 fine.
In a report released Monday, the Commission on Public Integrity said Paterson, pictured at left, performed no ceremonial function at the game, which still would not have entitled him to free tickets for his son and son’s friend. The others were used by the governor and the two staff members. He and two of his staff paid for four of the tickets a few days later.
“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 commission chairman Michael Cherkasky.
The commission said the civil penalty consists of the $2,125 value of the tickets and $60,000 for three violations of the state’s public-officer’s law.
Paterson had said it was his duty to attend the opening series game at the new Bronx stadium. A call to his lawyer, Theodore Wells Jr., was not immediately returned Monday. The Associated Press
