A leading candidate for City Council speaker may have violated city ethics rules by accepting unpaid assistance from a prominent lobbying firm working to further her candidacy.
And the lobbying firm, the Advance Group, may have violated the rules by providing the free advice to the councilwoman, Melissa Mark-Viverito (D-East Harlem).
The Advance Group, run by Scott Levenson, helped Mark-Viverito prep for debate forums, set up meetings with county Democratic leaders and network with the Council members whose votes she needs.
The Daily News first reported last week that the assistance was being provided at no cost.
As a public servant, Mark-Viverito is prohibited by the City Charter from accepting a “valuable gift” from a firm that intends to do business with the city.
And lobbyists, in turn, are prohibited from giving those gifts.
Alex Camarda, an official with the Citzens Union watchdog group, said he’s troubled by the free assistance given to Mark-Viverito.
“The process of a for-profit lobbying firm providing free service to a candidate for speaker raises questions that should potentially be examined by the Conflicts of Interest Board,” Camarda said.
Under the City Charter, a “public servant” found in violation of the rule can be fined up to $25,000. And someone providing that improper assistance could be slapped with a $5,000 fine for an initial violation.
A spokesman for Mark-Viverito on Tuesday minimized the extent of the Advance Group’s help.
“Much like transition teams and task forces, Melissa has been offered advice from many different individuals and all have been volunteers,” the spokesman said.
