TLC Charges Against
Ackman--And Vice Versa
In the spring of 2000, the Commissioner of the Taxi & Limousine Commission initiated an investigation against Dan Ackman by the Disciplinary Committee of the First Judicial Department of the State Bar.
UPDATE: On August 23, 2001, Ackman was finally exonerated. In doing so, the committee gave no indication of why it took over 16 months to act. The investigation into the TLC's actions is ongoing.
The allegations include: that Ackman "was observed actively soliciting [clients]" in the TLC waiting room; that he "appeared at Long Island City Tribunal and attempted to interview employees and judges during working hours;" that he appeared at a OATH involving the TLC and identified myself as a reporter; that he falsely stated that he had permission to enter TLC courts; and that he "disrupted operations" at 40 Rector Street "by attempting to conduct interviews of staff and judges." All of this, McGrath-McKechnie said, is part of a "pattern of deceptive and unprofessional behavior," leading to the grievance.
The TLC made the same charges in defense of Ackman's action to open the TLC courts. Justice Parness considered the charges and either rejected or disregarded each of them.
Nowhere in the letter does McGrath-McKechnie mention my reason for being at the TLC-- to report on its legal regime and allegations of wrongful and unlawful conduct too numerous to mention.
Ackman's Response strikes at the stone cold heart of the TLC.
