ALBANY — The state Public Integrity Commission yesterday slapped former Deputy Mayor Bill Lynch, a top adviser to Gov. Paterson, with a $10,000 fine for failing to report nearly $400,000 in lobbying payments from Columbia University.
The commission said Lynch, a deputy in the administration of former Mayor David Dinkins, reported earning $180,000 from Columbia in 2007 when he was actually paid $570,000.
Lynch, under terms of a settlement with the commission, also agreed to an unprecedented arrangement under which a lawyer from Greenberg Traurig LLP will oversee his firm’s future compliance with the state lobbying law.
If Lynch complies, his fine will be reduced to $2,500, the commission said.
Commission Executive Director Barry Ginsberg said the agreement fosters “compliance and greater transparency.”
The commission quoted former state Organized Crime Task Force Director Ronald Goldstock as saying the arrangement “minimizes the risk of a future violation and, if one does occur, ensures that it will be detected and punished.”
Lynch did not return a call seeking comment.