6 The Queens Courier • ANNIVERSARY • juLY 2, 2015 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com 30th ANNIVERSARY The Manes scandal: The Courier’s first big story BY ROBERT POZARYCKI The Courier was just a few months old when the borough was rocked by the scandal and eventual suicide of Donald Manes. Only days after beginning an unprecedented fifth term as borough president, Manes slit his wrists while sitting in a car at the Shea Stadium parking Happy Anniversary to The Queens Courier The destiny of HARD WORK is always SUCCESS You have done the hard work CONGRATULATIONS! lot on January 10, 1986. Paramedics saved him, and while under hospitalization, he initially told the press he was attacked; he would later admit to the suicide attempt. That month, reports surfaced that the federal government was investigating Manes for involvement in corrupt activities at the New York City Parking and Violations Bureau. It was reported that Manes concocted a pay-forplay scheme, using political appointments to receive favors and kickbacks. At the time of the scandal, Manes was at the height of his power, wielding tremendous influence as both the borough president and leader of the Queens County Democratic Party. Though he vehemently denied the charges surfacing against him, Manes quickly realized he could not continue in public office. “I know I will be fully vindicated,” Manes said in announcing his resignation on February 11, 1986. “However, I cannot ask the people I serve to wait for me while I devote whatever energies I have to my problems rather than theirs.” Manes left public office, but the spotlight remained on him through March of that year, as the investigation continued and the corruption scandal spread to City Hall. Then, on March 14, Manes fatally stabbed himself in the chest inside his home; that same day, it was reported, his family members had contemplated having him committed over depression. The fall of Donald Manes, however, led to the rise of Claire Shulman, whom the City Council’s delegation elected to succeed Manes as borough president two days before his suicide. Queens residents then voted her into power in special election that November, and would elect Shulman twice more to lead the borough. Photo courtesy of New York Daily News Donald and Marlene Manes during happier times.
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