DePrisco Calls For Ethics Reform In Albany
Pearl River, NY -- (8/22/16) Tom DePrisco, candidate for the 38th Senate District in New York, today released a statement calling for Ethics Reform in Albany.
Pearl River, NY -- (8/22/16) Tom DePrisco, candidate for the 38th Senate District in New York, today released a statement calling for Ethics Reform in Albany.
"Several months ago, the governor and state legislature agreed upon a long overdue ethics reform plan. This ethics reform plan is a start but sorely needs more work to be done and continued follow-up. Campaign finance reform still needs to be examined and implemented. For example, the consideration of public financing of candidates for state office should be considered. Additionally, lowering the contribution limits by LLC’s and ensuring full transparency of the managers behind each LLC that make political contributions should be a priority. Although there was agreement on pension forfeiture regarding corruption-related convictions, this cannot be implemented without an amendment to the NYS Constitution. As a first step, this would require approval by the voters in November 2017 to hold a Constitutional Convention. (Constitutional Conventions are proposed and voted on every twenty years.)
I wonder if our state elected officials finally passed some form of ethics reform to coincide with their possible 47% pay increases. There is no doubt that, considering state legislators have not received a salary increase since 1999, an equitable pay increase amount should be agreed upon. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers do not have faith in the integrity of our Albany leaders. Our state elected officials must regain and earn the trust of all New Yorkers. The two most recent leaders of our assembly and senate have been convicted of corruption-related offenses.
Over the years, many more elected officials have also been convicted of similar crimes. Compounding this belief, all too often the perception exists that some elected officials are too entrenched with special interest groups. All one has to do is review campaign donations made to specific legislators to fully understand this concept.
My integrity is above reproach. I am seeking election to serve the best interests of ALL the people within the 38th Senate District. I truly believe that everyone must fairly and equally abide by the same rules. I am not beholden to any special interest groups. As a sworn member of the NYPD and NYC Office of Emergency Management, I upheld strict standards of integrity. As your senator, I will work toward a true comprehensive ethics reform package and remain committed to serving ALL members of our communities equally.
These are not empty words; I will act on your behalf."
Tom DePrisco is a resident of Pearl River. He serves as the Vice President of the Pearl River School District School Board and the Rockland County School Boards Association. For more information visit www.TomDePrisco.com.
###
I wonder if our state elected officials finally passed some form of ethics reform to coincide with their possible 47% pay increases. There is no doubt that, considering state legislators have not received a salary increase since 1999, an equitable pay increase amount should be agreed upon. Unfortunately, many New Yorkers do not have faith in the integrity of our Albany leaders. Our state elected officials must regain and earn the trust of all New Yorkers. The two most recent leaders of our assembly and senate have been convicted of corruption-related offenses.
Over the years, many more elected officials have also been convicted of similar crimes. Compounding this belief, all too often the perception exists that some elected officials are too entrenched with special interest groups. All one has to do is review campaign donations made to specific legislators to fully understand this concept.
My integrity is above reproach. I am seeking election to serve the best interests of ALL the people within the 38th Senate District. I truly believe that everyone must fairly and equally abide by the same rules. I am not beholden to any special interest groups. As a sworn member of the NYPD and NYC Office of Emergency Management, I upheld strict standards of integrity. As your senator, I will work toward a true comprehensive ethics reform package and remain committed to serving ALL members of our communities equally.
These are not empty words; I will act on your behalf."
Tom DePrisco is a resident of Pearl River. He serves as the Vice President of the Pearl River School District School Board and the Rockland County School Boards Association. For more information visit www.TomDePrisco.com.
###