By Phil Corso
Another top official working for embattled City Councilman Dan Halloran (R-Whitestone) stepped down this week, making it the third time an aide has quit since the councilman was arrested on federal corruption charges.
Halloran spokesman Kevin Ryan said he would be leaving the Whitestone district office for a position with the city Board of Elections after nearly one year on the job.
“I have greatly enjoyed working for the City Council, especially in the unique 19th District,” Ryan said. “I am grateful to the Council member, my co-workers, especially my communications colleague, Victor Mimoni, the fine journalists I’ve had the pleasure of working with and the District 19 residents for making it such an exciting opportunity.”
Halloran was arrested April 2 and indicted on charges of using bribery and corruption to secure a spot for state Sen. Malcolm Smith (D-Hollis) on the ballot’s GOP line in the mayoral race. He pleaded not guilty along with Smith and four other lawmakers following the April 18 indictment detailing the alleged scheme.
The councilman also said last month he would not be seeking re-election to the seat he originally won in 2009 so he could focus his time on clearing his name and restoring his reputation.
Ryan took on the role as Halloran’s spokesman in September after his predecessor, Steven Stites, shifted to a strictly advisory role for the councilman. His resignation makes him the third major player in Halloran’s office since the scandal swept through the northeast Queens Council district earlier this year.
Legislative Director John Mulvey and Chief of Staff Chrissy Voskerichian both stepped down as Halloran staffers soon after the councilman’s arrest in April. Voskerichian has since declared her own bid for Halloran’s 19th District seat, running in a crowded Democratic primary with Mulvey working as a member of her political campaign.
Although he will be leaving the Whitestone Republican’s team, Ryan said he still planned on remaining an active member of the Queens GOP and the northeast Queens Republican Club after moving onto the BOE.
“I am enthusiastic about continuing to serve voters at the Board of Elections, where I look forward to becoming a better public servant by learning more about the electoral process,” Ryan said. “I think this election cycle will be fun.”
Reach reporter Phil Corso by e-mail at pcorso@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4573.
