By Dick LaFontaine with Richard Luthmann
Richard Luthmann, a Staten Island native and investigative journalist, has taken his fight for government transparency to a new level. On December 3, 2024, Luthmann filed a Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) request with the New York City Council, demanding records related to the controversial appointment of attorney Michele Sileo as Commissioner for the New York City Board of Elections (BOE).
Luthmann alleges that Council Member Kamillah Hanks orchestrated Sileo’s appointment in violation of Public Officers and Election Laws, bypassing the Staten Island Democratic County Committee’s nomination of former Councilwoman Debi Rose.
Luthmann, a contributor for this outlet, provided background and comments for this article. He is non-party-affiliated, and he says this FOIL request represents more than just a bureaucratic inquiry—it’s a stand for democracy.
“This is my Christmas gift to Staten Island’s rank-and-file Democrats,” Luthmann stated. “The people deserve to see their voices respected, not silenced by power-hungry politicians.”
Breaking the Rules: A Questionable Appointment
The crux of the issue lies in Hanks’ alleged circumvention of established protocols for appointing election commissioners. According to New York Election Law § 3-204, the local Democratic Party Committee has the right to nominate candidates for election commissioner positions.
In this case, the County Committee recommended Debi Rose, a beloved public servant with a long history of community service. Instead of honoring the committee’s choice, Hanks reportedly used her position to install Michele Sileo—a decision made without an open vote or proper public notice.
Luthmann’s FOIL request explicitly references legal precedents, including Wright v. NYC Council (2017), which confirmed that the appointment of election commissioners must adhere to open meeting laws.
The FOIL letter highlights how Hanks allegedly flouted these laws, excluding public and party oversight to push her own agenda. The former attorney and journalist also points out the troubling implications of this move.
“By bypassing the Staten Island Democratic Party, Kamillah Hanks has broken the law,” he said. “This is about more than just an appointment—it’s about respecting democracy and ensuring that power lies with the people, not backroom operators.”
Several members of the Staten Island Democratic County Committee have expressed strong support for Debi Rose and criticized Kamillah Hanks' recent actions.
One committee member stated, "Debi Rose has been a trailblazer for our community, always prioritizing the needs of Staten Island residents. Her dedication is unparalleled."
Another member remarked, "It's disheartening to see Kamillah Hanks bypass the democratic process. Debi Rose was the rightful nominee, and this move undermines our party's integrity."
A long-time party activist added, "Debi Rose's commitment to public service is exemplary. Kamillah Hanks' decision to appoint Michele Sileo without proper procedure is a blatant disregard for our democratic values."
These sentiments reflect a broader dissatisfaction within the party regarding Hanks' actions and a strong desire to see Debi Rose reinstated in the position the County Committee rightfully chose her for.
Restoring Transparency and Power to the People
Luthmann’s FOIL request demands records of all proceedings, communications, and decisions related to Michele Sileo and Debi Rose's appointments. He also seeks documentation of Hanks’ compliance—or lack thereof—with Public Officers Law requirements for open meetings.
“If Kamillah Hanks and the City Council followed the law, they shouldn’t have anything to hide,” Luthmann asserted. “The lack of transparency suggests they know what they did was wrong.”
Luthmann emphasizes the importance of returning the BOE position to Debi Rose, calling her “the people’s choice.” Rose’s nomination was backed by the Staten Island Democratic County Committee, reflecting the will of the local party’s rank-and-file members. By sidelining Rose, Hanks has not only undermined the party’s democratic process but also alienated her own base.
“Debi Rose has spent her life serving Staten Island with integrity and dedication,” Luthmann said. “She represents everything needed in public service—honesty, competence, and a deep commitment to the community. Michele Sileo may be a skilled lawyer, but her appointment was tainted by the unlawful process used to place her there. She laid down with Kevin and Kamillah, and now she has the political equivalent of venereal disease.”
‘Team Crime’ and Political Nepotism
Luthmann didn’t mince words when criticizing Hanks and her allies, whom he dubbed “Queen Crime” and “Team Crime.” He highlighted the nepotistic tendencies within Hanks’ inner circle, accusing her of using political power to benefit her family and associates.
“Kamillah Hanks and Kevin Barry Love treat public office like their personal fiefdom,” Luthmann said. “Kevin Barry Love’s children are getting jobs at the Board of Elections while hardworking Staten Island Democrats are left out in the cold. It’s corruption, plain and simple.”
In a particularly poignant part of his statement, Luthmann expressed admiration for Staten Island’s grassroots activists, describing them as the backbone of local democracy.
“I have a great love for those who give their own time because they want to make their communities better,” he said. “These are the people Kamillah Hanks and her cronies are betraying.”
Luthmann’s FOIL request is part of a broader effort to expose corruption in political systems. By exposing Hanks' (and others’) corrupt and unlawful actions, he hopes to empower everyday citizens to reclaim their political power.
A Holiday Wish for Reform
Despite his sharp criticism, Luthmann ended his statement on a hopeful note, wishing everyone—supporters and detractors alike—a joyous holiday season.
“In this Season of Light, I wish everyone peace on Earth and goodwill to men,” he said. “But make no mistake: I will shine the light to ensure democracy on Staten Island and elsewhere is respected, and I won’t stop until Debi Rose takes her rightful place at the Board of Elections if that’s what she wants.”
Luthmann’s FOIL request is just the beginning. If the NYC Council fails to provide the requested records, legal experts anticipate he or others could escalate the matter to court, potentially invalidating Sileo’s appointment and reinstating Debi Rose. This battle has significant implications not only for Staten Island but for the integrity of New York City’s political system as a whole.
As Staten Islanders prepare for the holidays, they may find themselves reflecting on the deeper meaning of democracy—and whether their elected officials are upholding it. For now, Richard Luthmann ensures the fight for transparency and accountability continues.
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