I want to take issue with [Newsday’s] characterization of my involvement in the disbursement of monies from the Gitenstein Foundation.
I have no issue with the facts about my involvement, as they were reported, nor, generally with the story as written.
However, referring to my involvement as “cronyism” is both unfair and incorrect.
To be clear, I did recommend that $200,000 be donated from the foundation to Surprise Lake Camp.
I, along with others, were asked by Steve Schlesinger, if I knew of any quality Jewish-related organizations that would benefit from a donation from a foundation he was asked to oversee.
I was told that in keeping with past practices of the foundation that he needed to disburse the money to organizations that either benefitted Jewish causes or health-related causes.
I recommended a not-for-profit children’s camp on whose board I sit.
The camp is run by a reputable Jewish organization and serves underprivileged Jewish children along with those from other religions. It is a well-run and extremely reputable organization that is known for its great work and is well respected in the camp community.
To my understanding of the term “cronyism,” a basic requirement is that there is some measure of self-dealing or self-benefit.
I get no benefit from being a board member at Surprise Lake.
Truth be known, I have not attended even one meeting in the past 15 or more years. I receive no compensation, business or contracts either directly or indirectly.
No family member or friend of mine works for Surprise Lake or any affiliate. I received nothing for making this recommendation other than the satisfaction of having done something good to benefit a quality organization and the wonderful children it serves. Given the opportunity to revisit the matter – I would do it again!
Your reporting that the investigator — who never interviewed or spoke with me, by the way — seemed to draw his conclusion because “Schlesinger worked for Jacobs as . . .the Party attorney at the time of the donation” is similarly misleading. Generally speaking, when you “work for someone” there is compensation.
Steve Schlesinger served as the party’s Law Chair. While his reputation may have benefitted, he received no compensation from the party for his service — none.
I take great pride in the reputation that I have worked hard to earn. This article and its inference, based on the unprofessional work of an investigator who never deemed it necessary to even speak with me before offering a very damning conclusion about me does damage to my reputation. I have never taken one dime for the volunteer work I do as party chairman — not from the party or the government. I benefit neither directly or indirectly from my position – and neither do the businesses that I own and manage. To have my name tarnished by an implication of “cronyism” or self-dealing is something that I take issue with. I see this as just another example of the old adage: “no good deed goes unpunished.”
Jay Jacobs
Nassau County Democratic Chairman
