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October 7, 2008 5:56:14 AM CDT

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Raging Rangel Denies Rent Deal

Posted Jul 12, 08 5:48 AM CDT in US 

(Newser) – A testy Charles Rangel yesterday brushed off accusations that he had enjoyed special treatment in occupying four rent-controlled apartments, reports the New York Times. The veteran Democratic congressman denied he had a "sweetheart" deal with his landlord and slammed the Times article that started the controversy. The 78-year-old chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee expressed pride in being a lifelong Harlem resident, and said he pays the "maximum legal rent" for the units.

Asked he if thought it was fair for him to take up four units, three as a residence and one as an office, when there is a shortage of affordable housing in the city, Rangel said, “The question of fairness is so subjective.” At one point in the sidewalk press conference he was accosted by angry residents who accused him of ignoring their complaints about people being evicted. Asked by a Times reporter why he didn't disclose his rent discounts on his financial disclosure reports, Rangel shot back: “Paying the legal rent is not a gift. Are you doing this deliberately, or are you just stupid?”

Source New York Times

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    Rangel Enjoys Sweet Deal on 4 Harlem Apartments A powerful Democratic lawmaker is getting a sweet deal on four Harlem apartments, the New York Times reports. Charles Rangel has four rent-stabilized apartments, whose rents are controlled by city law. Three of the apartments are combined into one luxury unit, and the fourth is used as an office—despite the requirement that such apartments be used as a primary residence. More »

Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y speaks in front of his apartment in Harlem, New York for a news conference, Friday, July 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
New York Representative Charles B. Rangel responds Friday, July 11, 2008, in Harlem, to a newspaper report that says he has four rent-stabilized apartments in Harlem.   (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
A view of the Harlem building Friday July 11, 2008, where New York Representative Charles B. Rangel has come under fire for enjoying four rent stabilized apartments.   (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
Rep. Charles B. Rangel, D-N.Y stands in front of his apartment in Harlem, New York for a news conference, Friday, July 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Ed Ou)
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New York City  • housing  • Charles Rangel  • rent  • congressman  • Harlem


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