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[benson14 at rcn.com]

Dear Broadway Democrats: 
On May 9 th the Broadway Democrats is endorsing a candidate for mayor.  Many of my friends and steering committee colleagues are going to urge you to support John Liu for mayor.  I respectfully disagree for the following reasons: 
  
I am writing to say that Ethics DO matter.  Integrity matters.  We need progressive leaders, but we also need leaders that we perceive to be honest and without even the hint of scandal.  There is more to being a leader than having progressive values.  We also judge leaders on how they act—and (right or wrong) how their aides act.  Mr. Liu’s campaign treasurer – a person he met with regularly and still praises - was convicted of trying to illegally obtain campaign contributions.  It appears she was offering access to and favoritism from Mr. Liu in return.  If he knew, this is a obviously a major concern.  But even if he did not know, one must seriously question the type of people he has selected to help him govern.  Those of us inleadership positions (politicians, directors of social work, office managers) are responsible for the people we hire.  Fair or not, the 'buck stops' at our door.  Mr Liu has accomplished many good things as Comptroller.  He has a progressive core.  However, having senior aides convicted of this type of a crime, make me question if he is currently ready to be elected mayor.  
  
Please do not vote to endorse Mr. Liu.  Please support any other candidate.  There have been too many elected officals recently involved in scandals.  We need to support someone who is progressive, but also someone who has shown good judgement and does not have questions swirling around them.  Being ethical and having integrity is important to me.  I hope you all will agree. 
  
  
Richard A Siegel 
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