Kerik Email Specifically Names Donovan as Player in Successful Bid by Mob-Linked Trash Hauler for City Contracts During Probe

Donovan Soon After Received and Accepted Large Campaign Contribution from the Mob-Linked Outfit

The New York Democratic State Committee today filed formal Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) Requests with the Staten Island D.A. and the Staten Island Borough President's Office.

The requests seek production of emails, phone logs, and other records relating to Dan Donovan's communication with convicted felon Bernard Kerik and other mob-linked individuals associated with Interstate Industrial.

Kerik informed the company in a now-public email that Donovan, then chief of staff to the Staten Island Borough President, was assisting it in its bid to score $75 million in city contracts -- while the company was being investigated for its mob ties.  The email assured the company that the disgraced former official had "explained everything to Dan Donovan."

The company won the contracts and, soon after, gave big to Donovan's first campaign for DA.

When asked why Kerik would implicate him in the unsavory affair, Donovan pleaded ignorance, saying (unbelievably) "I don't know what that was about."

The FOIL Requests formally seek Dan Donovan's emails and phone records, memos, schedules and other documents, which may indicate his involvement, collusion or participation in the process to illegally assist Interstate Industrial in winning a city contract.

"While Dan Donovan stonewalls on his precise role in this mob scandal, two facts are not disputed: First, a disgraced felon told a mob-linked garbage company that Donovan was helping it get city contracts -- even as the company was under investigation. Second, Donovan received and accepted campaign cash from the mobbed-linked company shortly thereafter," said NY State Democratic Party Chair, Jay Jacobs.

“Was Donovan a key player in Kerik’s trashy scheme or did he just let it happen under his nose?  The records we requested will help us determine which one. But either way, it doesn’t look like Donovan will come up smelling like roses,” concluded Jacobs.

See the full FOIL request below.

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October 26, 2010

Borough President James P. Molinaro
10 Richmond Terrace, Room 120
Borough Hall, Staten Island, NY 10301

Daniel M. Donovan
Office of the Richmond County District Attorney
130 Stuyvesant Place, 7th Floor
Staten Island, NY 10301

Dear Sirs:

Pursuant to Article VI of the Public Officers Law (The Freedom of Information Act ), we hereby request:

(1)    Any and all data, documents or records, including but not limited to e-mails, memos, schedules, notes,  correspondence, phone records or call logs, whether such data, documents or records are stored on paper, electronically or in some other manner, which may indicate the knowledge, involvement, or participation of Daniel Donovan (or his staff) in discussions or in the process that led to the awarding of any government contract or funds to the Interstate Industrial Corporation involving the Fresh Kills landfill, including the bidding, selection and request for proposals regarding the closing of Fresh Kills landfill or the Interstate Industrial Corporation.

 (2)    Any and all data, documents or records, including but not limited to e-mails, memos, schedules, notes,  correspondence, phone records or call logs, whether such data, documents or records are stored on paper, electronically or in some other manner, involving communications or contacts, whether direct, indirect or through a third party, between Daniel Donovan (or his staff) and Bernard Kerik regarding the Interstate Industrial Corporation.

 (3)    Any and all data, documents or records, including but not limited to e-mails, memos, schedules, notes,  correspondence, phone records or call logs, whether such data, documents or records are stored on paper, electronically or in some other manner, involving communications or contacts, whether direct, indirect or through a third party, between Daniel Donovan or his staff and Bernard Kerik regarding any efforts being undertaken by Daniel Donovan to seek or prepare to seek elected office, including but not limited to efforts involving the solicitation or receipt of campaign donations.

(4)    Any and all data, documents or records, including but not limited to e-mails, memos, schedules, notes,  correspondence, phone records or call logs, whether such data, documents or records are stored on paper, electronically or in some other manner, involving Dan Donovan that relate to any inquiries by any law enforcement agency regarding the Interstate Industrial Corporation.

I look forward to a response to these requests, or an acknowledgement of a receipt of these requests, within five business days, pursuant to Article VI of the Public Officers Law. If the records are not available with 10 working days of your acknowledgement, please contact me via an e-mail.

I agree to compensate the Staten Island Borough Presidents Office in accordance with the Public Officers Law. I may be reached at 212-725-8825 if you have any questions about this request.

Thank you.

 
Jay Jacobs
Chairman
NYS Democratic Committee