(July 11, 208): "Rangel uses Apts in spite of Regulations" (NYT)

[Mrs L]

While aggressive evictions are reducing the number of rent-stabilized apartments in New York, Representative Charles B. Rangel is enjoying four of them, including three adjacent units on the 16th floor overlooking Upper Manhattan in a building owned by one of New York’s premier real estate developers.

Uli Seit for The New York Times
The Harlem building where Representative Charles B. Rangel has four rent-stabilized units.

Mr. Rangel, the powerful Democrat who is chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, uses his fourth apartment, six floors below, as a campaign office, despite state and city regulations that require rent-stabilized apartments to be used as a primary residence.

http://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/nyregion/11rangel.html?_r=2&hp&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

Post a Comment »
Read All Comments (343) »

[EH]

...and his constituents are none too happy about it. Yet another case of same 'ol politicians and greed. I used to have lots of respect for him, but he's also turned out to be a disappointment.

http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/07/11/rangel-defends-use-of-rent-stabilized-apartments/#comment

Updated, 5 p.m. | Representative Charles B. Rangel held a 20-minute news conference on Friday afternoon after The New York Times reported that he had four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem at a time when the city is experiencing an affordable housing crisis. At one point angry residents accosted the congressman, the dean of Harlem politics, in an unusual sidewalk confrontation, as Mr. Rangel faced questions from reporters.

Mr. Rangel, who is the powerful chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee, said his living arrangements were fair and legal and that he was paying the maximum rent allowed on all four rent-stabilized units, in the Lenox Terrace complex at West 135th Street and Lenox Avenue. “I didn’t see anything unfair about it,” he said. “I didn’t even know it was a deal.”

[HRCin08/GeekLove]

“I didn’t see anything unfair about it,” he said. “I didn’t even know it was a deal.”

Further proof that those in power are "out of touch" with the "unwashed masses"

To make such a statement, he is admitting that he is unaware of the suffering by the people. If those in power cannot recognize when they receive a benefit that their constituents desperately need (this includes favorable mortgage terms) how are we to expect them to solve our problems?
:mad:

[Kbentleyis]

It's almost like "he/she wasn't the person I thought he/she was?" Alway plausible deniability.

[Agent 00½ FL]

It also states he was using as a campaign office. Probably writing off the rent on his taxes also, how unfair is that to people who truly deserve that housing.

[Linda C]

Rengel is a big Hillary supporter.

[EH]

Rengel is a big Hillary supporter.

WAS. After the primaries ended he urged the NY AA delegates to get behind Obama.

[Linda C]

WAS. After the primaries ended he urged the NY AA delegates to get behind Obama.

Sure he did, but that isn't the point. He wasn't always an Obama supporter and I believe he got his district in Harlem to vote overwhelmingly Clinton.

[EH]

Sure he did, but that isn't the point. He wasn't always an Obama supporter and I believe he got his district in Harlem to vote overwhelmingly Clinton.

I am just very disturbed by the fact that he turned on a dime like that instead of being loyal to her. Once you've backed BO, there's no turning back. He's like kryptonite to me now.

[martreasures]

perks are why the rich get richer and the poor get poorer...

[santafegal]

“I didn’t see anything unfair about it”

That is the problem. How can you represent the people if you can't even IMAGINE putting yourself in their shoes?

[nette60]

used to say he was a big Hillary supporter and put pressure on her to drop out...now an Obama supporter. Even though he stuck with her until the end..He should have kept his mouth shut as well. The Clintons have bought millions ifnot billions of dollars worth of revitalization to his district. Harlem...

[CGP]

I am surprised he has been allowed to do this. I saw this report on NY1 today.

[hipelayne]

This might be a silly suggestion, but do you think that BHO's camp discovered this and used it against Rangel, which is why he suddenly turned on Hillary toward the end of the primaries? If that is the case, then Rangel has no need to be afraid to support Hillary anymore - it's out in the open!

[EH]

At the end of the primaries Rangel literally bullied all the NY AA delegates to "get behind Obama". Rangel is now kryptonite to me, despite the respect I had for him. I wrap those who backstab Hillary around my little finger!

[JamieKuuipo]

The audacity of Rangel matches that of BHO!!!


Mr. Rangel, 78, declined to answer questions during a telephone interview, saying that his housing was a private matter that did not affect his representation of his constituents.
“Why should I help you embarrass me?” he said, before abruptly hanging up.


Rangel, told Hillary to get out, and to do it Now on Tuesday June 2, You apologized on Sunday face the nation on June 8.

Give those apts back to the people, your constituents and get out!

Get out of office now. You used your postion to get cheep rent!!!