NOTE: This piece was first published on NYNewsPress.com.
By M. Thomas Nast and Frankie Pressman
Staten Island’s North Shore is done with Kamillah Hanks.
Once seen as a rising star, Hanks now stands at the center of a political collapse fueled by lies, grudges, and backroom betrayals.
The final nail? Another Kamillah Hanks political scandal.
Her own staff’s false accusations after years of burning every political bridge she ever crossed.
The unraveling hit a new low when her chief of staff, Marci Bishop, fired off a wild, baseless attack at Staten Island Democratic Party Chair Laura LoBianco Sword. Bishop claimed Sword had hurled a vile slur at Hanks, calling her a “c—.” Bishop, a lawyer who once worked for District Attorney Michael McMahon, said she heard it herself.
Except, it never happened.
The reality? Hanks didn’t lose the Democratic nomination because of a vendetta. She lost because she is unpopular with most and despised by many.
At the county committee’s recent convention, she couldn’t even rally her own troops. Hanks only secured a third of the executive committee’s support in a humiliating split vote. At the full committee meeting, her own people—communications director Michael Arvanites and campaign manager Paul Casali—voted for a “no endorsement.”
Even worse, sources reveal that Hanks herself agreed to the no-endorsement plan after heavy pressure from party heavyweights Jessica Stanton and Diane Savino. They didn’t want the optics of a doomed vote.
But Hanks’ problems go far deeper.
A History of Lies and Grudges
Hanks has a long record of betrayal. Her grudge against former Councilwoman Debi Rose has left lasting scars on Staten Island’s political landscape.
Hanks outright overruled the County Committee’s vote to make Rose the NYC Board of Elections Commissioner. Instead, she installed her own crony, attorney Michele Sileo.
Now, Hanks’ inner circle is showing the same pattern of dishonesty. Marci Bishop’s fabricated accusations against Sword were designed to stir sympathy and distract from Hanks’ crumbling support.
But those familiar with Hanks know who really throws around vulgar insults.
Sources say Hanks herself used the “C-word” to describe both Debi Rose and the late Geraldine Parker, a respected North Shore community leader.
“The only person with a better reputation for telling the truth than Debi Rose is the late Miss Geraldine Parker,” said a Democratic County Committee member. “Miss Parker worked for our community her whole life and was incapable of telling a lie.”
The disrespect didn’t stop with words. Hanks snubbed Parker’s funeral, allegedly calling her a “goddamn liar” to third parties.
“This is slander,” said a prominent North Shore Democrat who wished to go unnamed. “I’ve seen some dirty politics, but this is the lowest of the low. And it’s par for the course with these two. Kamillah and Kevin’s mouths get them into big trouble, and then they go ahead and blame everyone else.”
Fake Facebook Smears and Criminal Ties
Hanks’ deceit goes back years. In the brutal 2017 primary against Debi Rose, she allegedly orchestrated a fake Facebook smear campaign.
Her then-attorney, Richard Luthmann, served prison time for his involvement, while Hanks supplied content and pictures for the attacks.
It’s no wonder her political support has evaporated.
Hanks has alienated her base, and her stance on criminal justice has enraged law enforcement. She backed the How Many Stops Act, which police say shackles the NYPD from doing its job.
“She sold herself as pro-law enforcement for endorsements, but her vote exposes a lack of truthfulness and transparency. As Public Safety Committee Chair, her support of this idiotic bill demonstrates ignorance of police work and disregard for public safety,” Vincent Vallelong, President of the NYPD Sergeants Benevolent Association, said.
Worse, she has supported figures tied to cop-killer sympathizers like Malcolm Penn and Mike Perry, who advocated for the parole of Shatiek Johnson—the man who murdered NYPD Officer Gerard Carter.
The Staten Island Advance’s Shoddy Coverage
Brian Laline, editor-in-chief of the Staten Island Advance, has turned what was once a respected local paper into nothing more than a mouthpiece for Democratic Party elites and off-Island interests. Living in New Jersey and detached from Staten Island’s daily realities, Laline’s paper has become infamous for peddling Kamillah Hanks’ lies while shielding her from scrutiny.
Recent coverage by Paul Liotta read like a campaign press release rather than objective journalism. Instead of exposing Hanks’ mounting scandals and her blatant betrayal of Staten Island’s Democratic County Committee, Laline’s paper paints her as a victim—a false narrative designed to serve the power-hungry developers, lobbyists, and off-Island interests bankrolling her campaign.
Laline’s track record of selective reporting has long protected Democratic elites and silenced dissenting voices on Staten Island. His cozy relationships with party insiders, like District Attorney Michael McMahon, have skewed coverage in favor of the establishment, ignoring stories highlighting corruption and misconduct.
Under his leadership, the Staten Island Advance has become a tool for political elites rather than a voice for the community.
At this point, many on Staten Island ask the same question: Is it time for Laline to hang it up? His off-Island residence and blatant bias have rendered the Advance irrelevant to the very people it claims to serve.
It’s no wonder Staten Islanders no longer believe a word that comes out of that rag.
Robbing NYC Taxpayers
The allegations against Hanks and her staff go beyond political scandal—they’re potentially criminal. Sources have accused Hanks’ team, including Marci Bishop and Michael Arvanites, of conducting campaign activities during official city hours, robbing NYC taxpayers of their hard-earned dollars.
This isn’t a minor infraction. Misusing city time is considered theft of public funds and can result in felony charges.
Recent cases have shown just how seriously these violations are taken: A Department of Sanitation supervisor was indicted for stealing over $21,000 through time fraud, facing charges of grand larceny and falsifying business records.
If the allegations against Hanks’ staff are proven true, Bishop and Arvanites could face similar legal consequences—career-ending sanctions and possible jail time.
Adding weight to these accusations, eminent election lawyer John Ciampoli has taken up the case.
Known for relentlessly pursuing election law violations, Ciampoli has surgically dismantled political campaigns. His reputation as a feared election law enforcer signals just how serious these allegations are.
Multiple complaints have already been filed with the NYC Department of Investigation, the Conflicts of Interest Board, and the Campaign Finance Board. These complaints allege systematic misuse of city resources for political gain—a blatant betrayal of the public trust.
This investigation could spell the end of Bishop and Arvanites’ political careers. Using city-issued phones and resources for campaign-related activities and when responding to press inquiries, especially after Jozette Carter-Williams announced her candidacy last November, could lead to serious consequences.
The message is clear: Robbing NYC taxpayers will not go unpunished.
Kamillah Hanks Political Scandal: No Response From Team Hanks
Prior to publication, we sought out Marci Bishop’s side of things. She failed to respond as of press time. Here is what we asked:
From: Modern Thomas Nast <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>
Date: On Friday, February 21st, 2025 at 6:33 AM
Subject: Press Inquiry
To: bishophh@aol.com <bishophh@aol.com>, sisterbigbones@aol.com <sisterbigbones@aol.com>, district49@council.nyc.gov <district49@council.nyc.gov>
CC: frankiepressman@protonmail.com <frankiepressman@protonmail.com>, Rick LaRivière <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>Dear Chief of Staff Bishop,
We are investigative reporters with NYNewsPress.com and other independent outlets. We are preparing a story about NYC Politics and we want to ask you some questions regarding recent event related to Kamillah Hanks.
Professional Conduct and Allegations of False Statements
1. False Accusations
– In your recent statement, you claimed that Staten Island Democratic Party Chair Laura LoBianco Sword used a vulgar slur against Councilwoman Hanks. Multiple sources have refuted this. Can you provide concrete evidence to support your claim?
2. Direct Experience:
– You mentioned you “personally heard” the alleged slur. When and where did this occur, and were there any witnesses present?
3. Motivation Behind the Statement:
– Given the lack of corroborating evidence, why did you make such a serious accusation against Ms. Sword? Was this part of a broader political strategy?
4. Accountability:
– Are you prepared to retract or clarify your statement if it’s proven false? If not, why?Misuse of City Resources and Time Theft Allegations
5. Campaign Activity During Work Hours:
– You’ve been accused of conducting campaign-related activities during official City Council work hours. Can you respond to these allegations?
6. Use of City-Issued Devices:
– Have you ever used city-issued devices, including phones or computers, for campaign communications or political activities? If so, how do you justify this use of public resources?
7. Response to Investigations:
– Are you aware of the ongoing investigations by the NYC Department of Investigation, the Conflicts of Interest Board, and the Campaign Finance Board regarding the misuse of city time? How are you cooperating with these inquiries?
8. Potential Consequences:
– Given that time theft by city employees has led to serious criminal charges in recent cases, are you concerned about the legal and career implications these allegations might have for you?Involvement with Kamillah Hanks’ Political Strategy
9. Role in Hanks’ Administration:
– What is your current role in Councilwoman Hanks’ political strategy and campaign activities?
10. Knowledge of Hanks’ Alleged Misconduct:
– Were you aware of any potential misuse of resources by Councilwoman Hanks or other staff members? If so, what actions did you take?
11. Approval of No-Endorsement Strategy:
– Reports suggest Hanks herself agreed to the “no-endorsement” vote in the County Committee meeting. Were you involved in orchestrating this strategy?Personal Conduct and Integrity
12. Relationship with Political Insiders:
– What is your relationship with political figures such as Michele Sileo and other close associates of Hanks? Were you involved in any decisions to appoint allies to influential roles?
13. Handling Public Backlash:
– Given the public scrutiny following your statements and the allegations against you, how do you plan to address the damage done to your professional reputation?
14. Future in Public Service:
– Considering the mounting allegations and ongoing investigations, do you believe you can continue to serve in public office without being a distraction?Broader Political Dynamics
15. Grudge Against Debi Rose:
– Were you aware of Councilwoman Hanks’ alleged longstanding grudge against Debi Rose? Did this influence your actions within the administration?
16. Councilwoman Hanks’ Political Future:
– With the growing opposition against Hanks and the rise of challengers like Jozette Carter-Williams and Abou Diakhate, do you believe Hanks still has a viable political future?We intend to go to press shortly and would love to hear your views on these or any other related issues. If you do not respond by press time, we will incorporate any statements as part of a follow-up.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,
Modern Thomas Nast
We also reached out to Michael Arvanites. As of press time, he did not respond. Here are the questions posed to him:
From: Modern Thomas Nast <mthomasnast@protonmail.com>
Date: On Friday, February 21st, 2025 at 6:44 AM
Subject: Press Inquiry
To: mdarvanites@gmail.com <mdarvanites@gmail.com>, district49@council.nyc.gov <district49@council.nyc.gov>
CC: Rick LaRivière <RickLaRiviere@proton.me>, frankiepressman@protonmail.com <frankiepressman@protonmail.com>Communications Director Arvanites:
We are investigative reporters with NYNewsPress.com and other independent outlets. We are preparing a story about NYC Politics and we want to ask you some questions regarding recent event related to Kamillah Hanks.
Role in Kamillah Hanks’ Administration and Campaign
1. Official Responsibilities:
– As Councilwoman Hanks’ communications director, what are your official responsibilities within her office?
2. Campaign Involvement:
– What role do you play in Hanks’ re-election campaign? Are you actively involved in strategy, messaging, or outreach?
3. Voting Against Hanks:
– During the recent County Committee meeting, you reportedly voted for the “no endorsement” motion. Why did you, as a known Hanks ally, cast that vote?
4. Endorsement Strategy:
– It’s been reported that Hanks agreed to the “no endorsement” strategy under pressure from party leaders. Were you involved in those discussions? What was your stance on the strategy?Misuse of City Time and Alleged Public Resource Abuse
5. Campaign Activities During Official Hours:
– Allegations have surfaced that you conducted campaign-related activities while on city time. Can you respond to these accusations?
6. Use of City-Issued Devices:
– Have you used city-issued phones or computers to handle campaign-related matters, including responding to press inquiries about Jozette Carter-Williams’ candidacy?
7. Knowledge of City Resource Misuse:
– Are you aware of any instances where other members of Hanks’ staff, including Marci Bishop, may have used city time or resources for campaign activities?
8. Response to Investigations:
– Multiple complaints have been filed with the NYC Department of Investigation and the Campaign Finance Board regarding alleged misuse of city resources. How are you cooperating with these investigationsInvolvement in Political Strategy and Internal Operations
9. Political Strategy Execution:
– What was your involvement in crafting Hanks’ response following her non-endorsement by the Democratic County Committee?
10. Media Narrative Control:
– As communications director, were you responsible for shaping the narrative around Hanks’ political struggles in coordination with the Staten Island Advance?
11. Coordination with Marci Bishop:
– What was your role in coordinating public statements with Marci Bishop, especially regarding her false accusations against Laura LoBianco Sword?Connections to Alleged Political Misconduct
12. Facebook Smear Campaign Allegations:
– During the 2017 primary against Debi Rose, allegations surfaced that Hanks’ team orchestrated a fake Facebook smear campaign. Did you have any involvement or knowledge of these activities?
13. Councilwoman Hanks’ Grudges:
– Are you aware of Councilwoman Hanks’ alleged long-standing grudge against Debi Rose and Geraldine Parker? How have these personal issues influenced Hanks’ political decisions?
14. Campaign Ties to Controversial Figures:
– How do you respond to claims that Hanks has supported or worked with individuals tied to cop-killer sympathizers, such as Malcolm Penn and Mike Perry?Public Accountability and Legal Implications
15. Potential Legal Consequences:
– Are you concerned that the allegations of time theft and misuse of public resources could lead to criminal charges, similar to other recent NYC government employee cases?
16. Resignation Consideration:
– Given the ongoing investigations and public backlash, have you considered stepping down from your role in Hanks’ office?
17. Handling of Public Funds:
– What measures were taken under your leadership to ensure that public resources were not misused for political gain?Broader Political Landscape
18. Future of Kamillah Hanks’ Political Career:
-Given the rising opposition from challengers like Jozette Carter-Williams and Abou Diakhate, do you believe Hanks has a realistic chance of securing re-election?
19. Internal Campaign Tensions:
– How would you describe the current morale within Hanks’ team following the no-endorsement vote? Have internal divisions weakened the campaign?
20. Your Political Future:
– With your name now tied to potential misconduct allegations, how do you plan to rebuild your reputation in public service or political circles?We intend to go to press shortly and would love to hear your views on these or any other related issues. If you do not respond by press time, we will incorporate any statements as part of a follow-up.
Thank you in advance for your time.
Regards,
Modern Thomas Nast
The Final Betrayal: Staten Island Deserves Better
At this point, even Hanks’ allies are abandoning ship. Her political freefall reached its climax when the County Committee refused to endorse her re-election bid.
“She should be in ’emergency mode’ right now,” said a well-known Manhattan Democratic Consultant speaking anonymously. “It doesn’t look like she’s running her moves through Scott Levenson or any other political professional, and it shows. She’d better start real quick.”
One county committee member was in total shock about the disorganization in the Hanks camp.
“Marci Bishop is more full of shit than a constipated hippopotamus,” the county committee member said anonymously for fear of retribution from Hanks and her “enforcers.”
“Her own co-workers Arvanites and Casali voted for this. It looks like the left hand doesn’t know what the right is doing,” the source said.
With strong challengers like Jozette Carter-Williams and Abou Diakhate rising, insiders say Hanks’ days in office are numbered.
Carter-Williams, widow of Officer Carter, has secured key law enforcement endorsements, while Diakhate’s grassroots campaign resonates with the North Shore’s diverse community.
Meanwhile, it’s Kamillah Hanks political scandal after Kamillah Hanks political scandal. Her ties to questionable nonprofits, shady campaign finances, and misuse of city resources have drawn investigations from the NYC Department of Investigation, the Council’s Conflict of Interest Board, and the Campaign Finance Board.
Even the Staten Island Advance, once seen as sympathetic to Hanks, is under fire for whitewashing her failures. Reporter Paul Liotta’s recent article ignored the hard facts about Hanks’ collapse.
No Future in Lies
Hanks is finished. Her chief of staff’s lies are just the latest symptom of a toxic political machine that’s finally breaking down. As her grip slips, Staten Island’s Democrats are ready for a fresh start built on truth, leadership, and integrity.
Staten Island’s North Shore deserves better. And in 2026, they’ll get it.
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