By Madina Toure
State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein (D-Bayside) received a campaign contribution from Brian Meara, a lobbyist who cooperated with the government in its investigation of former New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, because Meara is his uncle, a spokesman said.
Silver was found guilty of federal corruption charges and using his official position to receive nearly $4 million in bribes and kickbacks from people and businesses in exchange for his official acts, according to Manhattan U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara.
Glenwood Management, a real estate developer, was involved in one of the schemes, Bharara said. Silver was receiving a portion of the legal fees that Glenwood was paying its real estate tax lawyers.
He masked these payments from public view by disguising the payments as income to his law practice, the U.S. attorney said.
Braunstein received a $4,100 contribution from, Meara, who was Glenwood Management’s lobbyist.
David Fischer, a spokesman for Braunstein, said the lawmaker will not return the contribution as Meara is Braunstein’s uncle as well as a lifelong resident of Bayside.
Reach reporter Madina Toure by e-mail at mtour
