QNE_p024

QC09192013

24 The Queens Courier • SEPTEMBER 19, 2013 for breaking news visit www.queenscourier.com SUPPORT NOT FOR SALE Pol refused bribe BY MAGIE HAYES mhayes@queenscourier.com A would-be business owner was recently busted for attempting to bribe a southeast Queens pol, according to officials. Tarsem Singh applied in May to open a liquor store on North Conduit Avenue, right across the street from Springfield Gardens High School. The proposal was heavily opposed by Councilmember Donovan Richards and the Springfield Gardens community. “Our children need to come outside their school and see something of the beauty that represents this community,” Richards said outside the proposed location at a May press conference. A source confirmed Richards as the subject of Singh’s bribe attempt. The two met in June, along with Singh’s business associate, to discuss Richards’ opposition. The meeting was captured on a security camera, and Singh was caught trying to pass cash to Richards, according to the Department of Investigation (DOI). That same day, Richards reported the incident and the DOI began its investigation. “Our communities and children aren’t for sale,” Richards said. Throughout the investigation, undercover agents met with Singh and associates Davinder Singh and Rajinder Singh. The three offered agents $2,500 in exchange for the councilmember’s support, which was to be the subject of an upcoming hearing before the State Liquor Authority. Before the hearing, Davinder texted the undercover investigator and said, “Call the Liquor Authority. We are counting on you,” according to the DOI. Davinder and Rajinder, both of Ozone Park, were both arrested on Friday, September Councilmember Donovan Richards openly opposed a liquor store proposal, though store owners attempted to bribe him in exchange for support. 13. They are charged with bribery, a felony, and giving unlawful gratuities, said the DOI. DOI Commissioner Rose Gill Hearn said the councilmember’s “prompt report allowed the DOI to investigate swiftly and shut down the scheme.” “When I was elected, I promised my constituents that I would carry myself with the utmost integrity and that I would do whatever was needed to protect our quality of life,” Richards said. This is the second time in four months that a City Councilmember reported a bribe offer to the DOI, said THE COURIER/Photo by Maggie Hayes Hearn. Councilmember Jimmy Van Bramer received a bribe offer in April. He too rejected the offer and reported the incident to the DOI. “Clearly, the good news is that there are public officials unwilling to sell their offices,” Hearn said. Finally... A hearing device you’ll actually want to wear. HEARING TESTS • CHILDREN/ADULTS • REPAIRS • SUPPLIES “We Listen So You Can Hear” Come and Experience the Industry’s Most Advanced, Discreet Digital Hearing Aids Oticon • Alta • Intiga • Chili Try Alta for 14 days risk-free. Call 800-560-1220 or INTRODUCING THE Experience the all new Alta. Dr. Peter Loring Au.D., FAAA Licensed Audiologist Experience ConnectlineTM ...The NEW Wireless Hearing System That Connects to the Telephone & Television • Custom Head Phones • Amplifi ed Telephones • Wireless TV Hearing Headsets Most Insurance Plans Accepted Empire Plan Recipients Minimal or No Out of Pocket Cost Mediblue Plans Honored www.audionicsnyc.com • Email:baysideaudionics@gmail.com Dr. Jill Diamond Au.D., FAAA Licensed Audiologist 210-08 Northern Blvd. Bayside, NY 11361 718.224.6100


QC09192013
To see the actual publication please follow the link above