http://kingfish1935.blogspot.com/2009/05/sterne-agee-retrieve-this-bottle-of.html
It seems Mr. Robert Smith of Sterne Agee sent Councilman Jeff Weill a bottle of wine to show his appreciation in voting to refinance Jackson’s bonds with interest rate swaps. Problem was, Mr. Weill voted no on the refinances. Mr. Weill even sent a letter to Mr. Smith that reads:
“Mr. Robert Smith
Sterne Agee
140 East 45th Street 18th Floor
New York, NY 10017
Re: Your recent gift
Dear Mr. Smith:
I recently received a bottle of wine from Sterne Agee with your handwritten note (a copy is enclosed) which says: “Thank you for the vote and the transaction. All of our very best, Robert Smith, Sterne Agee”. I’m not sure what vote and transaction you are referring to.
Under ordinary circumstances I feel perfectly comfortable accepting a small gift of appreciation. Under these circumstances the inference is that I am receiving this gift “for the vote and the transaction” which creates an appearance of impropriety.
On the same day I also received a fed-ex package which was empty. A copy of my letter to the sender at Sterne Agee is enclosed concerning that matter.
Please arrange to retrieve this bottle of wine at your earliest opportunity. ”
Kudos to Mr. Weill for sending this letter for Sterne Agee. The more we learn about this deal the more it smells, and this bottle of wine was nothing but vinegar. It’s nice to know we have a councilman who looks out for the rest of us.
Jackson Jambalaya
5/18/9
Magnolia Tribune
