Finally, a corrupt public official in New York has been compelled to surrender her pension, which was funded by taxpayers, following her conviction and imprisonment.
According to reports, Ursula Stone, the village clerk of Steuben County, has been accused of embezzling $1.2 million during her 19-year tenure. As a result, she has been charged under the state’s anti-corruption law. To make amends for her actions, Stone has agreed to forfeit her $1,920 monthly pension.
New York has recently made history with its first forfeiture of this kind.
State Comptroller Tom DiNapoli declared that this case is a clear message to those who dishonor their public office that they will face serious consequences.
It is our hope that politicians would respond with grace and civility when faced with opposition. However, in reality, many of them tend to retaliate with more force and cunning tactics than a small-town clerk would.
Despite the fact that voters strongly support the idea of revoking pensions from public officials and state workers who have been convicted of felonies that are related to their duties, this matter appears to be disregarded.
The ability to impose forfeitures was not available until the ethics reform was passed by the Legislature in 2011 and voters subsequently amended New York’s Constitution in 2018 to allow for it.
Hats off to DiNapoli and his team of astute investigators for revealing Stone’s long-standing embezzlement, and to Steuben County District Attorney Brooks Baker for taking legal action against it.
The question remains – will district attorneys be willing to take the necessary political risks when it comes to prosecuting high-ranking politicians?
Who will have the courage to conduct the investigation?
Even though the law now permits fundamental justice, there is concern about New York’s political culture protecting the most egregious offenders.
