Bunker mode has been a RIOC feature for years. Facing criticism or even troubling questions, they hunker down, out of sight, as if being fired on. Instead of standing proud on its achievements, the state agency hides. It’s been noted in multiple administrations, but that of President/CYA Shelton J. Haynes reaches new depths of secrecy.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Bunker Mode and Governor Kathy Hochul
RIOC’s tendency to huddle under cover in bunker mode is made worse, contrasted against Governor Hochul’s pledge of increasing transparency and accountability. The local state agency grew much worse under her administration with no end in sight.
That was highlighted in the past week as RIOC stopped responding to most Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests, persistently claiming it needs more time. In one case, they’ve refused supplying even the most minimal details for over nine months.
Appeals to state legislators have not budged Haynes & Company an inch out of bunker mode.
To be clear, state agencies have no legal obligation to speak to the media, but they do have a moral one. Shortly after becoming President, facing criticism, Haynes abruptly shut down most media communications, although he openly promised the opposite.
Media blockades are bizarre because, being defensive, they also prevent the agency from putting a positive spin on events. Any benefits are not apparent. In a chance meeting on the East Promenade, last year, I tried explaining this to Haynes. He went ballistic.
So much for that, but freedom of information requests are different.
Freedom of Information Law and Its Violation
“The Freedom of Information Law, effective January 1, 1978, reaffirms your right to
New York State: Your Right To Know
know how your government operates. It provides rights of access to records reflective of
governmental decisions and policies that affect the lives of every New Yorker.”
The law has served New Yorkers well, but in recent years, Governor Andrew Cuomo was notorious in evading it. So, too, is RIOC, but even worse under Hochul.
Because RIOC will not answer questions about nearly anything, no matter how impactful for Roosevelt Islanders, The Daily turned to FOIL requests for information. But instead of responding fully in a reasonable timeframe, the practice of prior administrations, Haynes’s team turned to bunker mode.
That didn’t go into full force until partial responses suggested serious wrongdoing within the state agency. Those results have been reported to the Inspector General for review with several under investigation. Perhaps because of this, RIOC stopped providing any information, a violation itself that will be referred to higher authorities charged with monitoring conduct.
FOIL Requests Denied Because RIOC Needs More Time
The Sportspark Drowning from Last May
After RIOC refused to provide the least information, not even the victim’s name, we FOILed them on June 8th. In the most recent refusal, RIOC wrote: “Please be advised that we require additional time…”
Rumors surfaced that RIOC is being sued over the tragedy, but a search of court records did not reveal any such lawsuit. No firm evidence of any misconduct by RIOC has surfaced, but that may account for invoking bunker mode for nine months now. The state is about to exceed even the normal period for an embryo becoming a whole human being.
Shelton J. Haynes Possible Unauthorized Outside Work
State law requires that most employees obtain permission before taking on work that may reflect on or make use of their state jobs. A whistleblower gave The Daily information that then Vice President, Operations Haynes did that, taking time off for a contract in another state.
We asked for the simplest documentation: anything showing that Haynes requested and/or received approval. After more than three months, RIOC again says it needs more time.
Conclusion: Bunker Mode
There is no way of telling whether or not RIOC or Haynes was or is guilty of anything. But the extreme secrecy bunker mode demands stirs suspicion. After all, people with nothing to hide don’t hide anything. Do they?
More from the Roosevelt Island Daily News
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- Certified 9/11-Related Cancer Cases Double at Northwell HealthNorthwell Health has seen a sharp increase as certified 9/11-related cancer cases double, transforming care for survivors and responders in the New York region.
- Long-Term Health Effects Linked to 9/11: 25 Years LaterThe 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks brings renewed focus to long-term health effects linked to 9/11, with ongoing needs for survivors, first responders, and affected communities.
- NYC Yellow School Bus Shortage Disrupts Back-to-School PlansA potential NYC yellow school bus shortage could affect back-to-school transportation and schedules as classes begin. Learn how families, schools, and city officials are responding.
- Lithium-Ion Battery Fire Suspected in Hunters Point High-Rise: FDNY RespondsA lithium-ion battery fire is suspected in the Hunters Point high-rise incident that prompted a major FDNY response, with a second Queens fire following at Ravenswood. Officials are investigating both events.
Still Searching: Transparency Delayed at RIOC
New York’s Freedom of Information Law rests on a basic principle: government records belong to the public unless an agency can identify a lawful reason to withhold them. For Roosevelt Island residents, that right matters because RIOC controls public land, infrastructure, transportation, contracts and development without functioning as a locally elected government.
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