Paroli's Big Adventure

By Howard Megdal

News Analysis

William Paroli Sr., longtime Republican Party official in Dutchess County and scourge of Bard students, pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of corruption, and faces between 15 and 21 months in prison.

"I knew what I was doing was wrong and illegal," Paroli said in United States Federal Court Friday.  Paroli acknowledged  in his guilty plea his role in creating and carrying out a shakedown scheme of local contractors to benefit himself as well as the Dutchess County Republican Party.

The news comes as especially good news to Bard students, who cannot vote without the approval of both the Democratic and Republican County Election Commissioners.  The Democrat, Commissioner Bill Egan, has already given his support to the students.

"If students want to keep the pressure on, they should immediately contact Elizabeth Brilliant [the chair of the Dutchess County Republican Committee] to make their preferences heard," said Bard Professor Joseph Luders. "Reminding Marcus Molinaro of his commitment made only last Thursday to oppose the appointment of an anti-student commissioner isn't a bad idea either."