The 1999 convictions that underlie the commutation probe stemmed from the misappropriation of tens of millions of dollars in federal aid intended for housing, education and business. Federal prosecutors said the four men used the money to enrich their community and themselves. They use that politically to their advantage and they feel that's the way they want to play the American political scene. You can't legislate against that, and I don't think anyone would want to. Typically, schoolchildren come home before Election Day with notes to their parents, disclosing the village leaders' choice.
Runners make sure voters get to the polls.
Politicians have learned that a visit to New Square can be an efficient way to pick up 1,400 votes, and so the village sees many candidates in election season. Al Gore, then running for president, and Andrew Cuomo, now running for governor, also appeared in New Square last year. They're insulated but not isolated.