Bruno trial update

ALBANY -- Sam Fresina, a local labor union leader, took the stand Tuesday morning, as did former senate staffer Richard Burdick as the trial for former Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno continued, now in its second week.

Fresina testified about Bruno’s affiliation with Wright Investment Services, for which Bruno worked.

He was asked by prosecutors whether Bruno ever spoke to him about investing their pension fund with Bruno’s firm. Fresina said the senator spoke to him at a golf outing. Bruno said he did consulting for the firm and asked if Frasina would give them some consideration for fund development, according to Frasina.

They eventually did sign on for pension fund management.

Burdick, who was in charge of member items for Bruno’s district, took the stand as prosecutors tried to determine if Bruno gave out member items as favors.

Burdick testified that member items were given out always with the ultimate goal of saving or creating jobs.

Asked if the senator intervened to give union leaders member items as a reward, Burdick said all senators intervene for almost anyone if it creates jobs.