When the COVID pandemic hit New York City, Roosevelt Island Disabled Association Leader Wendy Hersh swung into action. She was blocked from delivering food by health restrictions. As a result, she set up a free pantry that still distributes supplies to people who need them. One beneficiary, though, raises some current issues.
by David Stone
The Roosevelt Island Daily News
Free Food From the Pantry
Wendy Hersh has it right.
“As far as requirements,” she told The Daily in an email, “a food pantry is a place where anyone can go to get food in times of need. New York City residents are eligible for free food from food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food sites regardless of immigration status or income although registration is required.”
But there’s a twist. There’s a sense that something’s not right when it comes to RIOC‘s Public Safety Department Inspector Wanda Coleman. While Coleman handles permitting, an especially demanding job, she does little of the actual work normal for public safety. For her efforts, she gets $122,332.39 per year, plus RIOC’s generous benefits program.
She is the third highest paid employee in PSD. She does not resemble the ideal candidate for free food donated to help out New Yorkers in need.
New York State Public Officers Law §73(5) is a gift restriction that prohibits state officers and employees from accepting gifts that could be considered a conflict of interest or a violation of §74(3) standards. The law sets a threshold value of $75 for gifts that fall under the purview of §73(5)
New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics
Concerns
Three people, all Roosevelt Island residents, confirm that Coleman carries out bags of free food from the pantry. Heightening that concern is that she is assigned to providing security during the Disabled Association’s weekly distribution.
That’s a conflict. There’s more because the Disabled Association depends on her for permits for various activities around Roosevelt Island. Ethics rules include avoiding the appearance of taking or giving favors, not just specific acts.
No director, officer or employee of the Corporation may by his or her conduct give
reasonable basis for the impression that any person can improperly influence him or
her or unduly enjoy his or her favor in the performance of his or her official duties, or
that he or she is affected by the kinship, rank, position or influence of any party or
person
To that end, some residents suggest that Coleman and RIDA take care of each other. They do this in a one hand washes the other arrangement, they say.
Truth or Gossip?
Some Roosevelt Islanders have more critical versions of the story above. Those – along with actual bad acts – are what ethics codes strive to avoid. Others are nothing but complimentary.
In fairness to Inspector Coleman and RIDA Executive Director Hersh, we outlined the accusations to Coleman. We did so in an email and asked for her comment.
“I am by no means saying these claims are proven or true, but they are serious,” I advised her. “Your response would be greatly appreciated in clearing up any issues.”
She did not respond nor did Chief Kevin Brown or his #2 Anthony Amaroso, both of whom were copied. That is, Coleman and superiors had ample opportunity for cleaning up the story. As in the days of Shelton Haynes, they chose not to. That strategy is no more beneficial than it was then.
All the salaries, benefits and perks enjoyed by Public Safety are at the expense of Roosevelt Island. All funds for operations are collected here. Having a department so disrespectful of the residents’ right to know – to have questions answered – suggests intolerable elitism.
From a 30,000 Foot View
This highlights overstaffing and bloated salaries throughout RIOC. It is nowhere worse than in PSD. Virtually every aspect of their work duplicates tasks Roosevelt Islanders already pay for in state and city taxes.
If Chief Brown and company care at all about confirming their value, they should consider opening some doors. Their value is roughly $5 million a year collected locally. Cleaning the windows also matters. Bunkering in the RIOC tradition is of negative worth.
Howard Polivy, the Man Who Never Left
There is a particular rhythm to board meetings. Once you have sat through enough of them, they begin to blend together. The agenda appears. The minutes are approved.
