Former New York Politician Amid Gambling Controversy Writes Kids' Book
Former New York City council member Eric Ulrich has penned a children's book during the waiting period for his possible criminal indictment. Ulrich ceased his role as Department of Buildings commissioner on November 3, 2022, a day after the Manhattan DA's office seized his phone by means of a search warrant.
The New York Times revealed in July that Ulrich had been accused of corruption. The Manhattan District Attorney's Office is anticipated to unveil the indictment shortly, according to sources interviewed by The New York Post over the weekend.
The charges stem from Ulrich's alleged receipt of a discounted apartment lease and a couch, provided by a real-estate developer intent on gaining business with the city, local media reports suggest. Police have also inquired about alleged connections to organized crime related to illegal gambling.
A World Where Pets Decide Fates
In the midst of the impending indictment, Ulrich has been industrious. "If Pets Could Vote ..." is a book designed for three- to eight-year-olds, published by Ulrich last week. The former politician appears to have been responding to the potential legal outcome.
This book envisions a world in which dogs function as the adjudicators of criminal cases.
"Imagine 12 adorable, fluffy canines sitting in the court, providing justice," Ulrich posed. "Surely, they'd provide a second chance for shelter dogs."
The book also features a parrot president who would "pardon his fellow birds and release them from their cages."
"Birds don't belong in cages," Ulrich further explained to Politico on November 4. "God gave them wings to soar."
Although this may resemble a form of self-defense in the context of his imminent legal predicament, Ulrich insists it's about animal welfare.
The Shifting Councilor
Nonetheless, Ulrich conceded that some parts of the book contained potshots at his perceived adversaries, such as the chameleon city councilor who "manages to wriggle out of any situation and change color to merge with its scenery."
"That's a clear jab," he admitted to Politico. "This has less to do with animal compassion and more about my former colleagues."
Ulrich, too, criticized the Manhattan DA's office's approach to the investigation, deeming it "shockingly unprofessional."
The "Colorful" Mayor
The investigation reportedly delved into Aleksandar Mironov, a Queens businessman, and owner of Aldo's Pizzeria. His pizza establishment in Ozone Park supposedly served as a front for an unlawful gambling operation. The New York Daily News insists Mironov has a "proven history of Mafia connections."
Mironov allegedly operated unauthorized card matches and gambling machines from his 101 Café in Ozone Park.
Ulrich maintained that he stopped visiting Mironov's gambling hotspots in 2021. The ex-politician has previously acknowledged his drinking and gambling struggles. #news #crime #politics
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