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Like Council, Bloomberg Has Discretionary Funds
by Bob Hennelly
NEW YORK, NY May 14, 2008 — As the City Council grapples with an ongoing federal investigation into its funding of community groups, the Bloomberg administration has for the first time, disclosed that it handed out millions in discretionary funds last year on behalf of favored city council members.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg's office had $4.5 million set aside for dozens of non-profits and special projects earmarked for eight council members and Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz.
Some council members charged that the mayor's selective generosity with city funds amounted to his buying support from members.
Brooklyn Councilman Simcha Felder was the largest recipient with close to $2 million that went to 19 non-profits and projects in his district.
A spokesperson for the mayor rejected that there were any quid pro quos.
The memo containing the disclosure also laid out several steps that are being taken to improve budgetary transparency and accountability.
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