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{{Infobox_Politician |
{{Infobox_Politician |
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| name = Adam Clayton Powell IV |
| name = Adam Clayton Powell IV |
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'''Adam Clayton Powell IV''' was born in 1962 as Adam Clayton Powell Diago, and changed his name in 1980. He is a member of the [[New York State Assembly]], and frequently found in the news over personal controversy. In 2004 he was accused of [[rape]] by two women, but was not formally charged.<ref name=Sex>Sabrina Tavernise, "No Charges for Legislator in Allegation of Sex Assault," ''New York Times'', October 8, 2006, found at |
'''Adam Clayton Powell IV''' was born in 1962 as Adam Clayton Powell Diago, and changed his name in 1980. He is a member of the [[New York State Assembly]], and frequently found in the news over personal controversy. In 2004 he was accused of [[rape]] by two women, but was not formally charged.<ref name=Sex>Sabrina Tavernise, "No Charges for Legislator in Allegation of Sex Assault," ''New York Times'', October 8, 2006, found at |
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[http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/08/nyregion/08powell.html New York Times archives]. |
[http://www.nytimes.com/2004/10/08/nyregion/08powell.html New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> In 2008 he was arrested and charged with [[Driving while intoxicated]] (DWI) in [[New York City]] <ref name=DWI>Anemona Hartocllis and Colin Moynihan, "Assemblyman Faces a Charge of Drunken Driving," ''New York Times'', March 7, 2008, found at |
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[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html New York Times archives]. |
[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref><ref name=Might>Jonathon P. Hicks, "A Conviction Might Limit, but Not End, a Political Career, Observers Say," ''New York Times'', March 7, 2008, found at [http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/08/nyregion/08powell.html New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> and had his [[driver's license]] [[suspended]].<ref name="nytimes.com">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html</ref> In 2009 he was cited for the misuse of nearly $30,000 in campaign funds,<ref name="nydailynews.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/09/06/2009-09-06_pols_living_high_on_their_campaign_hogs_money_meant_to_fund_races_goes_for_cars_.html?page=2 |title=Too many loopholes: Campaign money goes for cars, spas & travel |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2009-09-06 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="solanaanderik.com"/> and $39,890 in government and taxpayer funds.<ref name="ReferenceC">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/12/14/2009-12-14_state_pols_aides_leading_double_lives_49_key_staffers_face_conflict_over_positio.html |title=State pols' aides leading double lives: 49 key staffers face conflict over positions |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="nydailynews1">{{cite news|author=Editorials |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/opinions/2009/12/14/2009-12-14_albanys_double_trouble.html |title=Albany's double trouble: Pernicious pols put political aides in charge of campaign cash |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2009-12-14 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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==Early years== |
==Early years== |
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Powell's grandfather Gonzalo Diago was a mayor of [[San Juan]] during the 1940s.<ref name="NYSA">[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=068&sh=bio Bio.= Assembly of New York State]</ref> His father was congressman [[Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.]] When his parents separated, Powell's mother Yvette Diago was granted custody, and he was raised and educated in Puerto Rico. Powell has an older half-brother, [[Adam Clayton Powell III]]. |
Powell's grandfather Gonzalo Diago was a mayor of [[San Juan]] during the 1940s.<ref name="NYSA">[http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=068&sh=bio Bio.= Assembly of New York State]</ref> His father was congressman [[Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.]] When his parents separated, Powell's mother Yvette Diago was granted custody, and he was raised and educated in Puerto Rico. Powell has an older half-brother, [[Adam Clayton Powell III]]. |
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Powell received an undergraduate degree from [[Howard]] and a law degree from [[Fordham University]], but was fired from the Bronx District Attorney's office after he failed to pass the bar exam twice.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/28/nyregion/in-harlem-race-big-name-vs-political-clan.html</ref> |
Powell received an undergraduate degree from [[Howard]] and a law degree from [[Fordham University]], but was fired from the Bronx District Attorney's office after he failed to pass the bar exam twice.<ref name="nytimes1991">{{cite news|last=Mckinley |first=James C. |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1991/10/28/nyregion/in-harlem-race-big-name-vs-political-clan.html |title=In Harlem Race, Big Name vs. Political Clan |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=1991-10-28 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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For the past 22 years, since the time he left Fordham, Powell has been unlicensed to practice law.<ref> |
For the past 22 years, since the time he left Fordham, Powell has been unlicensed to practice law.<ref name="NYSA"/><ref name="nytimes1991"/><ref>[https://iapps.courts.state.ny.us/attorney/AttorneySearch Attorney Search - JCaptcha<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> |
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Powell was briefly married to Andrea Dial, a former [[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] Fashion Fair model. They had a son, Adam Clayton Powell V, before divorcing in the mid-1990s.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n5_v45/ai_8540115/pg_2 Ebony]</ref> |
Powell was briefly married to Andrea Dial, a former [[Ebony (magazine)|Ebony]] Fashion Fair model. They had a son, Adam Clayton Powell V, before divorcing in the mid-1990s.<ref>[http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1077/is_n5_v45/ai_8540115/pg_2 Ebony]</ref> |
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==Family Scandal== |
==Family Scandal== |
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[[Image:YvetteDiago-2.jpg|215px|right|thumb|Powell's mother charged with fraud]] |
[[Image:YvetteDiago-2.jpg|215px|right|thumb|Powell's mother charged with fraud]] |
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In 1967 Yvette Diago, the mother of Adam Clayton Powell IV, made national headlines when she was exposed by a U.S. Congressional committee for her massive [[theft]] [[of]] [[state]] [[funds]].<ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,899407,00.html</ref> |
In 1967 Yvette Diago, the mother of Adam Clayton Powell IV, made national headlines when she was exposed by a U.S. Congressional committee for her massive [[theft]] [[of]] [[state]] [[funds]].<ref name="time.com">{{cite news|author=By Friday, Feb. 24, 1967 |url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,899407,00.html |title=Investigations: Adam & Yvette |publisher=''TIME'' |date=1967-02-24 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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The [[Associated Press]] preserved live video footage of this event, and her comments to Washington reporters.<ref>http://www.efootage.com/play-stock-footage-clip/42441/AdamClaytonPowellJrYvetteDiagoPuerto</ref> |
The [[Associated Press]] preserved live video footage of this event, and her comments to Washington reporters.<ref name="efootage.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.efootage.com/play-stock-footage-clip/42441/AdamClaytonPowellJrYvetteDiagoPuerto |title=Play Clip |publisher=eFootage |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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Powell's mother admitted to the committee that she had been on the congressional payroll of [[Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.]] '''for six full years''' – from 1961 until 1967 – even though she had been living in Puerto Rico the whole time.<ref> |
Powell's mother admitted to the committee that she had been on the congressional payroll of [[Adam Clayton Powell, Jr.]] '''for six full years''' – from 1961 until 1967 – even though she had been living in Puerto Rico the whole time.<ref name="efootage.com"/><ref name="books.google.com.au">{{cite books|url= |title=Lyndon B. Johnson, toward the great society |publisher=W. W. Norton |date=2007 |volume=5 |last=Germany |first=Kent B.}}</ref> |
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As reported by [[Time Magazine]], Powell's mother lived in Puerto Rico and "performed no work at all" from 1961 to 1967...yet she sent weekly time sheets and stayed on the payroll for six years, with an annual salary of $20,578.<ref |
As reported by [[Time Magazine]], Powell's mother lived in Puerto Rico and "performed no work at all" from 1961 to 1967...yet she sent weekly time sheets and stayed on the payroll for six years, with an annual salary of $20,578.<ref name="time.com"/><ref name="efootage.com"/><ref name="books.google.com.au"/><ref name="Wil Haygood 1993 pp. 251-52">Wil Haygood, ''King of the Cats: The Life and Times of Adam ClaytonPowell, Jr.'' (1993) pp. 251-52, 286-89, 327-33, 364-65</ref> |
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Powell's mother was exposed, and fired, in 1967.<ref name="time.com"/><ref name="efootage.com"/><ref name="books.google.com.au"/><ref name="Wil Haygood 1993 pp. 251-52"/> |
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Powell's mother was exposed, and fired, in 1967.<ref>http://books.google.com.au/books?id=ha3uOUiEoYUC&pg=PA366&lpg=PA366&dq=yvette+diago+payroll&source=bl&ots=E5hoZglO1X&sig=vbk17rCepzSxAgcILr7s0Rhspmw&hl=en&ei=ffYpS9nnBM7klAfdnJyoBw&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=7&ved=0CBsQ6AEwBg#v=onepage&q=yvette%20diago%20payroll&f=false</ref><ref>http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,899407,00.html</ref><ref>http://www.efootage.com/play-stock-footage-clip/42441/AdamClaytonPowellJrYvetteDiagoPuerto</ref><ref>Wil Haygood, ''King of the Cats: The Life and Times of Adam ClaytonPowell, Jr.'' (1993) pp. 251-52, 286-89, 327-33, 364-65</ref> |
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Adjusted for inflation, the current value of $20,578 in 1967, is '''$131,000.''' <ref>http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi</ref> |
Adjusted for inflation, the current value of $20,578 in 1967, is '''$131,000.''' <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.westegg.com/inflation/infl.cgi |title=The Inflation Calculator |publisher=Westegg.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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==Public Life== |
==Public Life== |
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He already had a nephew by that name: [[Adam Clayton Powell IV (engineer)|Adam Clayton Powell IV]], son of [[Adam Clayton Powell III]], leading to occasional confusion. |
He already had a nephew by that name: [[Adam Clayton Powell IV (engineer)|Adam Clayton Powell IV]], son of [[Adam Clayton Powell III]], leading to occasional confusion. |
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[[Image:Adamclaytonpowellpress-thumb.jpg|380px|left|thumb|Powell after criminal arraignment for Driving While Intoxicated]] |
[[Image:Adamclaytonpowellpress-thumb.jpg|380px|left|thumb|Powell after criminal arraignment for Driving While Intoxicated]] |
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Powell joined the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in 1989. Despite misrepresenting himself as an attorney and failing to file campiagn disclosure forms, he ran successfully for the [[New York City Council]] in 1991. |
Powell joined the [[Democratic Party (United States)|Democratic Party]] in 1989. Despite misrepresenting himself as an attorney and failing to file campiagn disclosure forms, he ran successfully for the [[New York City Council]] in 1991.<ref name="nytimes1991"/> |
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In 1994 Powell challenged Representative [[Charles B. Rangel]] for his seat in the [[United States House of Representatives]], and lost.<ref name=Sex /> In 1997 he ran for [[Manhattan]] borough president, lost again, and moved to Puerto Rico. |
In 1994 Powell challenged Representative [[Charles B. Rangel]] for his seat in the [[United States House of Representatives]], and lost.<ref name=Sex /> In 1997 he ran for [[Manhattan]] borough president, lost again, and moved to Puerto Rico. |
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==Missing in Albany== |
==Missing in Albany== |
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As of 2007, Powell had not introduced one single bill in the New York State legislature for three consecutive years. |
As of 2007, Powell had not introduced one single bill in the New York State legislature for three consecutive years.<ref name="nysun.com">{{cite news|url=http://www.nysun.com/new-york/one-albany-lawmaker-isnt-much-for-making-law/55197/ |title=One Albany Lawmaker Isn't Much for Making Law |publisher=''New York Sun'' |date=May 25, 2007 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> Since over 40,000 bills were introduced in the New York legislature during this time period,<ref name="Law, 2007">The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law, (May 2007), "The New York State Legislative Process: an Evaluation and Blueprint for Review"</ref> Powell's record of inactivity, in the press and in [[Albany, New York|Albany]] circles, was laughingly compared to that of Cal Ripken.<ref name="nysun.com"/><ref name="Law, 2007"/><ref name="ReferenceB">Lovett, Kenneth, (8/2/09), "Where, Oh, Where Are The Lawmmakers?" ''Daily News (New York)''</ref> |
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Powell's attendance record has also drawn media attention. In 2007 Powell was absent in Albany for 10% of the entire legislative session.<ref name="nysun.com"/> By 2009 his absence during the legislative session had more than doubled to 21.7%.<ref name="ReferenceB" |
Powell's attendance record has also drawn media attention. In 2007 Powell was absent in Albany for 10% of the entire legislative session.<ref name="nysun.com"/> By 2009 his absence during the legislative session had more than doubled to 21.7%.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> Out of 212 state legislators, Powell has the fifth worst attendance record in Albany.<ref name="ReferenceB"/> |
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Despite this, Powell's Assembly web site credits him for "working on education," "helping to create new job opportunities," and "passing the law known as SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption) which exempts seniors from paying any rent increases." <ref>http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=068&sh=bio</ref> |
Despite this, Powell's Assembly web site credits him for "working on education," "helping to create new job opportunities," and "passing the law known as SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption) which exempts seniors from paying any rent increases." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://assembly.state.ny.us/mem/?ad=068&sh=bio |title=New York State Assembly |publisher=New York State Assembly |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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==Multiple Accusations of Rape== |
==Multiple Accusations of Rape== |
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[[Image:ACPowell -1.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Powell accused of rape]] |
[[Image:ACPowell -1.jpg|300px|left|thumb|Powell accused of rape]] |
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In May 2004, Powell was accused of [[rape]] and [[sexual assault]] by a 19-year old legislative [[intern]], after he provided her with liquor in his bedroom in the Howard Johnson's motel in Colonie, New York, a few miles from his office in Albany.<ref name=Complaint>Al Baker, "Complaint Against Lawmaker By Albany Intern Investigated," ''New York Times'', May 11, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DE0DB133CF932A25756C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref><ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/10/16/2009-10-16_harlem_assemblyman_adam_clayton_powell_iv_has_eye_on_rep_charlie_rangels_house_s.html</ref><ref |
In May 2004, Powell was accused of [[rape]] and [[sexual assault]] by a 19-year old legislative [[intern]], after he provided her with liquor in his bedroom in the Howard Johnson's motel in Colonie, New York, a few miles from his office in Albany.<ref name=Complaint>Al Baker, "Complaint Against Lawmaker By Albany Intern Investigated," ''New York Times'', May 11, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9E0DE0DB133CF932A25756C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref><ref name="nydailynews2">{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/2009/10/16/2009-10-16_harlem_assemblyman_adam_clayton_powell_iv_has_eye_on_rep_charlie_rangels_house_s.html |title=Harlem Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV has eye on Rep. Charlie Rangel's House seat |agency=''Associated Press'' |date=2009-10-16 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="nytimes2004" /> |
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The [[rape]] accusation was front page news in the ''New York Post'', the ''Daily News'', and the ''New York Times''.<ref name= |
The [[rape]] accusation was front page news in the ''New York Post'', the ''Daily News'', and the ''New York Times''.<ref name="Complaint"/><ref name="nydailynews2"/><ref name="nytimes2004"/> |
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According to the [[Alcohol laws of New York]], the legal drinking age in New York State is 21.<ref> |
According to the [[Alcohol laws of New York]], the legal drinking age in New York State is 21.<ref name="nytimes2004">{{cite news|last=Baker |first=Al |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/05/16/nyregion/albany-faces-its-sex-problem-and-nobody-s-snickering.html?pagewanted=all |title=Albany Faces Its Sex Problem, and Nobody's Snickering |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=2004-05-16 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.abc.state.ny.us/abc-law |title=ABC Law | New York State Liquor Authority |publisher=New York State |date=2010-01-01 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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Within two weeks thereafter, the New York State Assembly issued new rules to ban |
Within two weeks thereafter, the New York State Assembly issued new rules to ban |
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In July 2004 Powell was accused of [[rape]] again, by a second woman in New York City.<ref name=Rape>Al Baker and , William K. Rashbaum, "Woman Says Assemblyman Raped Her in an Apartment," ''New York Times'', July 3, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E1DE1F38F930A35754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> |
In July 2004 Powell was accused of [[rape]] again, by a second woman in New York City.<ref name=Rape>Al Baker and , William K. Rashbaum, "Woman Says Assemblyman Raped Her in an Apartment," ''New York Times'', July 3, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C07E1DE1F38F930A35754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> |
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According to the ''New York Times'', the ''New York Daily News'' and the ''New York Post'', Powell allegedly raped the second woman in her apartment in the Trump International Hotel on Central Park West in Manhattan NYC, but no charges were ultimately filed.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/03/nyregion/woman-says-assemblyman-raped-her-in-an-apartment.html</ref><ref name=Calls>Mary Scipuzza, "Assemblyman Calls Accusation of Rape 'Outrageous'," [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504EFD91F38F937A35754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref><ref name=Deny>Jonathan P. Hicks, "Harlem Assemblyman Denies Rape Allegation," ''New York Times'', July 15, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9906EFDD173AF936A25754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> |
According to the ''New York Times'', the ''New York Daily News'' and the ''New York Post'', Powell allegedly raped the second woman in her apartment in the Trump International Hotel on Central Park West in Manhattan NYC, but no charges were ultimately filed.<ref name="nytimes3">{{cite news|last=Baker |first=Al |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/07/03/nyregion/woman-says-assemblyman-raped-her-in-an-apartment.html |title=Woman Says Assemblyman Raped Her in an Apartment |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=2004-07-03 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name=Calls>Mary Scipuzza, "Assemblyman Calls Accusation of Rape 'Outrageous'," [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9504EFD91F38F937A35754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref><ref name=Deny>Jonathan P. Hicks, "Harlem Assemblyman Denies Rape Allegation," ''New York Times'', July 15, 2004, found at [http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9906EFDD173AF936A25754C0A9629C8B63 New York Times archives]. Retrieved January 30, 2009.</ref> |
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==Fundraising Controversy I: The Devil Landlord== |
==Fundraising Controversy I: The Devil Landlord== |
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Andonis Morfesi, a notorious [[slumlord]] known as the "Devil Landlord," owned several buildings in Powell's district.<ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2005/03/20/2005-03-20__devil_landlord__in_n_j__-_h.html</ref> Morfesi served five months in jail for his tenant abuses <ref> http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/nyregion/landlord-is-sent-to-jail-for-not-providing-heat.html</ref> and, in 1987, he owed $2.5 million in fines for his building violations - more than any other landlord in New York City.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/30/nyregion/andrew-stein-charges-40-million-in-housing-fines-are-uncollected.html</ref> |
Andonis Morfesi, a notorious [[slumlord]] known as the "Devil Landlord," owned several buildings in Powell's district.<ref name="nydailynews2005">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2005/03/20/2005-03-20__devil_landlord__in_n_j__-_h.html |title='DEVIL LANDLORD' IN N.J. - HUGE DEBT 'IS A JOKE'. CITY THOUGHT HE DIED, SAYS HE OWES $5M IN TAXES & FINES |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2005-03-20 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> Morfesi served five months in jail for his tenant abuses <ref name="nytimes1990">{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1990/03/10/nyregion/landlord-is-sent-to-jail-for-not-providing-heat.html |title=Landlord Is Sent to Jail For Not Providing Heat |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=1990-03-10 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> and, in 1987, he owed $2.5 million in fines for his building violations - more than any other landlord in New York City.<ref name="nytimes1987">{{cite news|last=Lambert |first=Bruce |url=http://www.nytimes.com/1987/10/30/nyregion/andrew-stein-charges-40-million-in-housing-fines-are-uncollected.html |title=Andrew Stein Charges $40 Million in Housing Fines Are Uncollected |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=1987-10-30 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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After Morfesi was released from prison, Powell recruited Morfesi as the fundraising co-chair for his political campaigns. When asked to explain his recruitment of a [[slumlord]] and [[ex-convict]] as his personal fundraising coordinator, Powell acknowledged that Andonis Morfesi owned buildings in his city council district, but added that "A lot of guys wouldn't be on my contributors' list if I started digging into their records." <ref> |
After Morfesi was released from prison, Powell recruited Morfesi as the fundraising co-chair for his political campaigns. When asked to explain his recruitment of a [[slumlord]] and [[ex-convict]] as his personal fundraising coordinator, Powell acknowledged that Andonis Morfesi owned buildings in his city council district, but added that "A lot of guys wouldn't be on my contributors' list if I started digging into their records." <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.villagevoice.com/2000-08-22/news/the-prodigal-son-returns/ |title=The Prodigal Son Returns - page 1 |publisher=Village Voice |date=2000-08-22 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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In a brazen attempt to avoid paying his building violation fines, Morfesi staged his own "death" until the [[New York Daily News]] tracked him down in [[Englewood Cliffs]], New Jersey in March 2005. By this point Morfesi had amassed over 10,000 building code violations and he owed over $5 million in fines and penalties "for failing to repair his rotting, vermin-infested buildings, where tenants frequently had no heat or hot water." <ref |
In a brazen attempt to avoid paying his building violation fines, Morfesi staged his own "death" until the [[New York Daily News]] tracked him down in [[Englewood Cliffs]], New Jersey in March 2005. By this point Morfesi had amassed over 10,000 building code violations and he owed over $5 million in fines and penalties "for failing to repair his rotting, vermin-infested buildings, where tenants frequently had no heat or hot water." <ref name="nydailynews2005"/> |
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Many of Morfesi's buildings are still in Powell's assembly district.<ref><http://www.villagevoice.com/2000-08-22/news/the-prodigal-son-returns/</ref><ref |
Many of Morfesi's buildings are still in Powell's assembly district.<ref name="villagevoice2000"><http://www.villagevoice.com/2000-08-22/news/the-prodigal-son-returns/</ref><ref name="nydailynews2005"/><ref name="nytimes1990"/><ref name="nytimes1987"/> |
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==Fundraising Controversy II: Pinnacle Management Evictions== |
==Fundraising Controversy II: Pinnacle Management Evictions== |
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As of August 2007, Powell has received thousands of dollars from another [[slumlord]] known as Pinnacle Management.<ref>http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/CONTRIBUTORA_COUNTY?ID_in=A12002&date_From=&date_to=&AMOUNT_From=&AMOUNT_to=&ZIP1=&ZIP2=&ORDERBY_IN=N&CATEGORY_IN=ALL Pinnacle</ref> |
As of August 2007, Powell has received thousands of dollars from another [[slumlord]] known as Pinnacle Management.<ref>http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/CONTRIBUTORA_COUNTY?ID_in=A12002&date_From=&date_to=&AMOUNT_From=&AMOUNT_to=&ZIP1=&ZIP2=&ORDERBY_IN=N&CATEGORY_IN=ALL Pinnacle</ref> |
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According to the [[New York Times]], the [[New York Daily News]] and the [[Village Voice]], Powell solicited and accepted this money from Pinnacle '''at the same exact time''' that Pinnacle Management was being investigated by the Attorney General of New York State and the Manhattan District Attorney for fraudulent repairs, fraudulent rent hikes, and the illegal eviction of 5,000 low-income tenants.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/nyregion/03pinnacle.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2</ref><ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2006/06/07/2006-06-07_pinnacle_probed_morgy_invest.html</ref><ref>http://www.brennancenter.org/page/-/Justice/RTC%20NY%20Daily%20News%207-26-06.pdf</ref><ref>http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2007/07/tenants_and_lan.php</ref><ref>http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/item_2zjeOY77icLrNKMCmkoA4J</ref> |
According to the [[New York Times]], the [[New York Daily News]] and the [[Village Voice]], Powell solicited and accepted this money from Pinnacle '''at the same exact time''' that Pinnacle Management was being investigated by the Attorney General of New York State and the Manhattan District Attorney for fraudulent repairs, fraudulent rent hikes, and the illegal eviction of 5,000 low-income tenants.<ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/nyregion/03pinnacle.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2</ref><ref name="nydailynews2006">{{cite news|last=Gonzalez |first=Juan |url=http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2006/06/07/2006-06-07_pinnacle_probed_morgy_invest.html |title=Pinnacle Probed Morgy Investigates Landlord Who'S King Of Evictions |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2006-06-07 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="brennancenter.org">http://www.brennancenter.org/page/-/Justice/RTC%20NY%20Daily%20News%207-26-06.pdf</ref><ref name="blogs.villagevoice.com">{{cite web|last=Clancy |first=Michael |url=http://blogs.villagevoice.com/runninscared/archives/2007/07/tenants_and_lan.php |title=Tenants and Landlord Hit Pinnacle of a Dispute |publisher=Village Voice |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="nypost.com">{{cite news|last=Topousis |first=Tom |url=http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/item_2zjeOY77icLrNKMCmkoA4J |title='Slum Bum' Hit With Rico Suit |publisher=''New York Post'' |date=2007-07-12 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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[[Image:Pinnacle tenants.jpg|130px|left|thumb|Pinnacle tenant protest]] |
[[Image:Pinnacle tenants.jpg|130px|left|thumb|Pinnacle tenant protest]] |
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Many of the tenants evicted from their homes were senior citizens.<ref |
Many of the tenants evicted from their homes were senior citizens.<ref name="nydailynews2006"/><ref name="brennancenter.org"/><ref name="blogs.villagevoice.com"/> |
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⚫ | In addition to the [[Attorney General]] and [[District Attorney]] investigations, Pinnacle was facing federal [[racketeering]] charges in Federal District Court in Manhattan in August 2007...'''at the same time''' that Powell solicited and accepted campaign contributions from them.<ref name="blogs.villagevoice.com"/><ref name="nypost.com"/><ref>http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/12/nyregion/12evict.html</ref> |
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Just like Andonis Morfesi, Pinnacle Management owns and operates many buildings in Powell's assembly district.<ref name="nydailynews2006"/><ref name="brennancenter.org"/><ref name="nypost.com"/><ref>{{cite web|last=Benepe |first=Jen |url=http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/pinnacle-group-one-big-city-landlord-and-many-little-headaches |title=Pinnacle Group: One big city landlord and many little headaches | The Real Deal | New York Real Estate News |publisher=The Real Deal |date=2006-10-01 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.democracynow.org/2006/6/2/how_one_of_new_york_citys |title=How One of New York City's Biggest Landlords is Systematically Driving Out Thousands of Low-Income Residents |publisher=Democracynow.org |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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⚫ | In addition to the [[Attorney General]] and [[District Attorney]] investigations, Pinnacle was facing federal [[racketeering]] charges in Federal District Court in Manhattan in August 2007...'''at the same time''' that Powell solicited and accepted campaign contributions from them.<ref |
||
Just like Andonis Morfesi, Pinnacle Management owns and operates many buildings in Powell's assembly district.<ref>http://therealdeal.com/newyork/articles/pinnacle-group-one-big-city-landlord-and-many-little-headaches</ref><ref>http://www.democracynow.org/2006/6/2/how_one_of_new_york_citys</ref><ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/archives/news/2006/06/07/2006-06-07_pinnacle_probed_morgy_invest.html</ref><ref>http://www.brennancenter.org/page/-/Justice/RTC%20NY%20Daily%20News%207-26-06.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.nypost.com/p/news/regional/item_2zjeOY77icLrNKMCmkoA4J</ref> |
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==Fundraising Controversy III: Jorge Mas Canosa== |
==Fundraising Controversy III: Jorge Mas Canosa== |
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When Powell ran for congress in 1994 he raised $64,000, and only 10 percent of this came from New York State.<ref>< |
When Powell ran for congress in 1994 he raised $64,000, and only 10 percent of this came from New York State.<ref name="villagevoice2000"/><ref name="afrocubaweb.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.afrocubaweb.com/rangel.htm#funds |title=Charles B. Rangel, Congressman |publisher=Afrocubaweb.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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The other 90 percent originated in anti-Castro strongholds in Miami and New Jersey, including $5000 from Free Cuba PAC, Inc.,<ref>http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P1-2267723.html</ref><ref>http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2265863.html |
The other 90 percent originated in anti-Castro strongholds in Miami and New Jersey, including $5000 from Free Cuba PAC, Inc.,<ref name="afrocubaweb.com"/><ref name="encyclopedia.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1P1-2267723.html |title=Rangel, Powell spar - New York Amsterdam News |publisher=Encyclopedia.com |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref name="highbeam.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-2265863.html |title=Article: `Harlem not for sale!' clergy urge Candidate Adam Clayton Powell IV - New York Amsterdam News | HighBeam Research |publisher=Highbeam.com |date=1994-08-20 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> headed by anticommunist zealot [[Jorge Mas Canosa]], who made a $1000 personal donation to Powell as well.<ref name="villagevoice2000"/><ref name="encyclopedia.com"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1132/is_10_50/ai_54545997/pg_8/ |title=No Mas Canosa - the death of Cuban political figure Jorge Mas Canosa |publisher=Monthly Review |date=March, 1999 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|author=Antonio de la Cova |url=http://www.latinamericanstudies.org/exile/canosa.htm |title=No Mas Canosa - the death of Cuban political figure Jorge Mas Canosa - Obituary |publisher=Latinamericanstudies.org |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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Due to this alliance with Jorge Mas Canosa a coalition of Harlem religious leaders, community activists and the [[Amsterdam News]] denounced Powell as a racist.<ref |
Due to this alliance with Jorge Mas Canosa a coalition of Harlem religious leaders, community activists and the [[Amsterdam News]] denounced Powell as a racist.<ref name="afrocubaweb.com"/><ref name="highbeam.com"/> |
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==Misuse of Campaign Funds== |
==Misuse of Campaign Funds== |
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[[Image:Brewery smoke.jpg|205px|right|thumb|The Guinness Beer Factory]] |
[[Image:Brewery smoke.jpg|205px|right|thumb|The Guinness Beer Factory]] |
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On Sunday September 6, 2009 the [[Daily News]] reported that Powell repeatedly uses these [[campaign]] [[funds]] to subsidize his own travel, entertainment and personal life. This includes personal reimbursements of nearly $30,000 for the lease of a [[BMW]] sports car, meals, gas, stamps, tolls, parking, auto insurance, tuxedo rentals and worldwide travel—including $1,200 for trips to [[Florida]] and Ireland.<ref |
On Sunday September 6, 2009 the [[Daily News]] reported that Powell repeatedly uses these [[campaign]] [[funds]] to subsidize his own travel, entertainment and personal life. This includes personal reimbursements of nearly $30,000 for the lease of a [[BMW]] sports car, meals, gas, stamps, tolls, parking, auto insurance, tuxedo rentals and worldwide travel—including $1,200 for trips to [[Florida]] and Ireland.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref name="solanaanderik.com">http://solanaanderik.com/articles/AlbanyCampaignSpending.pdf</ref><ref name="elections.state.ny.us">[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A12002+p_e_year=2002+p_freport_id=C+p_transaction_code=F]{{dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated1">[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A12002+p_e_year=2008+p_freport_id=A+p_transaction_code=F]{{dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref><ref name="autogenerated2004">[http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/reports/rwservlet?cmdkey=efs_sch_report+p_filer_id=A12002+p_e_year=2004+p_freport_id=B+p_transaction_code=F]{{dead link|date=January 2010}}</ref> |
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As reported by the Daily News, another $2,500 in campaign funds went toward the Ireland trip through a travel company named Celtic Tours. Powell, who represents Harlem, said he went to [[Ireland]] to "familiarize himself with his Irish constituents." |
As reported by the Daily News, another $2,500 in campaign funds went toward the Ireland trip through a travel company named Celtic Tours. Powell, who represents Harlem, said he went to [[Ireland]] to "familiarize himself with his Irish constituents."<ref name="nydailynews.com"/> According to [[Newsday]] Powell defended this trip to Ireland, paid by his own campaign contributors, by stating “We learned so much history. We even saw the [[Guinness]] [[beer]] factory. A lot of history there.” <ref name="solanaanderik.com"/> |
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As with former Senate Majority Leader [[Joseph Bruno]] who spent $700,000 from his campaign treasury to pay his criminal defense lawyers,<ref>http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/11/10/2009-11-10_untitled__brunoside10m.html</ref> and former State Senator [[Guy Velella]] who spent $125,000 in campaign funds for his criminal defense lawyers, |
As with former Senate Majority Leader [[Joseph Bruno]] who spent $700,000 from his campaign treasury to pay his criminal defense lawyers,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/news/2009/11/10/2009-11-10_untitled__brunoside10m.html |title=Joe Bruno asks pals to help pay $2.5 million in legal bills |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2009-11-10 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> and former State Senator [[Guy Velella]] who spent $125,000 in campaign funds for his criminal defense lawyers,<ref>{{cite news|last=Cooper |first=Michael |url=http://www.nytimes.com/2004/04/20/nyregion/fellow-senators-help-pay-for-velella-defense.html |title=Fellow Senators Help Pay for Velella Defense |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=2004-04-20 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> Powell paid out a substantial legal bill to his own [[criminal defense lawyer]] Murray Richman, Esq. and Stacey Richman, Esq.<ref name="nytimes3"/> |
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These attorney payments were for Powell's [[criminal defense]] when two women accused Powell of [[rape]], when Powell was arrested for [[Driving While Intoxicated]], when Powell's [[driver's license]] was [[suspended]], and when Powell was cited for misuse of [[government]] and [[campaign]] [[funds]].<ref |
These attorney payments were for Powell's [[criminal defense]] when two women accused Powell of [[rape]], when Powell was arrested for [[Driving While Intoxicated]], when Powell's [[driver's license]] was [[suspended]], and when Powell was cited for misuse of [[government]] and [[campaign]] [[funds]].<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref name="solanaanderik.com"/><ref name="ReferenceC"/><ref name="nytimes3"/><ref name="elections.state.ny.us"/><ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2004"/><ref name="cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com">{{cite web|last=Hicks |first=Jonathan P. |url=http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/is-arrested-assemblymans-electability-tainted/ |title=Is Arrested Assemblyman’s Electability Tainted? |publisher=''New York Times'' |date=2008-03-07 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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In addition, just under $7,000 of Powell's personal reimbursements were listed as simply "[[meals]] and [[entertainment]]," though the law requires a detailed itemization of each expense.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref |
In addition, just under $7,000 of Powell's personal reimbursements were listed as simply "[[meals]] and [[entertainment]]," though the law requires a detailed itemization of each expense.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref name="elections.state.ny.us"/><ref name="autogenerated1"/><ref name="autogenerated2004"/> |
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Misuse of campaign funds is a violation of New York State Election law, and a [[criminal act]] in the State of New York.<ref>Article II, Sections 14-104, 14-122, and 14-130 of the Constitution of New York. State</ref><ref>http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf |
Misuse of campaign funds is a violation of New York State Election law, and a [[criminal act]] in the State of New York.<ref name="nydailynews.com"/><ref>Article II, Sections 14-104, 14-122, and 14-130 of the Constitution of New York. State</ref><ref>http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf</ref> |
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==Misuse of Government Funds== |
==Misuse of Government Funds== |
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On Monday December 14, 2009 the [[Daily News (New York)]] reported that Powell's campaign treasurer is also on Powell's Assembly payroll as a "constituent liaison." Through this means, Powell pays his campaign treasurer $39,890 per year with government and taxpayer funds.<ref |
On Monday December 14, 2009 the [[Daily News (New York)]] reported that Powell's campaign treasurer is also on Powell's Assembly payroll as a "constituent liaison." Through this means, Powell pays his campaign treasurer $39,890 per year with government and taxpayer funds.<ref name="ReferenceC"/> The [[Daily News]] called this "sleaze incarnate" and "equal parts hilarious and infuriating...Albany's entrenched pay-to-play culture doesn't get much more naked than this." <ref name="nydailynews1"/> |
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==Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated== |
==Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated== |
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[[Image:Powell600.jpg|190px|left|thumb|Powell after DWI arrest]] |
[[Image:Powell600.jpg|190px|left|thumb|Powell after DWI arrest]] |
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In 2008, Powell was arrested and charged for [[Driving While Intoxicated]] ([[DWI]]) on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City.<ref> http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html?_r=1</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/03/06/2008-03-06_harlem_pol_adam_clayton_powell_4th_buste-3.html |
In 2008, Powell was arrested and charged for [[Driving While Intoxicated]] ([[DWI]]) on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City.<ref name="cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com"/><ref name="nytimes4">http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html?_r=1</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{cite web|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2008/03/06/2008-03-06_harlem_pol_adam_clayton_powell_4th_buste-3.html |title=Harlem pol Adam Clayton Powell 4th busted for DUI |publisher=''NY Daily News'' |date=2008-03-08 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Del |first=John |url=http://gothamist.com/2008/03/06/assemblyman_ada.php |title=Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell 4th Arrested for DUI |publisher=Gothamist |date=2008-03-06 |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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Upon arresting Powell, the police discovered a woman passed out in his car.<ref>Schram, Jamie, (3/7/08), "DWI Pol With Passed-Out Gal," ''New York Post''</ref> The woman was so drunk, that she had to be taken by ambulance to [[St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center]] for emergency observation and treatment.<ref |
Upon arresting Powell, the police discovered a woman passed out in his car.<ref name="autogenerated3">Schram, Jamie, (3/7/08), "DWI Pol With Passed-Out Gal," ''New York Post''</ref> The woman was so drunk, that she had to be taken by ambulance to [[St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center]] for emergency observation and treatment.<ref name="nytimes4"/><ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="autogenerated3"/> |
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Powell's driver's license was suspended,<ref |
Powell's driver's license was suspended,<ref name="nytimes.com"/> and there was discussion in the media that it might limit his political ambitions.<ref name=Might /><ref name="cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com"/> |
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==Criminal Trial for Drunken Driving== |
==Criminal Trial for Drunken Driving== |
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On January 19, 2010, Powell will go on trial in Manhattan Criminal Court, for [[Driving While Intoxicated]] ([[DWI]]) on the Henry Hudson Parkway with a woman passed out in his back seat.<ref>http://northattan.org/2009/12/08/powell-iv-will-he-run/ |
On January 19, 2010, Powell will go on trial in Manhattan Criminal Court, for [[Driving While Intoxicated]] ([[DWI]]) on the Henry Hudson Parkway with a woman passed out in his back seat.<ref name="ReferenceA"/><ref name="autogenerated3"/><ref>{{cite web|author=Kiran Moodley |url=http://northattan.org/2009/12/08/powell-iv-will-he-run/ |title=Powell IV: Will He Run? |publisher=Northattan.org |date= |accessdate=2010-01-17}}</ref> |
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==See also== |
==See also== |
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{{portalpar|Puerto Rico|Flag_of_Puerto_Rico.svg}} |
{{portalpar|Puerto Rico|Flag_of_Puerto_Rico.svg}} |
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==References== |
==References== |
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{{reflist}} |
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}} |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html New York Times archives]. |
*[http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html New York Times archives]. |
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*[http://www.assembly.state.ny.us Official site of the New York Assembly] |
*[http://www.assembly.state.ny.us/ Official site of the New York Assembly] |
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*[http://www.adamclaytonpowell.com/family_tree.htm# Adam Clayton Powell family tree contains a mini biography of Adam Clayton Powell IV] |
*[http://www.adamclaytonpowell.com/family_tree.htm# Adam Clayton Powell family tree contains a mini biography of Adam Clayton Powell IV] |
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*"Adam Clayton Powell IV." ''Carroll's State Directory''. Carroll Publishing, 2005. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale. 2005. |
*"Adam Clayton Powell IV." ''Carroll's State Directory''. Carroll Publishing, 2005. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale. 2005. |
Revision as of 15:32, 17 January 2010
Adam Clayton Powell IV | |
---|---|
File:Powell-1- edited-1.jpg | |
Member of Assembly | |
Assumed office January 1, 2001 | |
Preceded by | Nelson Antonio Denis |
Member of the New York State Assembly from the 68th district | |
Personal details | |
Born | 48 |
Died | 48 |
Resting place | 48 |
Spouse | Andrea Dial (divorced) |
Parent |
|
Profession | Politician |
Adam Clayton Powell IV was born in 1962 as Adam Clayton Powell Diago, and changed his name in 1980. He is a member of the New York State Assembly, and frequently found in the news over personal controversy. In 2004 he was accused of rape by two women, but was not formally charged.[1] In 2008 he was arrested and charged with Driving while intoxicated (DWI) in New York City [2][3] and had his driver's license suspended.[4] In 2009 he was cited for the misuse of nearly $30,000 in campaign funds,[5][6] and $39,890 in government and taxpayer funds.[7][8]
Early years
Powell's grandfather Gonzalo Diago was a mayor of San Juan during the 1940s.[9] His father was congressman Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. When his parents separated, Powell's mother Yvette Diago was granted custody, and he was raised and educated in Puerto Rico. Powell has an older half-brother, Adam Clayton Powell III.
Powell received an undergraduate degree from Howard and a law degree from Fordham University, but was fired from the Bronx District Attorney's office after he failed to pass the bar exam twice.[10]
For the past 22 years, since the time he left Fordham, Powell has been unlicensed to practice law.[9][10][11]
Powell was briefly married to Andrea Dial, a former Ebony Fashion Fair model. They had a son, Adam Clayton Powell V, before divorcing in the mid-1990s.[12]
Family Scandal
In 1967 Yvette Diago, the mother of Adam Clayton Powell IV, made national headlines when she was exposed by a U.S. Congressional committee for her massive theft of state funds.[13] The Associated Press preserved live video footage of this event, and her comments to Washington reporters.[14]
Powell's mother admitted to the committee that she had been on the congressional payroll of Adam Clayton Powell, Jr. for six full years – from 1961 until 1967 – even though she had been living in Puerto Rico the whole time.[14][15]
As reported by Time Magazine, Powell's mother lived in Puerto Rico and "performed no work at all" from 1961 to 1967...yet she sent weekly time sheets and stayed on the payroll for six years, with an annual salary of $20,578.[13][14][15][16]
Powell's mother was exposed, and fired, in 1967.[13][14][15][16]
Adjusted for inflation, the current value of $20,578 in 1967, is $131,000. [17]
Public Life
In preparation for his political life, in 1980, Adam Clayton Powell Diago changed his name to Adam Clayton Powell IV.
He already had a nephew by that name: Adam Clayton Powell IV, son of Adam Clayton Powell III, leading to occasional confusion.
Powell joined the Democratic Party in 1989. Despite misrepresenting himself as an attorney and failing to file campiagn disclosure forms, he ran successfully for the New York City Council in 1991.[10]
In 1994 Powell challenged Representative Charles B. Rangel for his seat in the United States House of Representatives, and lost.[1] In 1997 he ran for Manhattan borough president, lost again, and moved to Puerto Rico.
For the next three years, Powell worked for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and managed his properties in Puerto Rico. There he participated in the Vieques protests, which demanded the departure of the U.S. Navy from that island.[9]
In 2000 Powell returned to New York and ran again, against Assemblyman Nelson Antonio Denis. Powell won the seat for District 68, representing East Harlem and the Bronx in New York City.
"Keep The Faith, Baby"
A cable television movie KEEP THE FAITH, BABY was shown in 2002 on the Showtime network. It starred Harry J. Lennix as Congressman Adam Clayton Powell and Vanessa L. Williams as Hazel Scott, one of Powell's three wives. For consenting to the use of his father's name, Adam Clayton Powell IV collected a fee and received a screen credit.[18]
Missing in Albany
As of 2007, Powell had not introduced one single bill in the New York State legislature for three consecutive years.[19] Since over 40,000 bills were introduced in the New York legislature during this time period,[20] Powell's record of inactivity, in the press and in Albany circles, was laughingly compared to that of Cal Ripken.[19][20][21]
Powell's attendance record has also drawn media attention. In 2007 Powell was absent in Albany for 10% of the entire legislative session.[19] By 2009 his absence during the legislative session had more than doubled to 21.7%.[21] Out of 212 state legislators, Powell has the fifth worst attendance record in Albany.[21]
Despite this, Powell's Assembly web site credits him for "working on education," "helping to create new job opportunities," and "passing the law known as SCRIE (Senior Citizens Rent Increase Exemption) which exempts seniors from paying any rent increases." [22]
Multiple Accusations of Rape
In May 2004, Powell was accused of rape and sexual assault by a 19-year old legislative intern, after he provided her with liquor in his bedroom in the Howard Johnson's motel in Colonie, New York, a few miles from his office in Albany.[23][24][25]
The rape accusation was front page news in the New York Post, the Daily News, and the New York Times.[23][24][25]
According to the Alcohol laws of New York, the legal drinking age in New York State is 21.[25][26]
Within two weeks thereafter, the New York State Assembly issued new rules to ban "fraternization" between interns and lawmakers, and to "protect interns from lawmakers who abuse their power." [27]
In July 2004 Powell was accused of rape again, by a second woman in New York City.[28]
According to the New York Times, the New York Daily News and the New York Post, Powell allegedly raped the second woman in her apartment in the Trump International Hotel on Central Park West in Manhattan NYC, but no charges were ultimately filed.[29][30][31]
Fundraising Controversy I: The Devil Landlord
Andonis Morfesi, a notorious slumlord known as the "Devil Landlord," owned several buildings in Powell's district.[32] Morfesi served five months in jail for his tenant abuses [33] and, in 1987, he owed $2.5 million in fines for his building violations - more than any other landlord in New York City.[34]
After Morfesi was released from prison, Powell recruited Morfesi as the fundraising co-chair for his political campaigns. When asked to explain his recruitment of a slumlord and ex-convict as his personal fundraising coordinator, Powell acknowledged that Andonis Morfesi owned buildings in his city council district, but added that "A lot of guys wouldn't be on my contributors' list if I started digging into their records." [35]
In a brazen attempt to avoid paying his building violation fines, Morfesi staged his own "death" until the New York Daily News tracked him down in Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey in March 2005. By this point Morfesi had amassed over 10,000 building code violations and he owed over $5 million in fines and penalties "for failing to repair his rotting, vermin-infested buildings, where tenants frequently had no heat or hot water." [32]
Many of Morfesi's buildings are still in Powell's assembly district.[36][32][33][34]
Fundraising Controversy II: Pinnacle Management Evictions
As of August 2007, Powell has received thousands of dollars from another slumlord known as Pinnacle Management.[37]
According to the New York Times, the New York Daily News and the Village Voice, Powell solicited and accepted this money from Pinnacle at the same exact time that Pinnacle Management was being investigated by the Attorney General of New York State and the Manhattan District Attorney for fraudulent repairs, fraudulent rent hikes, and the illegal eviction of 5,000 low-income tenants.[38][39][40][41][42]
Many of the tenants evicted from their homes were senior citizens.[39][40][41]
In addition to the Attorney General and District Attorney investigations, Pinnacle was facing federal racketeering charges in Federal District Court in Manhattan in August 2007...at the same time that Powell solicited and accepted campaign contributions from them.[41][42][43]
Just like Andonis Morfesi, Pinnacle Management owns and operates many buildings in Powell's assembly district.[39][40][42][44][45]
Fundraising Controversy III: Jorge Mas Canosa
When Powell ran for congress in 1994 he raised $64,000, and only 10 percent of this came from New York State.[36][46]
The other 90 percent originated in anti-Castro strongholds in Miami and New Jersey, including $5000 from Free Cuba PAC, Inc.,[46][47][48] headed by anticommunist zealot Jorge Mas Canosa, who made a $1000 personal donation to Powell as well.[36][47][49][50]
Due to this alliance with Jorge Mas Canosa a coalition of Harlem religious leaders, community activists and the Amsterdam News denounced Powell as a racist.[46][48]
Misuse of Campaign Funds
On Sunday September 6, 2009 the Daily News reported that Powell repeatedly uses these campaign funds to subsidize his own travel, entertainment and personal life. This includes personal reimbursements of nearly $30,000 for the lease of a BMW sports car, meals, gas, stamps, tolls, parking, auto insurance, tuxedo rentals and worldwide travel—including $1,200 for trips to Florida and Ireland.[5][6][51][52][53]
As reported by the Daily News, another $2,500 in campaign funds went toward the Ireland trip through a travel company named Celtic Tours. Powell, who represents Harlem, said he went to Ireland to "familiarize himself with his Irish constituents."[5] According to Newsday Powell defended this trip to Ireland, paid by his own campaign contributors, by stating “We learned so much history. We even saw the Guinness beer factory. A lot of history there.” [6]
As with former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno who spent $700,000 from his campaign treasury to pay his criminal defense lawyers,[54] and former State Senator Guy Velella who spent $125,000 in campaign funds for his criminal defense lawyers,[55] Powell paid out a substantial legal bill to his own criminal defense lawyer Murray Richman, Esq. and Stacey Richman, Esq.[29]
These attorney payments were for Powell's criminal defense when two women accused Powell of rape, when Powell was arrested for Driving While Intoxicated, when Powell's driver's license was suspended, and when Powell was cited for misuse of government and campaign funds.[5][6][7][29][51][52][53][56]
In addition, just under $7,000 of Powell's personal reimbursements were listed as simply "meals and entertainment," though the law requires a detailed itemization of each expense.[5][51][52][53]
Misuse of campaign funds is a violation of New York State Election law, and a criminal act in the State of New York.[5][57][58]
Misuse of Government Funds
On Monday December 14, 2009 the Daily News (New York) reported that Powell's campaign treasurer is also on Powell's Assembly payroll as a "constituent liaison." Through this means, Powell pays his campaign treasurer $39,890 per year with government and taxpayer funds.[7] The Daily News called this "sleaze incarnate" and "equal parts hilarious and infuriating...Albany's entrenched pay-to-play culture doesn't get much more naked than this." [8]
Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated
In 2008, Powell was arrested and charged for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) on the Henry Hudson Parkway in New York City.[56][59][60][61]
Upon arresting Powell, the police discovered a woman passed out in his car.[62] The woman was so drunk, that she had to be taken by ambulance to St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center for emergency observation and treatment.[59][60][62]
Powell's driver's license was suspended,[4] and there was discussion in the media that it might limit his political ambitions.[3][56]
Criminal Trial for Drunken Driving
On January 19, 2010, Powell will go on trial in Manhattan Criminal Court, for Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) on the Henry Hudson Parkway with a woman passed out in his back seat.[60][62][63]
See also
References
- ^ a b Sabrina Tavernise, "No Charges for Legislator in Allegation of Sex Assault," New York Times, October 8, 2006, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ Anemona Hartocllis and Colin Moynihan, "Assemblyman Faces a Charge of Drunken Driving," New York Times, March 7, 2008, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ a b Jonathon P. Hicks, "A Conviction Might Limit, but Not End, a Political Career, Observers Say," New York Times, March 7, 2008, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ a b http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html
- ^ a b c d e f "Too many loopholes: Campaign money goes for cars, spas & travel". NY Daily News. 2009-09-06. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b c d http://solanaanderik.com/articles/AlbanyCampaignSpending.pdf
- ^ a b c "State pols' aides leading double lives: 49 key staffers face conflict over positions". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b Editorials (2009-12-14). "Albany's double trouble: Pernicious pols put political aides in charge of campaign cash". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b c Bio.= Assembly of New York State
- ^ a b c Mckinley, James C. (1991-10-28). "In Harlem Race, Big Name vs. Political Clan". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Attorney Search - JCaptcha
- ^ Ebony
- ^ a b c By Friday, Feb. 24, 1967 (1967-02-24). "Investigations: Adam & Yvette". TIME. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help)CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link) - ^ a b c d "Play Clip". eFootage. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c Germany, Kent B. (2007). Lyndon B. Johnson, toward the great society. Vol. 5. W. W. Norton.
- ^ a b Wil Haygood, King of the Cats: The Life and Times of Adam ClaytonPowell, Jr. (1993) pp. 251-52, 286-89, 327-33, 364-65
- ^ "The Inflation Calculator". Westegg.com. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ Ask the Family
- ^ a b c "One Albany Lawmaker Isn't Much for Making Law". New York Sun. May 25, 2007. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b The Brennan Center for Justice at the NYU School of Law, (May 2007), "The New York State Legislative Process: an Evaluation and Blueprint for Review"
- ^ a b c Lovett, Kenneth, (8/2/09), "Where, Oh, Where Are The Lawmmakers?" Daily News (New York)
- ^ "New York State Assembly". New York State Assembly. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b Al Baker, "Complaint Against Lawmaker By Albany Intern Investigated," New York Times, May 11, 2004, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ a b "Harlem Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell IV has eye on Rep. Charlie Rangel's House seat". Associated Press. 2009-10-16. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c Baker, Al (2004-05-16). "Albany Faces Its Sex Problem, and Nobody's Snickering". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ "ABC Law | New York State Liquor Authority". New York State. 2010-01-01. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ Al Baker, "Assembly Adopts New Rules To Better Protect Its Interns," New York Times, May 19, 2004, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ Al Baker and , William K. Rashbaum, "Woman Says Assemblyman Raped Her in an Apartment," New York Times, July 3, 2004, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ a b c Baker, Al (2004-07-03). "Woman Says Assemblyman Raped Her in an Apartment". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Mary Scipuzza, "Assemblyman Calls Accusation of Rape 'Outrageous'," New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ Jonathan P. Hicks, "Harlem Assemblyman Denies Rape Allegation," New York Times, July 15, 2004, found at New York Times archives. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
- ^ a b c "'DEVIL LANDLORD' IN N.J. - HUGE DEBT 'IS A JOKE'. CITY THOUGHT HE DIED, SAYS HE OWES $5M IN TAXES & FINES". NY Daily News. 2005-03-20. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b "Landlord Is Sent to Jail For Not Providing Heat". New York Times. 1990-03-10. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b Lambert, Bruce (1987-10-30). "Andrew Stein Charges $40 Million in Housing Fines Are Uncollected". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ "The Prodigal Son Returns - page 1". Village Voice. 2000-08-22. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c <http://www.villagevoice.com/2000-08-22/news/the-prodigal-son-returns/
- ^ http://www.elections.state.ny.us:8080/plsql_browser/CONTRIBUTORA_COUNTY?ID_in=A12002&date_From=&date_to=&AMOUNT_From=&AMOUNT_to=&ZIP1=&ZIP2=&ORDERBY_IN=N&CATEGORY_IN=ALL Pinnacle
- ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2006/09/03/nyregion/03pinnacle.html?_r=1&pagewanted=2
- ^ a b c Gonzalez, Juan (2006-06-07). "Pinnacle Probed Morgy Investigates Landlord Who'S King Of Evictions". NY Daily News. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b c http://www.brennancenter.org/page/-/Justice/RTC%20NY%20Daily%20News%207-26-06.pdf
- ^ a b c Clancy, Michael. "Tenants and Landlord Hit Pinnacle of a Dispute". Village Voice. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c Topousis, Tom (2007-07-12). "'Slum Bum' Hit With Rico Suit". New York Post. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/12/nyregion/12evict.html
- ^ Benepe, Jen (2006-10-01). "Pinnacle Group: One big city landlord and many little headaches | The Real Deal | New York Real Estate News". The Real Deal. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ "How One of New York City's Biggest Landlords is Systematically Driving Out Thousands of Low-Income Residents". Democracynow.org. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c "Charles B. Rangel, Congressman". Afrocubaweb.com. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b "Rangel, Powell spar - New York Amsterdam News". Encyclopedia.com. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b "Article: `Harlem not for sale!' clergy urge Candidate Adam Clayton Powell IV - New York Amsterdam News | HighBeam Research". Highbeam.com. 1994-08-20. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ "No Mas Canosa - the death of Cuban political figure Jorge Mas Canosa". Monthly Review. March, 1999. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Antonio de la Cova. "No Mas Canosa - the death of Cuban political figure Jorge Mas Canosa - Obituary". Latinamericanstudies.org. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c [1][dead link]
- ^ a b c [2][dead link]
- ^ a b c [3][dead link]
- ^ "Joe Bruno asks pals to help pay $2.5 million in legal bills". NY Daily News. 2009-11-10. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Cooper, Michael (2004-04-20). "Fellow Senators Help Pay for Velella Defense". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ a b c Hicks, Jonathan P. (2008-03-07). "Is Arrested Assemblyman's Electability Tainted?". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Article II, Sections 14-104, 14-122, and 14-130 of the Constitution of New York. State
- ^ http://www.elections.state.ny.us/NYSBOE/download/law/2008NYElectionLaw.pdf
- ^ a b http://www.nytimes.com/2008/03/07/nyregion/07powell.html?_r=1
- ^ a b c "Harlem pol Adam Clayton Powell 4th busted for DUI". NY Daily News. 2008-03-08. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
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(help) - ^ Del, John (2008-03-06). "Assemblyman Adam Clayton Powell 4th Arrested for DUI". Gothamist. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
- ^ a b c Schram, Jamie, (3/7/08), "DWI Pol With Passed-Out Gal," New York Post
- ^ Kiran Moodley. "Powell IV: Will He Run?". Northattan.org. Retrieved 2010-01-17.
External links
- New York Times archives.
- Official site of the New York Assembly
- Adam Clayton Powell family tree contains a mini biography of Adam Clayton Powell IV
- "Adam Clayton Powell IV." Carroll's State Directory. Carroll Publishing, 2005. Reproduced in Biography Resource Center. Farmington Hills, Mich.: Thomson Gale. 2005.