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GENERAL MARRIAGES DEATHS COURT XXXXXXX
Source:  Daily Advocate, Stamford, CT - Page 3
Dated: Jan. 13, 1976
Manafort's use of strong political muscle criticized
    
HARTFORD (AP) - Former state Public Works Commissioner is pictured by the Bridgeport jai alai grand jury report as the inspiration behind a plan to dodge a state environmental law.
     Manafort could not be reached for comment.
     Superior Court Judge Harold Mulvey, the sole juror and author of the report, said Manafort had at least three meetings in his office between jai alai promoters and top officials of the Department of Environmental Protection.  Mulvey added that Manafort suggested how the jai alai company.  Connecticut Sport Enterprises Inc. (CSE), could circumvent a law requiring an air-pollution permit.
     The problem for the promoters was the buildings begun after Oct. 1, 1974 had to be approved by DEP to make sure they would not create air pollution by attracting too great amount of traffic into already congested areas.
     Paul Manafort suggested at a meeting in January 1975 that if the Department of Environmental Protection could be convinced that the Bridgeport fronton was not new construction because some existing foundations were used in the new building, then Connecticut Sport Enterprises would not need a permit from that department."  Mulvey said.
     Farmer Deputy DEP Commissioner Eckardt Beck and Henry Beal, chief of air-quality division, said that if the promoters would "produce proof of an agreement prior to Oct. 1, 1974 of permission from the City of Bridgeport to proceed with construction it would solve the problem as far as their department was concerned."
     In obtaining the proof, Mulvey said fraud was used.  The old foundation wasn't used to support the new building as the plans called for.
     The report said Beck and Beal testified before the jury that they felt "Paul Manafort had an interest in the matter much more than that of discharging the duties of his office."  The report said Beal "particularly felt that it was inappropriate that the meetings were held in Paul Manafort's office. " 
     Mulvey said Manafort  was aware his family's construction business, Manafort Brothers, was the demolition contractor for the fronton and was owed a lot of money by CSE.  Friend had two Manafort the company would not get paid without DEP approval, the report said."
     Manafort had been a "major stockholder" in the construction company until he became mayor of New Britain several years ago and sold his stock to a cousin.  Mulvey said he hasn't been paid for the stock.
     In order to get proof from Bridgeport officials, CSE officials got letters from John Ricci, planning and zoning officer of the city, and John Greggas, building inspector.
     Meetings were conducted in the office of Sanford Elitz, assistant to then Bridgeport Mayor Nicholas Panuzio, with Ricci and deputy development administrator Arthur LaChioma.
     Greggas was persuaded to sign a letter that would satisfy the state, Mulvey said in the conclusion of his report:
     "It is crystal clear to this grand jury that Paul Manafort exercized a great deal of political muscle and interfered shamefully with the operations of a department not his own, the Department of Environmental Protection.  His claim of only being helpful has a hollow ring when treasured against the fact that the solvency of his own family corporation was at stake.
     "However, there does not appear to be criminal involvement.  In any event, it is apparent that the electors of the City of New Britain have already passed judgment on Mr. Manafort's conduct on Nov. 4, 1975."
     Manafort ran for mayor of New Britain that day and lost badly.
 
 
 

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