A new report suggests the embattled governor doled out Sandy relief funds for questionable purposes

[DonViejo]

Did Christie use Sandy funds to secure a Democratic mayor’s endorsement?

A new report suggests the embattled governor doled out Sandy relief funds for questionable purposes

ELIAS ISQUITH

According to a new report from the Star-Ledger, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie helped direct $6 million in federal aid for Superstorm Sandy to a project in Belleville that long predated any damage from the storm.

The project in question is an $18 million senior center and housing complex in Belleville, supported by Belleville Mayor Raymond Kimble, and intended to ensure the town’s seniors don’t leave. Of the project’s $18 million cost, a full third is coming from the $1.8 billion given to New Jersey by the federal government in order to repair damage wrought by Sandy.

The Star-Ledger reports Christie administration officials claiming the Belleville senior center will aid people in the surrounding area who were displaced by the storm, and was approved due to its already being far along in planning. But the Star-Ledger found that during the project’s unveiling, Christie and other government officials said precious little about Sandy or Sandy-related relief.

The funds for the project were approved by the Christie administration less than two weeks before Belleville Mayor Raymond Kimble formally endorsed Christie’s reelection.

More from the Star-Ledger:

more of the Salon article:
http://www.salon.com/2014/01/28/did_christie_use_sandy_funds_to_secure_a_democratic_mayors_endorsement/

[bigdarryl]

1. I'm still not sure this is illegal

[okaawhatever]

2. If the Federal funds were for storm related damage, then yes it is. You wouldn't even have to

prove quid pro quo. There are two potential crimes. One is for the misappropriation of the money. Using money granted for storm repair for repairs that pre-dated the storm. You wouldn't have to prove that Christie received something in return. Even if the money wasn't attached to specific purpose if christie required an endorsement before awarding it then there's quid pro quo and he can go to jail like don Seigelman did.