The city’s Campaign Finance Board is reviewing a complaint filed against Democrat-turned Republican City Councilman Ari Kagan that alleges he’s taking advantage of “free airtime” as a weekly show host for a Russian-language radio program.
Brooklyn resident Linda Lupia wrote to the CFB charging that Kagan is illegally accepting thousands of dollars in “in-kind donations” from Davidzon Radio 620 AM, by using his 3:30 PM radio spot on Wednesdays, “In America with Ari Kagan,” to promote his re-election bid, according to a copy of the document obtained by The Post.
“Upon information and belief, Davidzon Radio has been promoting multiple versions of campaign advertisements for Ari Kagan, approximately every hour and a half, and approximately every day,” wrote Lupia in the April 20 complaint.
“Additionally, Mr. Kagan has a regular radio show on Davidzon Radio in which he promotes his candidacy on a weekly basis.”
Lupia pointed to Kagan’s latest financial disclosure filings, noting the campaign failed to list any in kind contributions — non-monetary help in the form of goods or services — from Davidson Radio.
Within the complaint she also attached audio of a campaign promotion played by the station and read by Kagan in Russian.
“Considering the rates of Davidzon Radio for advertisements such as the ones used by Mr. Kagan’s campaign, and the number of times the ads have played on the radio, Mr. Kagan accepted thousands of dollars in either in-kind contributions over the permissible limit, or illegal corporate contributions and failed to disclose it,” she wrote.
NYC’s Campaign Finance Board is reviewing a complaint filed against Ari Kagan that alleges he’s taking advantage of “free airtime” as a show host for “In America with Ari Kagan.” Gabriella Bass
The CFB notified Lupia on April 26 that the office is reviewing the complaint.
Ex-GOP mayoral candidate and Guardian Angels founder Curtis Sliwa ran into a similar situation in 2021.
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Before the CFB issued a ruling, he temporarily gave up his own hosting gig on AM-WABC radio host after a separate complaint was filed against his campaign, arguing the radio show was unfairly aiding his race against now Mayor Eric Adams.
Kagan defended his radio show and insisted the complaint will “be dismissed,” when reached by phone Friday.
“I believe it’s a public service and I am very happy for Russian people in New York to know about the City Council and what’s happening in Albany and I believe it’s very important. I am not getting paid for it.”
“I’m not saying ‘I’m a candidate for re-election. Vote for me.’ I talk about congestion pricing [and] a broken New York.”
“I see it as a public service and I see it as another example of Justin Brannan being afraid of me,” he argued, name checking his would-be Democratic opponent and current City Council colleague if he’s victorious in the three-way GOP primary.
A campaign spokesperson for Brannan, a Democrat and the City Council’s Finance Chair, said in a statement the complaint against Kagan contained “serious allegations.”
“There is no place for illegal activity when a candidate is receiving public funds. We appreciate the diligence of the Campaign Finance Board and agree this warrants a full investigation. We must do everything to ensure candidates like Ari don’t get away with betraying the public trust,” the spokesperson said.
There is no place for illegal activity when a candidate is receiving public funds. We appreciate the diligence of the Campaign Finance Board and agree this warrants a full investigation. We must do everything to ensure candidates like Ari don’t get away with betraying the public trust.”
Kagan currently represents parts of southern Brooklyn including Bensohurst, Coney Island and Gravesend, but after last year’s redistricting process parts of his district are being merged with Brannan’s, forcing the pair to face off.
The pol also swapped his party affiliation last December, after opposing the newly confirmed district boundaries.
He was sanctioned by City Council Speaker Adrienne Adams (D-Queens) and stripped of several prominent committee assignments.
NYC’s Ari Kagan violated finance rules as radio host: complaint
