Newark Is Ordered to Freeze Private Funds Linked to Departing Mayor

Just when you think you've seen it all...  In case there was any doubt about the corrupt mess that Cory Booker is going to take over, this should put it to rest.  These desperate, shameless antics are shocking, even by Newark standards.

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Newark Is Ordered to Freeze Private Funds Linked to Departing Mayor

By DAMIEN CAVE and JOSH BENSON

Published: April 21, 2006

http://www.nytimes.com/2006/04/21/nyregion/21sharpe.html?ex=1303272000&en=b03dffc27d288080&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss

NEWARK, April 20 — State officials have denounced a plan by Newark to transfer tens of millions of taxpayer dollars to two private funds under the partial control of retiring Mayor Sharpe James, and have ordered the city to freeze all actions involving the money.

In a letter sent to city lawyers on Thursday, the state's Department of Community Affairs said there were serious unanswered legal questions about the creation of the funds and the assignment of $80 million in city money to projects chosen by a board that includes the mayor and his allies at City Hall.

The agency also questioned the Municipal Council's ability to earmark $33.5 million of that money for "contributions" to nonprofit institutions around the city, including Symphony Hall and the Newark Public Library...