A close look at the more precise nature of Rabbi Bernard Freilich's job with the State Police reveals a lucrative relationship that would be difficult to justify under the best of circumstances. In a time of fiscal crisis, though, when state government has to be reorganized from the top down, having a $100,730-a-year "special assistant" on the State Police payroll who does no law enforcement work can be fairly described as outrageous.
The facts laid out by the Times Union's Brendan J. Lyons in Sunday's newspaper raise one bothersome question after another. What, exactly, does Rabbi Freilich do as a "community liaison" to the Hasidic Jewish community?
And why, apart from perhaps its political significance, does that particular constituency need such a formal, not to mention expensive, connection with state government?
This is not a community well-known for either criminality or for being victims of it. Any discrimination suffered by a prominent religious minority would be more properly the concern of other state agencies -- the attorney general's office, for instance.
Former State Police Lt. Keith Forte, speaking with the candor and protection that his recent retirement offers, lends a certain credibility to questions about Rabbi Freilich's position.
"He shows up, but it's really just to keep people from saying he isn't around," Mr. Forte.
Not exactly what New Yorkers want to hear when Governor Cuomo's message of shared sacrifice extends to a vow to phase out unnecessary hiring.
"This guy's sole purpose is to put forth a face for the Jewish community, and he has no real purpose with the State Police," Mr. Forte continues.
Again, the wrong message to the public.
Relationships between government -- especially the politicians who serve in government -- and constituencies like New York's Hasidic Jewish community are all but inevitable. But they can be maintained, especially now, in a manner more consistent with Mr. Cuomo's frequent promises of the transparency that has eluded this state for too long.
The governor might think of it as a challenge, to maintain a connection with an influential voting bloc while clearing up questions of an awkward involvement with the State Police. No more special license plates with the ominous label "official," for instance. Or a State Police ID card and a badge, even one that lacks the serial numbers on an authentic shield that's unique to each sworn trooper.
The governor might clarify the nature of the liaison to Hasidic Jews in a way that the public can readily see saves money. Rabbi Freilich's role can be fulfilled for much less than $100,730 a year. We're thinking, oh, $100,729 less.
That's right, $1 dollar a year -- the same salary Mr. Cuomo himself made when he worked in the administration of his father, Gov. Mario Cuomo.
That would be a new approach to governing New York, all right.
THE ISSUE:
A six-figure State Police liaison to New York's Hasidic Jewish community raises questions.
THE STAKES:
What happened to ridding the state work force of unnecessary hiring?
He has resigned. Now Brother Gregory Myles needs to go.
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