The 10th Bronx Borough President’s reputation was tarnished by a political scandal. In 1987, Stanley Simon was convicted on federal racketeering charges. His story mirrors those of many New York City public officials of that era, serving as a stark warning to other dishonest politicians—a reminder that every action has its consequences. Read more about the controversial Manhattan native below on manhattanyes.
Early Life
Stanley Simon was born on March 3, 1930, in Manhattan to Russian Jewish immigrants. He grew up in the Bronx, where his parents owned a candy store. Simon received his education at New York University and Brooklyn Law School, alma maters for many New York politicians.
Political Career
Stanley Simon began his political journey by managing the Democratic Party in the Riverdale section of the Bronx. From 1973 to 1978, he represented the 8th District in the New York City Council, covering several areas, including parts of northern Manhattan and the southern Bronx, which are predominantly Hispanic. Simon primarily handled routine City Council duties, such as monitoring city services and approving budgets. During this period, he also led the Bronx Bar Association.
From 1979 to 1987, Simon served the Bronx community as its Borough President. Despite having limited power and a modest budget, he managed to improve the borough’s culture, economy, and public safety. In 1981, Simon organized free concerts by the Bronx Arts Ensemble—a string quartet and woodwind quintet. In 1982, he helped develop the 21-acre Bathgate Industrial Park. Three years later, he was involved in opening what was then New York City’s newest police precinct in the Bronx.
For context, borough presidents are responsible for advising the Mayor of New York City, explaining land use issues to the borough’s community, advocating for the borough’s needs during the annual municipal budget process, appointing certain officials and community board members, and serving on various boards and committees. Borough presidents champion the interests of their constituents before mayoral agencies, the City Council, the New York State government, public corporations, and private enterprises.
Interestingly, throughout his career, Stanley Simon maintained a close relationship with Stanley M. Friedman—an influential Bronx political figure and deputy to Abraham Beame, New York City’s 104th mayor. Although Friedman never held an elected office, he controlled judicial appointments and advanced the interests of politicians who supported him. In 1978, Simon backed Friedman in his bid to lead the Bronx Democratic Party. A year later, Friedman nominated Simon to serve as interim Bronx Borough President, succeeding Robert Abrams, who was elected New York Attorney General. Eight members of the Bronx City Council supported Simon’s nomination, and in 1979, he won the election to become the permanent Borough President.
Trial and Imprisonment
In 1987, Stanley Simon resigned due to the charges brought against him. At the time, he claimed innocence and expressed pride in his service to the Bronx, but stated he had to step down to dedicate his full attention to legal matters. He argued that it would be challenging to effectively perform his duties as borough president while fighting the accusations.
A year later, Simon was sentenced to five years in prison for racketeering, perjury, and income tax evasion. Additionally, the politician accepted a $50,000 bribe from Wedtech Corporation—a South Bronx contractor that manufactured army engines and navy pontoons—in exchange for arranging a waterfront property lease. Simon used his position and influence to engage in extortion, even demanding a prestigious job for his son-in-law.
After serving two years and two weeks in prison, Simon was released when Judge Constance Baker Motley inexplicably reduced his sentence, making him eligible for immediate parole. The former borough president passed away in August 2023 at the age of 93. His death was not publicly announced until July 2024.
Notably, Simon’s associate, Friedman, was also convicted of racketeering and bribery, receiving a 12-year prison sentence. Both Simon and Friedman were implicated in cable television contracts, towing franchises, and the funding and expenditure of the Democratic Party’s budget. In the Wedtech Corporation case, in addition to Simon, two Bronx congressmen—Mario Biaggi and Robert Garcia—were also convicted. In total, more than 20 U.S. government officials were involved in crimes related to the scandal. Some of the convictions, however, were overturned in 1991 when it was revealed that Anthony Guariglia, former president of Wedtech Corporation, had provided false testimony. The appeals court determined that jurors would likely have discredited his testimony had they known of its falsity.