Updated 04/16/2012 06:31 PM
Mayor Ryan calls for ethics investigation
Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan calls for an ethics investigation into State Senator Tom Libous. Allegations were made against the senator and his son during a Yonkers corruption trial several weeks ago. Our Melissa Kakareka tells us why the mayor feels the matter should be further investigated and what Senator Libous has to say in response.
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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan announced he won't be running for a seat in the State Senate Monday. But he does have some questions for the man who currently holds the position.
"I'm going to tell you right now senator, nobody believes your story and if it's not true, then you should be calling for an ethics investigation yourself," said Binghamton Mayor Matt Ryan.
The mayor has requested that the State Ethics Commission conduct a full investigation into the allegations made against Senator Libous during a Yonkers corruption trial several weeks ago.
During that trial, the key witness claimed Libous had arranged a job for his son at a law firm and negotiated a raise in his pay. An allegation the mayor believes is true.
"I've reached out to the defense attorneys in this case. They cross examined Mr. Magone. They believe he was telling the truth. They said, just as I've been saying all along, he would not lie about some tangential matter in this case and risk any agreement he might have with the prosecutors," said Ryan.
Libous disputed all claims of wrongdoing last month. On Monday, he fired back at the mayor's comments.
"Mr. Ryan should worry more about the potholes he needs to fix. He's too easily distracted by events in Washington, Albany and even Northern Pennsylvania. Senator Libous is extremely confident that the JCOPE will dismiss his baseless and partisan complaint," said Senator Libous Spokesperson Emmanuel Priest.
Still, Ryan says it’s his obligation as a public official to make sure the matter is fully investigated.
"I'll apologize if I'm wrong, but we cannot let this go if we believe in good government," said Ryan.