Ex-NYC Mayor Koch: Giuliani Acted Improperly, Looks Like A Cover-Up

Republican presidential candidate Rudy Giuliani acted improperly and appeared to be covering something up when he charged the cost of his and his girlfriend's security detail to obscure New York City agencies, former mayor Ed Koch told the Huffington Post.

On Wednesday, the Politico reported that in 2001, Giuliani transferred tens of thousands of dollars in security costs to non-related city organizations such as the New York City Loft Board and the Office for People with Disabilities (both of which, ironically, Giuliani once proposed for elimination). The costs were for trips Giuliani made to the Hamptons, presumably to visit his then-mistress Judith Nathan.

"There is something improper about charging costs to a department other than the NYPD," said Koch. "They are the ones who are supposed to pick him up no matter where he is whether or not it's in the city."

Koch, who served as the mayor of New York City from 1978 to 1989, said that the episode gave off the appearance that Giuliani, who was at the time married to his second wife Donna Hanover, was trying to hide his affair. He also argued that providing Judith Nathan her own personal protection (when she was not a member of the first family) constituted an even more flagrant misuse of taxpayer money.

"I found it strange that his lady friend was given protection," said the long-time New York politico. "That was bizarre. She's not the city's responsibility. Rudy is the city's responsibility. Your wife and his children get protection, and that's understood. But certainly not your lady friend."

Koch, a Democrat, supported Giuliani's campaign for mayor in 1993. But he later soured, writing a series of columns for the New York Daily News in the mid-1990s that criticized Giuliani, as well as a 1999 book titled "Giuliani: Nasty Man." As for Giuliani's current run at the White House, Koch is not a fan.

"I'm just amazed that Giuliani is doing as well as he's doing," said Koch. "He doesn't deserve it."

Describing an anecdote from former NYPD commissioner and Giuliani pal Bernard Kerik's book -- in which Kerik was appointed First Deputy Corrections Commissioner by Giuliani (despite suspect qualifications) and was subsequently greeted, one-by-one, with kisses on the cheek from the mayor's aides -- Koch scoffed at the mafia-like atmosphere of Giuliani's inner circle.

"When I saw that [Kerik story], I said I don't want that happening in the White House," said Koch. "Giuliani is tough on the mafia but he is obsessed by it."

Comments

[dantanna]

TotobiAyokoh23; there are two worst things that can ever happen to america after bush and they are called giulianni and clinton. they are the continuation of the end of this soon to be the once most powerful country in the world.

[dantanna]

if these transactions were clean and legitimate; why then not allocate them in the proper department and provide the supporting documentation to the auditors to prove them. smells really bad; but what do "high morals me" republicans care anyway? right?

[hopeless277]

Unless the rumors are true that Cheney will step down due to 'health reasons' and Bush will appoint Jeb as VP to run for Pres as incumbant, Rooty is the Pres-designate of the Bush Crime Family. They will put the Kabosh on this story soon enough as the Whirlitzer will remain silent on the subject. With the MSM under the thumb of their corporate masters, who are also part of the BCF, this story has little chance of making a dent in Rooty's lead. He WILL be the nominee no matter what and he will win the election no matter what IF BUSH ALLOWS THE ELECTION TO HAPPEN AT ALL. I'm betting on a cancellation and a declaration of martial law. Look how well it worked out for Mushy in Pakistan.

[DinahMoeHum]

The fact that Fruity Rudy's own kids don't want to be seen with him, much less campaign for him says volumes about his character (or rather lack thereof)

[gappytoofcondi]

Couldn't his rich girlfriend "Jewdeath" have paid for him for the gas and tolls?

[pennyfortheguy]

As if anything'll come of it. (reverse wishful thinking being applied)

[Witchitalineman]

I have to agree with Koch, perception is everything. I have never understood how Giuliani has made himself, as well as the media, to be such a rock start of 9/11. It's baffling to me. I sure as heck wouldn't vote for him.

[clumberfeet]

Rudy said as Mayor he had a 24X7 security detail.
Did that include picking up his mistress in the Hamptons, delivering her to the bungalow in his emergency command center in World Trade Center 7 and taking her home?

[rebop]

1993 was not Giuliani's initial campaign for mayor. Rudy ran and lost to David Dinkins in 1989.

[beastofbourbon]

I'm thankful Ed Koch is still the same bold outspoken bastard he always was.....Rooty's pot is boiling over......... To Ed , NYC Fireman/911 Families , New York State Attorney's Office : turn up the heat !!!

[wndrwrthg]

If skeletor lite was willing to violate his oath of marriage, how can he be trusted not to violate his oath of office as president?

[RagingJerseyBoy]

My thoughts exactly. I especially appreciate Koch mentioning the Mafiosi aura that has attached itself to Giuliani. There is no doubt that he is a corrupt opportunist, who has fabricated this image of being 'America's Mayor,' casting himself in the role as the greatest hero of 9-11.

At best, he has exaggerated this role; some of his claims, such as spending virtually every day for several months at Ground Zero, are not true, and are an insult to the real heroes of 9-11: The rescue workers who toiled for months at the site, sacrificing their health in many cases.

If that horrible, tragic day had never occurred, Giuliani wouldn't be the front runner in the Republican field. He probably wouldn't be running at all. In this parallel universe, in the unlikely event that Giuliani did decide that he had more than a remote chance of winning, I doubt that he would poll higher than 10%; considering his stances on abortion, gay rights and gun control, he would be persona non grata among much of the party base.

The events of 9-11 presented Giuliani with a tremendous opportunity. Now he is peddling his 'leadership' to credulous Republicans, many of whom are willing to overlook his past positions on social issues; of course, Giuliani is now pretending to be pro life.

I think that he will win the nomination. I hope that during the general election, enough Americans will realize that Giuliani does not have the character to be President, with his unapologetic arrogance and authoritarian personality. That's not 'leadership;' I call it tyranny. Fred Thompson is better qualified. At least we could laugh at his goofiness.

[nick1936]

Just another Repuk CROOK why is everyone surprised

[dax49]

ya think!

[Centauri]

Have you guys noticed how MSM is trying to bury this story? I think MSM's nominee is Rudyani.