N.Y. bean-counter doesn't know beans about ethics

A routine check of state archives by reporters covering the New York gubernatorial election uncovered startling evidence of a ham-fisted attempt by the state's comptroller, who is now the Democratic candidate for governor, to use his position of power in attempts to secure jobs for two relatives.
Even more amazing than the letters is his campaign spokesman's attempt to make it sound as if the candidate did nothing wrong.
Saturday's New York Post reported that H. Carl McCall sent to letters in 1997 on the official stationary of the comptrollers office to company executives pitching relatives' resumes.
"As an investor, I am impressed with Coca-Cola's performance, and I wish you continued success," McCall wrote in a letter dated July 15, 1997, to a Coca-Cola senior vice president. He included his cousin's resume. While McCall's office oversees the state's pension fund, which held $700 million worth of Coca-Cola stock at the time, the only Coke that McCall owned was in his refrigerator.
He wrote that his cousin "is looking for employment opportunities dealing with corporate communications, public or legislative affairs, or media and government relations. As you can see from the attached resume, she has some significant experience, and I would appreciate any consideration you can give to her."
Daughter did OK
It is unknown whether the cousin got a job with Coke. But McCall's daughter, Marcella, was subsequently hired by Verizon, the company that resulted from the merger of Bell Atlantic and NYNEX. McCall had sent a similar letter and his daughter's resume to Bell Atlantic's chief financial officer.
"Like many public officials, the comptroller routinely forwards resumes to companies on behalf of individuals he knows, respects and believes would be good employees," McCall spokesman Steve Greenberg said. "There was no intent other than to pass along a resume."
That's an insult to the intelligence of New York voters. These weren't routine letters of recommendation sent by a bureaucrat to personnel managers. They were addressed to company higher-ups who were in a position to recognize the value of currying favor with someone in a position to make multi-million dollar investment decisions.
McCall was already trailing incumbent George Pataki in the polls. This should settle the deal.