Ethics Board: Hevesi Broke Law

New York Comptroller Alan Hevesi broke the law when he used a state employee to chauffeur around his ailing wife for more than three years, the state’s Ethics Commission ruled today. Though he apologized and repaid nearly $83,000 after the issue became public, the commission said the Democrat, who is seeking reelection, violated the public trust. Hevesi’s little-known Republican rival Chris Callaghan seized on the ruling: “Mr. Hevesi has no credibility left and should step down, saving himself and the state from further embarrassment,” he said in a statement. The ruling sets the stage for the State Legislature to decide if Hevesi should be removed from office.—Mike McPhate