The New York media went after New York City Councilman Larry Seabrook for wasting taxpayer money earmarked for his council campaign on personal use.
An editorial in the New York Daily News begins "Hey, boys and girls! Want a new computer? Robocaller? Custom-made office chair? Run for election. With no real opponent. Your role model can be Bronx Councilman Larry Seabrook, who has managed to soak the taxpayers thanks to New York City’s overly generous public campaign finance system."
The New York Post editorial starts, "If you build it, they will come and get it. That is, free money attracts freeloaders – such as, for example, City Councilman Larry Seabrook (D-Bronx)."
The Post continues, "New York’s matching-funds scheme is purpose-built for abuse.
In 2003, completely unserious candidate Abraham Wasserman garnered all of 368 votes while finishing dead last in a four-way council race in Brooklyn.
Wasserman raised about $16,000.
But he was rewarded with $62,700 in matching funds from the CFB.
He distributed $29,000 to "consultants" – including his wife and sons.
And he broke no law.
So no surprise that Seabrook felt comfortable stuffing his pockets, so to speak.
The system invites corruption by offering free money to just about anyone claiming to be a candidate."
