Attorney Wants Binghamton Mayor Removed From Office

A Binghamton attorney says he plans to file a petition in state Supreme Court seeking the removal of Mayor Richard David from office.

Ronald Benjamin is representing Daisy Dawson, a woman who contends David tried to who use his influence in connection with a dispute between her and the mayor's girlfriend.

Benjamin said he wants to hold the mayor accountable in "his official capacity."

A lawsuit filed in Broome County Court last week asserted David had improperly used his influence when he contacted WBNG-TV, which employs Dawson as a sales representative.

The mayor contacted the television station, where he once worked as a reporter, following a reported confrontation between Dawson and his girlfriend, Erica Aminalee at a downtown bar.

Benjamin told WNBF News he has had no direct conversations with David. He said there were discussions through an intermediary as part of "settlement efforts."

David on Friday issued a statement indicating he viewed that as a "shake down" attempt in an effort to collect "hush money." Benjamin said those assertions were "outrageous lies."

David was in Albany today to attend Governor Cuomo's State of the State address. A spokesman said City Hall would have no comment on Benjamin's latest statements.

The mayor's attorney, Kurt Schrader, could not be reached this afternoon.