Tish’s outrageous taxpayer-footed legal fees: Letters to the Editor — May 13, 2025

The Issue: Albany Democrats’ bill that would allow Letitia James access to a taxpayer fund for legal fees.

If a New York official commits a fraud that is not tied to his or her official government duties, why should taxpayers be on the hook for their criminal activity (“Rotten scheme vs. NYers,” Editorial, May 8)?

Again, this assumes the activity of a government official in question is not duty-related, such as with Attorney General Letitia James — who is being investigated for her own allegedly fraudulent mortgage activity.

By no stretch of the imagination can personal mortgage fraud be considered attorney-general-related work.

Clearly, this budget proposal is designed to protect James, and probably other Democratic officials. It will basically absolve her of taking personal responsibility for her actions.

If she is shown to be a “criminal,” New Yorkers should not have to pay for it.

Harold Fishman

Manhattan

This is as an outrage against New York’s taxpayers.

At a time when New York’s congressional delegation is attempting to expand the federal tax deduction for state and local taxes, asking taxpayers to subsidize Tish James’ legal bills goes too far for decent Americans.

David Levine

Hobe Sound, Fla

There’s already a mechanism in place where taxpayers foot legal bills —it’s called a public defender’s office.

First, James will need to be arrested, charged and indicted. Then, if she is truly needy and cannot pay for her defense, the court can assign a public defender.

Considering that James’ mantra is “no one is above the law,” why should she be granted special treatment? Is she more privileged than any other financially challenged defendant?

Frank Russo

Centereach

Abbe Lowell, the defense attorney for Letitia James, is apparently so expensive that a state attorney general’s salary certainly can’t cover the fees that defending her will generate. This may explain why language was inserted into the state budget deal that would allow taxpayer dollars to bankroll James’ legal defense costs.

Meanwhile, James claims she is fighting to safeguard the rights and well-being of millions.

Julia Lutch

Davis, Calif.

Let me get this straight: An individual who happens to be the New York attorney general may have committed mortgage fraud, and the taxpayer is responsible for covering her legal fees.

Bless our legislators. They insult and offend, yet still get elected.

Jerry Chiappetta

Monticello

The Issue: Bill Gates’ plan to give away his $200 billion fortune over the next 20 years.

The next time the useless idiots on campus call for the end of capitalism, they should be reminded of what Bill Gates and Warren Buffett pledged and are already in the midst of carrying out (“Clean bill of wealth,” May 9).

They are giving away billions of dollars that our economic system allowed them to accumulate to help millions of people live longer and more useful lives. No other financial system comes close.

Bravo to Gates, Buffett and other successful capitalists for their philanthropy. And bravo to the American system which makes it all possible.

Mel Young

Boca Raton, Fla.

Think what you want about his politics, but Gates giving away most of his fortune to help solve world problems, particularly those that affect the less fortunate, is an admirable thing.

In contrast, what does President Trump give of himself? He is forever on the grift, looking to line his pockets.

Mitch Berkowitz

Philadelphia, Pa.

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