To the Editor:
Ok, the verdict has been reached in the Leona Beldini bribery case. She is guilty of accepting bribes, but she is not guilty of asking for bribes. Huh? She is guilty even though she is not an elected official or a government employee. She held the honorary title of deputy mayor. Huh? She is guilty even though there was no testimony that she received the money that was offered. Huh?
The prosecution alleges that the money was funneled through two people. One of those was Edward Cheatam. He was never called by the prosecution to testify. Huh? Is it possible that he would have testified that he did not give the money to Ms Beldini? Is it justice for the prosecution to allege that he funneled the money to her and then not call him to testify? The other guy was not available to testify. She was convicted even though on the tapes the campaign contributions would be split up, and therefore perfectly legal. Huh?
Hudson County has been plagued by officials accepting money for favors. But, have you ever heard the saying, “The cure is worse than the disease?” You see, if they can do it to the deputy mayor, they can do it to you and me. You see, breaking the law to enforce the law is worse then accepting money. The Irish have 300 years of experience dealing with a government that makes up the rules that suit them. It’s a good way to control the people.
HUGH ROARTY