Both Len Bernardo and Michael Treanor – who hopes to win state approval for a full-blown casino at the former Nevele hotel, recently bought by his company – use the Whiteman Osterman & Hanna law firm in Albany. What a coincidence!

“For any officer of the IDA to assert that my client (Bernardo) breached any obligation is untrue and may warrant civil action,” wrote attorney Langdon Chapman in 2008. Chapman is now the Legislature’s lead attorney, hired by Terry Bernardo. An attorney with Bonacic, Krahulik, Cuddeback, McMahon & Brady, llp, Chapman advises both Treanor and Bernardo. What a coincidence!
Why was it so important that Bernardo hire him? Let’s see… Langdon Chapman is State Senator John Bonacic’s chief of staff. State Senator John Bonacic is the Chairman of the Racing, Gaming and Wagering Committee (Senate). Bernardos are casino-struck wheeling and dealing wannabes. What a coincidence!

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna represents both Skate Time 209, the Accord roller rink owned by Terry and Len Bernardo, and Hudson Valley Sportsdome in Milton, owned by Nick Pizza. Skate Time and Sportsdome were both penalized by IDA (the Industrial Development Agency) for failing to create the number of jobs they promised in return for tax breaks. What a coincidence!

If you know of more “coincidences,” don’t be shy, write a comment.

– Jon Dogar-Marinesco