Trends in Long-Term Care - U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging

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Mr. NAFTALIS. Mr. Bergman, and is it not a fact that subsequently
a meet<strong>in</strong>g was held at Governor Rockefeller's New York City office
at which you were present, Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut was present, Mr. Chill was
present, and Mr. Samuel Hausman was present?
Dr. BERGMAN. There was such a meet<strong>in</strong>g subsequently, yes.
Mlr. NAFTALIS. And that was <strong>in</strong> relation to-
Mr. LEWIN. Let the witness answer the question.
Mr. NAFTALIS. I am sorry. I would be delighted to hear his response.
Dr. BERGMAN. I am not a professional lawyer, but you are, so just
give me a chance. Don't put me at a disadvantage.
Was Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut at a meet<strong>in</strong>g that was arranged at the Governor's
office?
Now, just a moment. As a matter of fact, if you are referr<strong>in</strong>g to
a meet<strong>in</strong>g that was f<strong>in</strong>ally arranged <strong>in</strong> New York with the members
of the department of health, ves, Mr. Chill was there.
They arranged this meet<strong>in</strong>g. They said, "F<strong>in</strong>ally let's f<strong>in</strong>d out what
goes on here, why are these people stymied, why are these people
discrim<strong>in</strong>ated aga<strong>in</strong>st."
But I do not recall Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut be<strong>in</strong>g at that meet<strong>in</strong>g.
Mr. NAIiTALIS. Do you have any recollection of ever go<strong>in</strong>g to Governor
Rockefeller's office <strong>in</strong> New York City, which I believe is on 55th
Street-I have never been there ?
Dr. BERGMAN. Yes, sir.
Mr. NAFTALIS. And Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut, Mr. Chill, yourself, and Mr.
Hausman were among the people who were present there. Yes or no,
sir ?
Mri. LEwIN. Is that with Governor Rockefeller, is that what you are
ask<strong>in</strong>g ?
Mr. NAFTALIS. No, no, <strong>in</strong> the office, <strong>in</strong> the office, sir.
Mr. LEWIN. It is not with Governor Rockefeller? A meet<strong>in</strong>g <strong>in</strong>
Governor Rockefeller's office?
Mr. NAFTALIS. Yes, sir.
Mr. BE RGMzAN. I said before that such a meet<strong>in</strong>g was arranged with
the health people <strong>in</strong> one of the conference rooms of the Governor's
office. I do remember Mr. Chill was there, I remember Mr. Hausman
was there, but I do not recall if Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>gut was there.
Mr. NAFTALIS. Have you ever told any <strong>in</strong>spector of either the city or
State departments of health that you had <strong>in</strong>fluence with powerful
politicians, and you just had to make one phone call?
Dr. BERGMIAN. Just a moment, let me please answer this, please,
please, Mr. Counsel.
I don't need any assistance for this, for such an open lie. You as a
politician, sir, would know that if I felt that way I wouldn't say it.
Mr. NAFTALIS. You deny you ever said any such th<strong>in</strong>g?
Dr. BERGMAN. I deny ever mak<strong>in</strong>g such a statement-ever, ever, ever.
Senator Moss. I th<strong>in</strong>k we are go<strong>in</strong>g to have to recess.
Mr. LEWIN. This is precisely the objection I have to hav<strong>in</strong>g Mr.
Ste<strong>in</strong> and his righlthand man, who has been put on this committee by
Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>, and was orig<strong>in</strong>ally hired by Mr. Ste<strong>in</strong>, to sit on this
committee.
' What he is try<strong>in</strong>g to do-and I have been a prosecutor myself, and
Mr. Seidman has been a prosecutor, Mr. Bergman has been here under
oath to testify to the best of his recollection.