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CONNECTICUT
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NEWSPAPER EXCERPTS
Source: Daily Advocate, Stamford, CT - Page 3
Dated: Jan. 13, 1976
Manafort's use of strong political muscle criticized
HARTFORD (AP) - Former state Public Works
Commissioner is pictured by the Bridgeport jai alai grand
jury report as the inspiration behind a plan to dodge a
state environmental law.
Manafort could not be reached for comment.
Superior Court Judge Harold Mulvey, the sole
juror and author of the report, said Manafort had at
least three meetings in his office between jai alai
promoters and top officials of the Department of
Environmental Protection. Mulvey added that
Manafort suggested how the jai alai company.
Connecticut Sport Enterprises Inc. (CSE), could circumvent a
law requiring an air-pollution permit.
The problem for the promoters was the buildings begun
after Oct. 1, 1974 had to be approved by DEP to make sure
they would not create air pollution by attracting too great
amount of traffic into already congested areas.
Paul Manafort suggested at a meeting in January
1975 that if the Department of Environmental Protection
could be convinced that the Bridgeport fronton was not new
construction because some existing foundations were used in
the new building, then Connecticut Sport Enterprises would
not need a permit from that department." Mulvey
said.
Farmer Deputy DEP Commissioner Eckardt Beck and
Henry Beal, chief of air-quality division, said that
if the promoters would "produce proof of an agreement prior
to Oct. 1, 1974 of permission from the City of Bridgeport to
proceed with construction it would solve the problem as far
as their department was concerned."
In obtaining the proof, Mulvey said fraud was
used. The old foundation wasn't used to support the
new building as the plans called for.
The report said Beck and Beal testified before
the jury that they felt "Paul Manafort had an
interest in the matter much more than that of discharging
the duties of his office." The report said Beal
"particularly felt that it was inappropriate that the
meetings were held in Paul Manafort's office. "
Mulvey said Manafort was aware his
family's construction business, Manafort Brothers,
was the demolition contractor for the fronton and was owed a
lot of money by CSE. Friend had two Manafort
the company would not get paid without DEP approval, the
report said."
Manafort had been a "major stockholder" in the
construction company until he became mayor of New Britain
several years ago and sold his stock to a cousin.
Mulvey said he hasn't been paid for the stock.
In order to get proof from Bridgeport officials, CSE
officials got letters from John Ricci, planning and
zoning officer of the city, and John Greggas,
building inspector.
Meetings were conducted in the office of Sanford
Elitz, assistant to then Bridgeport Mayor Nicholas
Panuzio, with Ricci and deputy development
administrator Arthur LaChioma.
Greggas was persuaded to sign a letter that
would satisfy the state, Mulvey said in the
conclusion of his report:
"It is crystal clear to this grand jury that Paul
Manafort exercized a great deal of political muscle and
interfered shamefully with the operations of a department
not his own, the Department of Environmental Protection.
His claim of only being helpful has a hollow ring when
treasured against the fact that the solvency of his own
family corporation was at stake.
"However, there does not appear to be criminal
involvement. In any event, it is apparent that the
electors of the City of New Britain have already passed
judgment on Mr. Manafort's conduct on Nov. 4, 1975."
Manafort ran for mayor of New Britain that day
and lost badly. |
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