Bashaw Investigated by FBI
Curtis Bashaw, outgoing executive director of the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA), was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
The investigation came upon complaints that Bashaw diverted millions of dollars of federal grant money he had secured for his controversial restoration of Congress Hall in Cape May to housing for the beleagured Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. Gannett broke the story today.
The FBI investigated the claim along with the Inspector Genereal of HUD. The conclusion found that Bashaw had done nothing wrong with the federal grant money.
That does not mean, however, that Bashaw has not used his influence to get this and other projects done.
What is interesting is that the investigation of Bashaw began in December of 2003. Bashaw was appointed executive director of CRDA in February 2004. The investigation did not conclude until May 2005. That Bashaw was being investigated by the federal government apparently caused then-governor McGreevey no qualms.
Bashaw will resign this week from his directorship of CRDA. Bashaw paid off his $3.1 in federal loans prior to his departure from CRDA. He will, however, serve as both chairman and director for the Jersey Shore Tourism Corp. While the group is private, it is funded with your tax dollars, dear reader. This is patronage at its worse. Bashaw will control state tax dollars for redevelopment at the shore. Bashaw is a developer at the shore. He has used his influence previously to his benefit. There is no reason to believe he will not again.
Where are the leaders of this state? This cannot be permitted to happen. Mr. Corzine? Mr. Forrester? Mr. Codey?
Also blogged on this date . . .
- Dot . . . Dot . . . Dot . . . - 2008
- Girl - 2006
- Albano Not Our Man for Assembly - 2005