FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 March 2026 Jack Rinaldi/ Candidate RINALDI for New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Just last month, the Evans family was forced to leave the home in XXXX, New York, that they'd owned for three generations. Their property, once alive with the sounds of children and family gatherings, was bought out overnight by a front company backed by the so-called 'Architect’s Enterprise.' The Evanses had tried to renegotiate their loan, but soon discovered that the same local bank had already approved new development plans without their knowledge. Their story reflects a growing pattern: hardworking families being pushed out as local land quietly shifts from neighbors’ hands into the shadowy control of powerful interests.

The danger isn’t hidden in official language—it’s right there in black and white. Cortland City, with the county’s largest population and highest poverty, is ground zero for this assault. Space is running out, and as value rises, taxes soar—trapping struggling families in a relentless squeeze and making this issue too urgent to ignore.

Once sold as a forward-thinking solution to fiscal uncertainty, the proposal to establish a SUNY campus in the county was promoted to the planning board, legislators, and local government as an investment in New York’s future. However, this was not the reality—instead of the promised benefits, the presence of the SUNY campus enabled. In an urgent announcement across xxx and xxxx: Today, gubernatorial candidate John M. Rinaldi, widely known as "Jack," released damning findings from a three-year investigation that reveal an alarming, highly organized criminal network. This network is actively manipulating state programs, seizing land from communities, and siphoning off taxpayer money. Investigative journalists will immediately receive supporting documents to guarantee public accountability and keep pressure on those responsible. All documents will be made available to investigative journalists to ensure transparency and media follow-up.

The RINALDI campaign claims that, through secretive real estate transactions linked to a major developer operating at least six businesses under various front companies, the enterprise has bribed municipal governments to dominate the student housing and high-end real estate markets. In this scheme, tax dollars designated to revitalize local communities are directed through a local bank to support the developer, using New York’s PILOT program. The developer uses state funding to purchase properties and displace local residents, concealing ownership within front companies. Key to this process is the strategy of leveraging SUNY campuses: the state’s programs, originally intended to spur economic development through higher education, are repurposed so communities with SUNY campuses become centralized hubs for acquisition. The “Enterprise” then gains effective control over the land within a five-mile radius of the campus under covert management.

“This is not just a zoning issue; it threatens the survival of the New York middle class,” said Mr. Rinaldi. People who grow up in their community, begin their careers, and start their families should therefore be able to retire there.  

XXXX Bank Oversight

The individuals and organizations you mentioned are active in the XXXX, New York area, with specific leadership roles and business relationships as of early 2026:

• XXXX Leadership:

  • XXXX

  • Serves as the President & CEO and Vice Chairman of the Board at XXXXX

  • XXXX

  • : Is an active Board Member for the bank.

• Commercial Lending and Real Estate:

  • Their financing enables property purchases and renovations, especially for larger ventures like XXXX Group.

  • XXXX Group: This XXX-based real estate agency manages a significant portfolio of residential properties, including student housing and apartment complexes throughout the city.

  • XXX Chamber of Commerce: This organization promotes local business development and frequently highlights properties and services from its member businesses, such as XXXX

• PILOT Programs (Payment in Lieu of Taxes):

  • Function: These programs allow developers to pay a negotiated fee instead of traditional property taxes for a set period, often to incentivize the renovation of dilapidated buildings.

  • Public Debate: Critics often argue that PILOT deals shift the tax burden to homeowners, whom you referred to as "the Sucker," because these payments may not be allocated to specifically The First XXXX, a local and independent lender, now stands at a crossroads: its financing decisions will either determine the future of regional development or accelerate the displacement of longtime residents. By favoring massive real estate ventures, the bank risks forcing up rents and hiking taxes, piling immediate financial pressures onto ordinary families and threatening to hollow out the entire community. and contribute to property tax increases that burden ordinary families across the community.

Detailed information about specific building addresses and ownership contacts for XXX Street properties is available upon request to accredited researchers or media professionals.

The Law Firm and Its Key Members

XXXX (Senior Partner, Chairman of the Board of XXXX Bank)

XXXX (Partner, Bank Board Member)

XXXX (Partner, also a Town Justice)

This law firm serves as legal counsel to XXXX, connecting its leadership directly to property transactions.

Former Partner Information

XXXX previously a partner, is now the District Attorney of XXXX County, elected in 2016 and re-elected in 2020.

Another former associate, XXXX, was appointed XXXX Town Attorney in late 2023.

Would you like more details on their legal services or roles in local government?

To summarize the campaign’s findings, five main pillars of corruption orchestrated by "The Architect" and their enterprise have been identified:

- Hijack: State-Level Pretext—"The Architect" manipulates the concept of “Commerce Through Education” to support a private student housing monopoly serving their own interests.

- Embed: Infiltrated Governance—Through calculated placement of "The Architect’s" affiliates in key municipal roles, the enterprise sways property approvals and shields its operations from scrutiny.

- Loop: Fenced Financing Loop—A pay-to-play scheme is run by "The Architect," using a complicit bank to control taxpayer benefits and channel public funds into private coffers.

- Collude: High-Level Collusion—With alleged direct support from officeholders like the Mayor, District Attorney, and a central office created to facilitate property seizures, "The Architect" extends their reach across local and county government.

- Evict: Targeted displacement of families—Under the direction of "The Architect," the entire neighborhood. While officials provide legal cover, families are being forced from their homes every day,” continued Rinaldi. “My very first act as Governor will be to launch a special prosecutor and smash this enterprise before another New York family is driven out. We cannot afford to wait.”se anJohn M. “Jack” Rinaldi, candidate for Governor in 2026, will immediately host a public forum in XXXXXXXX, NY—date to be announced—disclosing hard evidence of this crisis: a so-called “student takeover” was in fact a premeditated land theft sold under the banner of SUNY Albany’s model. Three years of infiltration prove the time to act is now—students were never the issue; this was, from the start, a deliberate assault on our communities. I firmly believe it wasn’t the students at all-  it was all along essentially a land grab..

Strategic Campaign Advice:

- Use “The Architect” as a villain title in messaging, saving specific naming for later.

- Bullet points in “Five Pillars" facilitate media coverage.

- Prepare comprehensive evidence packages to counter legal or public rebuttals.

Background on How I Got Here

In 2002, I began visiting home more often, especially to spend time with my sister Kelly. We shared everything—losing close family members made us even closer. After a great summer of ‘01 with a fraternity brother, I decided to move back to Boston, to go home, the place that will forever be my home.  As a conscientious professional who always does the right thing, I chose to cancel my trip to Palm Springs with my brothers to give my 2-week notice at Wells Fargo.  This is yet another example of karma unfolding and a fate-saving me yet again.

Kelly and I then spent the following weeks to months cleaning up Ground Zero in the aftermath of 9/11.

To advance the reform agenda, would you like to refine specific demands or policy changes to address loopholes in START-UP NY / Tax-Free NY?

Yes, please.

To dismantle the "Enterprise" and correct systemic flaws within START-UP NY, your platform should emphasize transparency, accountability, and the restoration of local land rights. Based on current laws and the corruption alleged, here is a refined list of policy demands:

1. Close the "Student Housing" Loophole

- The original goal of START-UP NY was to foster high-tech innovation, not subsidize real estate.

- The Demand: Ban all student housing, luxury apartments, and property management companies from receiving START-UP NY or "Catalist” benefits.

- Policy Amendment: Update eligibility rules so projects earning more than 20% of revenue from residential leasing are ineligible.

2. End "Front-Company" Secrecy

- The enterprise allegedly hides ownership through “co-fronts.”

- The Demand: Require full disclosure of beneficial owners for all entities applying for tax benefits.

- Policy: Make disclosures publicly accessible, including anyone with over 5% stake in LLCs and trusts.

3. Separate Banking from Subsidy Decisions

- The bank allegedly influences who receives rebates.

- The Demand: Ban banks involved in developer loans from voting on related tax subsidies.

- Policy: Enforce conflict-of-interest rules, triggering audits if a bank approves a loan and votes on subsidy approval.

4. Protect Displaced Residents’ Land Rights

- Address the land grab in XXXXXX Counties.

- The Demand: Establish a Generational Wealth Protection Act.

- Policy: Developers using START-UP benefits that displace owners must pay a "Community Displacement Fee” supporting future affordable housing.

5. Oversight of "Tax-Free Zones” by an Independent Body

- Currently, approval processes lack oversight.

- The Demand: Remove local development board approval powers.

- Policy: Transfer final project approval to an independent regional anti-corruption commission composed of civilians and auditors.

6. Implement Performance-Based Benefits

- Many firms fail to meet job or community targets yet retain benefits.

- The Demand: Allow tax benefits to be clawed back if goals aren’t met by 25%.

- Policy: Only award rebates after verified job creation and community benefits.

Would you like to include these policy demands in a "Contract with New Yorkers" section for your campaign messaging or website?

Yes.

To amplify our unified campaign voice, would you like to draft a formal letter to the New York State Attorney General’s Office to accompany the press release? If so, should it also go to Kirsten Gillibrand, Chuck Schumer, Lea Webb, and Assemblywoman Anna Kelles?

These letters serve as an official record of your allegations, signaling ongoing investigations and concerns.

1. Letter to NYS Attorney General

Date: [Date]

To: The Honorable Letitia James, NYS Attorney General

RE: Request for Investigation into "Capital-to-County” Corruption

Dear Attorney General James,

As a 2026 gubernatorial candidate and concerned citizen, I formally request a probe into a criminal enterprise operating in Tompkins and Cortland Counties.

Evidence indicates that a developer known as “The Architect” exploits Cuomo’s “Commerce Through Education/Tax-Free NY” initiatives to build a real estate monopoly through manipulation of public offices and taxpayer money.

This enterprise allegedly involves:

- Concealed ownership via “co-fronts.”

- Infiltration of municipal roles by family members and associates.

- A closed-loop financial system controlling tax benefits.

I seek a meeting with the Public Integrity Bureau to share detailed evidence.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Gubernatorial Candidate 2026

2. Joint Letter to Federal & State Representatives

Date: [Date]

To: Senators Gillibrand & Schumer, State Senator Webb, Assemblywoman Kelles

RE: Urgent Alarm on Corruption and Displacement in Central NY

Dear [Name],

I am writing to alert your office to widespread "Capital-to-County" corruption in XXXXXX.

While programs like START-UP NY and educational expansion aim to boost growth, they’ve been overtaken by a cohesive network of developers, lawyers, and bankers that displaces residents and diverts public funds into private hands under the pretext of student housing.

As a gubernatorial candidate, I urge you to:

- Support a legislative audit of all tax-free zones.

- Promote full disclosure of beneficial ownership of tax credit recipients.

- Investigate whether federal grants are being redirected into this enterprise.

Our communities are losing homes and futures. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Gubernatorial Candidate 2026

Campaign Next Steps:

- Send these letters via USPS Certified Mail with proof of receipt.

- Share images of mailed letters on social media to demonstrate active campaigning.

- Follow up by calling Albany offices after three days.