New York Archives - Checks and Balances Project

Metropolitan Transit Authority Records Show Improper Use of Counter-Terrorism Trademark by Anti-Home Sharing Group

2017-05-4

ShareBetter failed to obtain permission to use “See Something, Say Something” Anyone who has ridden a bus, subway or railroad in the U.S. has probably seen a sign warning, “If You See Something, Say Something.” Trademarked by the New York City Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and licensed to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), the… Read more »

NYC Council Member Helen Rosenthal Paid for Toronto Travel to Meet with Fairbnb

2017-04-14

Based on communications we had with the president of UNITE HERE Local 75 who serves as the chair of Fairbnb.ca Coalition, we learned Ms. Rosenthal paid for her own travel to share her experiences and ideas about homesharing with Fairbnb and the citizens of Toronto.

Inquiries to New York Union Leader Peter Ward Go Unanswered

2017-03-15

We emailed a letter directly to Mr. Ward asking about these inconsistencies, but received no reply. On March 10, we sent the letter again and followed up by phone with Mr. Ward’s executive assistant to make sure the letter was not overlooked.

Hotel Union Leader’s Database Undercuts Claim of Organizing Success

2017-01-13

Despite the hotel building boom and surging tourism in New York City, especially outside of Manhattan, Ward has emerged as the most prominent leader of efforts to block the growth of home sharing, an affordable, sustainable form of lodging.

NY Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal: Release Communications with Hotel Lobby

2016-10-28

Today, we sent a letter to New York Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal – sponsor of recent anti-home sharing legislation – that asks for her to voluntarily release all communications with relevant hotel lobby players. They include New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council (HTC) President Peter Ward or any other representatives of HTC; Neil Kwatra, Austin Shafran,… Read more »

Peter Ward’s Union Gave $100,000 to the Hotel Association of NYC

2016-10-14

How does Mr. Ward square giving $100,00 of union funds to an industry that opposes HTC’s attempts to organize many hotels and raise the pay for hotel housekeeping staff – particularly the Fight for $15?

Why Is Union Leader Peter Ward the Leading Anti-Home Sharing Spokesman in New York?

2016-10-6

Yesterday, we sent a letter to Peter Ward, president of the New York Hotel and Motel Trades Council, AFL-CIO, asking that he assist us in understanding his decision-making process and relationship with his union members. To read the full letter, click on the image or HERE. Earlier this week, we also called Mr. Ward’s office,… Read more »

2015-08-6

On Friday, July 31, we emailed a letter to New York State Public Service Commission (PSC) Chairman Audrey Zibelman, asking her a series of questions that revolve primarily around her relationship with Edward Krapels. Mr. Krapels is the founder of Anbaric Microgrid, a company that has billions of dollars of contracts pending before the PSC…. Read more »

2015-08-6

July 31, 2015 Chairman Audrey Zibelman New York State Public Service Commission 90 Church St New York, NY 10007 Dear Ms. Zibelman: My name is Scott Peterson, and I am the executive director of the Checks and Balances Project. We’re a pro-clean energy public watchdog blog that examines the influence of corporate management and… Read more »

2013-02-11

With only two days before the expected release of New York’s Environmental Impact Assessment on fracking (also known by the industry term hydraulic fracturing), Governor Andrew Cuomo’s administration is at the center of a new conflict of interest scandal regarding two of his top aides. Today, seven groups requested the Albany County District Attorney General… Read more »