Quinn's Relations

The NY Post is reporting on the immense generosity being shown to Speaker Chris Quinn by those well known philanthropists at the Related Company:

"Mayoral hopeful and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn took in more than $17,000 in campaign donations connected to Hudson Yards developer Related Cos. since the start of 2012, according to newly released campaign-finance reports.

During the same six-month period, Quinn privately negotiated a deal that gave the firm a break from the recently passed law that raises to $10 an hour the pay for lower-income employees who work for companies that receive major subsidies from City Hall.

Quinn denied any quid pro quo in the exemption."

Of course she did. This is the same Quinn, we think, we fought Related tooth and nail over a decade ago when the company wanted to put Costco in her neighborhood-but, as Chuck Schumer might say, she has evolved. The open question is how will she treat the Related partnership with Sterling Equities on the Willets Point development should it come before the council next year?

This project-with Wal-Mart hanging in the balance-will be her test case-a colossal opportunity to fail if she doesn't do the right thing.