Just Imagine What Discovery Would Reveal

So I come back from an unexpectedly internet free weekend (to be expected I suppose in place with 1908 plumbing) ...to find a flurry news items that reveal that Bruce Ratner is even (if possible) greedier and more corrupt than we thought.

From No Land Grab:
LAWSUIT FORCES DISCLOSURE OF ATLANTIC YARDS FINANCIAL PLANS INCLUDING RATNER BUSINESS PLAN

Data Show an Expensive and Risky Project with the Affordable Housing Most At Risk

The Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) and Forest City Ratner Corporation (FCRC) provided 660 pages of financial data concerning the Atlantic Yards Development project to resolve a Freedom of Information lawsuit by Assembly Member James Brennan (D-Brooklyn) and State Senator Velmanette Montgomery. Mr. Brennan argued the case before Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Joan Madden with the assistance of Corey Shapiro of the law firm of Wolfson and Carroll. Mr. Brennan introduced legislation in 2006 with four other area Assemblymembers that would have limited the size of the project to 5.8 million square feet, while preserving the affordable housing.

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Maybe it's just little 'ole naive me...but why does Spitzer's everything changed ESDC, and even the pre-everything changes ESDC purportedly concerned with the public good - only release such information under threat of lawsuit and a Freedom Of Information Act request? Since when are politicians and bureaucrats reluctant to reveal something that's good for the public? Just imagine, for a moment, if a simple FOIL can reveal this - if the lawsuits are granted discovery, my guess is that Boss Ratner's fat little fingers will be pressing away on the delete key while simulataneously looking for countries with no extradition agreement with the US.

NLG also reports the NYT is coming about against corruption not naming its business partner, however...which all leads me to the big, looming question. What is behind Forest City's undo influence? It seems its unlikely just a matter of some $2500.00 campaign contributions and a few lunches for state reps.....and that is the big, big question waiting to be answered - but first its time for MSM to finally start asking it.