Richard Brodsky for New York Attorney General

This press release was issued August 30, 2010.

Brodsky Receives Endorsement of Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion – Choice Matters

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester) and candidate for Attorney General, today announced the endorsement of the Westchester Coalition for Legal Abortion (WCLA) – Choice Matters. WCLA is known throughout the United States for its strong advocacy work on ensuring a woman’s right to chose. The organization has been a leader since the very beginning of the Pro-Choice movement in New York and continues to lead the way on this very important issue.

“I’ve been unblinkingly Pro-Choice my entire life and was part of the Pro-Choice movement when it was not necessarily the politically right place to be, but certainly the smart one,” said Brodsky. “I am honored to receive the endorsement of WCLA, one of the longest running and strongest organizations of it’s kind, advocating for women’s right to chose in the state of New York.”

In a statement released by WCLA, President Catherine Lederer-Plaskett declared, “We are proud to give Richard Brodsky our unqualified support. Richard has been a voice for comprehensive reproductive health and progressive causes throughout his long career in public service. His demonstrated commitment to a woman’s right to choose and his proven skills as a litigator makes him our choice to be the next ‘people’s lawyer.’ Choice Matters is proud to endorse Richard in recognition of his advocacy for the rights of the women of New York State.”

This press release was issued August 24, 2010.

“Richard Brodsky: An Attorney General You Will Love” Sent Across NYS

Today New Yorkers across the state received Richard Brodsky’s latest mailer in his campaign for NYS Attorney General.

The piece, titled “Richard Brodsky: An Attorney General You Will Love,” describes the tremendous progressive support Brodsky has received in his lifetime of civil service and the battles he has taken on against right-wing interests.

This piece highlights the “right-wingers who hate him and the progressives who love him,” demonstrating yet again Brodsky’s commitment to the needs of the people of the state and his unwavering support for progressive issues including a woman’s right to choose, ending death penalty, legalizing same-sex marriage and protecting the environment.

To see the advertisement please see this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/36366868/Brodsky-AG-Mailer

This press release was issued August 04, 2010.

Brodsky Promises Attorney General Action to Save New Yorkers $2 Billion Annually

Seeks end to price fixing, excessive salaries and illegal and unethical behavior

Contact: Jon Lipshutz; 914-332-4985

New York City – Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester) and candidate for Attorney General, today released his first major policy proposal as part of his commitment to transforming the Attorney General’s office into a protector of the people’s rights committed to solving the problems faced by New Yorkers in their every day lives.

In a novel and far reaching use of the existing statutory powers of the Attorney General, Brodsky committed to an investigation and reform of the system by which electricity is bought and sold in New York. This system, which consists of a price fixing scheme known as the “market clearing price” has resulted in the rates in New York growing to become 4th highest in the nation. Brodsky’s reform proposal would save New York residents and businesses over $2 billion a year.

Brodsky stated, “The Attorney General should be the people’s lawyer and the people’s protector. Everyday New York residents and businesses shell out millions of dollars more than they need to that pays for electricity, which comes to them courtesy of a price fixing scheme set up by the energy industry. The Attorney General has the power to end this abuse and should. I will, on January 1st 2011.”

The “market clearing price” price-fixing scheme is run by the Independent Systems Operator (ISO). This is a non-governmental not-for-profit corporation set up entirely by the energy industry under New York’s Not For Profit Corporation Law. It completely controls the daily buying and selling of electricity. Its rules forbid utilities such as Con Edison, NYSEG, Rochester Gas & Electric Corporation and all others from paying the lowest price each day and require that utilities pay every generator of electricity the highest price available each day. In other words, the NYISO requires, each day, that a utility, which has entered into an agreement for electricity for $100, must rather pay $300 for that same amount of electricity. A fuller explanation of the “market clearing price” price-fixing scheme and its economic effect on New Yorkers is contained in the attached White Paper. “This is price-fixing, pure and simple, and its victims are the average people of the state of New York and businesses that rely on electricity. This is not inevitable, it is a choice, and the Attorney General has unique powers to end these abuses,” said Assemblyman Brodsky.

Brodsky cited two additional NYISO abuses that require Attorney General action that cost New Yorker’s millions of dollars. These are payments of hugely excessive compensation to officers of NYISO and the repeated failure of the NYISO to uncover and stop illegal and unethical practices.

Taken together, these three abuses of the economic health of New Yorkers are the basis for the specific investigative and reform proposals made by Brodsky today.

Brodsky cited the Martin Act, Donnelly Act, the Estates, Powers and Trust Law and the Not-For-Profit Corporation Law as the statutory basis for the next Attorney General to save New Yorkers from this price fixing scheme. A full description of the statutory basis for the Brodsky initiative is also included in the White Paper.

The NYISO is organized under the not-for-profit corporation laws of the state. These laws give the Attorney General unique and sweeping supervisory and reform powers, which from time to time have been used to stop irresponsible, illegal and damaging behavior by the state’s not-for-profits. Attorney General Cuomo has invoked such powers in his investigation of the Soundview HealthCare Network, which is also a not-for-profit under New York law.

Brodsky has a long record of taking on utilities and the energy industry and delivering for New York’s consumers. He brought legal action against Con Edison after the year 2000 steam explosion at the Indian Point power plant and after the Westchester and Queens outages and recovered a total of over $200 million that was returned directly to residential and business customers of Con Edison.

“I’m not new to efforts to use the law to protect New York’s electricity customers. The success we had against Con Edison can be replicated in this fight against a statewide price fixing scheme. I’ve repeatedly said on this campaign what distinguishes my record from my opponent’s is the vision and skill to change institutional behavior and a record of protecting New Yorkers when they’re being abused or endangered. There are a number of critical issues the Attorney General faces: reform of Albany institutions, reasserting the “polluter pays principle” against corporate polluters, and strong prosecution of Wall St. wrongdoing under the Martin Act. But the most important thing we can do is to protect New Yorkers when powerful interests challenge their economic situation. I’ve done it before and will do so again. Reforming the NYISO is a necessary and important function that we will begin on January 1st of next year.”

Brodsky also released a report by nationally known energy expert Robert McCullough outlining the specific costs of the price fixing scheme run by the NYISO. This report fully explains how “market clearing price” costs New Yorkers over $2 billion annually.

This press release was issued July 08, 2010.

American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees DC 37 Endorses Brodsky for AG

White Plains – The Richard Brodsky for Attorney General campaign announced today the endorsement of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), District Council 37 union (AFL-CIO). District Council 37 represents 125,000 Public Employees and 50,000 Retirees in New York City.

Lillian Roberts, Executive Director of DC37 said, “We’re proud to be part of a winning team that will make sure New York has an Attorney General who will stand up for working people. Voters expect a candidate who is honest, candid and effective. That’s what we have in Richard Brodsky.”

In accepting the endorsements, Brodsky said he was, “appreciative of the political support from a labor union which has protected the interests of its members and the interests of the public in equal measure. The leadership provided by DC 37 is more needed than ever, as a national fiscal meltdown affects all New Yorkers. The work done by DC 37 members saves and improves lives across the greatest city in the world. The tough-minded leadership of Lillian Roberts and its effective grassroots political organization make it a political asset second to none. I look forward to campaigning with DC 37 members across the City.”

Brodsky had previously been endorsed by the statewide CWA union and a variety of law enforcement organizations, as well as a statewide network of elected officials. Brodsky added that additional major endorsements would be announced shortly.

This press release was issued June 10, 2010.

Brodsky Invites Other Four Candidates For Attorney General To Take Part In Debates

White Plains – Richard Brodsky sent a letter to his four declared primary opponents today inviting them to a series of open and public debates to take place before the Primary Election on September 14th. The five candidates have not had an opportunity to debate since the field of candidates was set at the State Party Convention. In proposing his plan for debates, Brodsky stated:

“After months of insider politics, it’s time we bring our discussions into our neighborhoods and communities. I know that my opponents and I have differences in our vision for the future. It is only fair that we express those differences in a setting that allows the public and the media to take part. I have always been a firm believer in having the public participate as much as possible in our democratic process. I sincerely hope that my opponents will agree and we can begin the process of setting these debates around the state.”

Brodsky has proposed a series of 13 debates throughout the state, the only logistical requirement being they all be open to the public and the media. Any discussion over format and locations are welcomed by the campaign.

This press release was issued May 22, 2010.

Assemblyman Richard Brodsky Declares His Candidacy for New York Attorney General

White Plains – Assemblyman Richard Brodsky made the following statement declaring his candidacy for Attorney General of New York:

“Attorney General Cuomo’s announcement of candidacy fully clarifies the politics of 2010. I congratulate him, wish him well and look forward to working with him. I’m especially encouraged by his sweeping reform proposal and look forward to acting speedily on those elements in which touch on the elimination and consolidation of debt at the public authorities.

I am a candidate for Attorney General. I have said in the months of my informal campaigning, the Attorney General’s office as well as the position itself needs to be transformed so that we can focus on the daily problems that effect our people across the state. My record as a reformer and public interest litigator is second to none. We showed that we could reform state institutions when we enacted the Public Authorities Reform Act and we will turn all our efforts to expanding on that base.

I proposed a fundamental reform of the property tax system. I have focused on protecting the rights of children and environmental protection. I will be a tough but fair-minded enforcer of state law. The voters in the Democratic Primary Election in September and General Election in November will have a real opportunity to tell us what they want in their state government and their next Attorney General. I intend to win those contests and to be part of a fundamental restructuring of our political and social institutions all in the name of fairness and honesty in our public life.”

This press release was issued May 18, 2010.

Richard Brodsky Receives More Support From Upstate New York

Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner joins Assembly Members Hoyt, Schroeder and Gabryszak in Endorsing campaign

White Plains – The Brodsky for Attorney General campaign announced today endorsements from Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner as well as Assembly Members Sam Hoyt, Mark Schroeder and Dennis Gabryszak. Each made the following statements regarding their endorsements:

Mayor Miner stated, “Richard knows Syracuse. He has helped us rein in public authorities and uncovered corrupt land deals at the Canal Corporation. He’s a real reformer who knows upstate. I’m proud to endorse him.”

Assemblyman Hoyt stated, “He’s been the single most effective reformer in Albany. He can fix Albany just like he fixed public authorities. We need change, and Richard knows how to get it done.”

Assemblyman Schroeder said, “He’s been to western New York many, many times and he understands our economies’ problems. We need an Attorney General who will represent western New York and Richard is that person.”

Assemblyman Gabryszak said, “His work on property tax reform will help every tax payer in Erie County. We need an AG who will deal with the issues that effect people in their daily lives. Property taxes, environmental health, reform in Albany; he’ll lead the change.”

In response to these endorsements, Brodsky stated, “I’m grateful to Stephanie, Sam, Mark and Dennis for their support. We’ve got real statewide momentum because I’ve been across the state with an agenda that will improve the lives of New Yorkers. Property tax reduction, hydropower for jobs, reform of the Thruway Authority, the things I’ve done show the things I will do. We’re going to win, and for all the right reasons.”

This press release was issued May 14, 2010.

Brodsky Receives Endorsement From Independent Neighborhood Democrats of Brooklyn

White Plains – Following last night’s endorsement meeting, the Independent Neighborhood Democrats of Brooklyn voted to endorse Richard Brodsky as their candidate for Attorney General. Having received 26 votes compared to his nearest competitor who received 8, Brodsky was a clear favorite amongst the members of the Democratic Club. The president of the Club, Ira Cure made the following statement after the endorsement was made:

“After reviewing the positions and records of all of the Democratic candidates running for Attorney General this year, the Brooklyn Independent Neighborhood Democrats felt that Assemblyman Brodsky is the most qualified candidate to represent the progressive values of our members. In this important election year, we need a candidate that will bring fairness back to the people of New York. We are proud to endorse his candidacy for Attorney General.”

Having received the endorsement, Brodsky stated, “I appreciate the strong endorsement of the Brooklyn Independent Neighborhood Democrats, one of the most progressive clubs in the state. Protecting progressive values takes a special kind of politics and I am proud to represent those values in my campaign. I look forward to working with this and other progressive clubs throughout the state.”

This press release was issued May 13, 2010.

Brodsky Releases Rice/Donovan Letters Opposing Rockefeller Drug Law Reform

White Plains – Having received no response to a letter sent to Ms. Rice regarding her position on Rockefeller drug law reform, Mr. Brodsky today issued the following statement:

“I wrote to Ms. Rice in order to make sure that we could have a fair and candid discussion about the issues that are important to the people of New York, particularly reform of the Rockefeller drug laws. I will continue to raise the issue. Given Ms. Rice’s decision not to respond to our letter, it seems useful to release the letters sent by her and Staten Island District Attorney Donovan. They clearly set forth in somewhat inflammatory language, their opposition to reforming the antiquated Rockefeller drug law. I look forward to further discussing our position as we continue to meet with the people.”

This press release was issued May 12, 2010.

Brodsky Seeks Rice Clarification of Position on Rockefeller Drug Law Reform

White Plains – In the face of a dispute about her actual record, earlier today Richard Brodsky sent a letter to Kathleen Rice asking her to clarify her position on Rockefeller drug law reform and invited her to share in an open and candid discussion with the people of New York.

This letter was sent in response to a discussion the two had during a forum held at the Brown Memorial Baptist Church in Brooklyn last week. The conversation began with Ms. Rice questioning the ability of “insiders” versus “outsiders” to bring social and political reform. Mr. Brodsky responded by suggesting that such broad-brush criticisms were somewhat unfair and that there ought to be a discussion on particular disagreements, which voters need to understand.

Brodsky cited one such specific disagreement, their respective positions on Rockefeller drug law reform. Brodsky is a long-time supporter of reforming the antiquated Rockefeller drug laws. He supported reforming these laws well before the proposal was passed by the Senate last year.

During the forum, Brodsky pointed out that he supported these reforms while Rice had opposed them. Rice strongly disagreed. While complimenting her office on their diversion program, he restated his belief that she had opposed the heart of our reform efforts, judicial sentencing power and offered to produce documents to that effect. Rice made no further comments.

In today’s letter to Rice, Brodsky asked for both clarification and open discussion of the issue. He made the following statement, ”To make real reform happen in Albany, you have to be committed to reform. Our position on reforming the Rockefeller drug laws is a key insight into how reform must be carried out as we continue to try to meet the needs of all the people.”

(The Letter Is Below)

Dear Ms. Rice,

Given the awkward formats of many of our joint appearances, our exchange last Thursday in Brooklyn concerning the Rockefeller drug laws may have left the issue uncertain.

Allow me to set forth what I believe happened. In my response to questions about the ability of “insiders” versus “outsiders” to bring social and political reform, I suggested that broad-brush criticisms were somewhat unfair and we ought to discuss our particular disagreements, which voters need to understand.

I raised in that context, what I believe is our fundamental disagreement about reform of the Rockefeller drug laws and characterized myself as a long-time supporter and you as an opponent. You took immediate exception to my words and spoke of your long-standing commitment to Rockefeller reform. I praised your Office’s diversion program, but stood by my position that you opposed the heart of our reform efforts, judicial sentencing power and indicated that I had documents that confirmed this. You made no further comments about the matter.

Whatever our political or policy differences, I’m sure we both want to be fair as we discuss the important issues before the people. I think it would be constructive if we publicly clarified and explained our records on Rockefeller reform, in person or in writing. If there is a significant difference between us, as I believe to be the case, we can at least set forth the bases of that difference, and use our future appearances with voters to honestly and accurately discuss it.

Feel free to call me on my cell or to get back to me by e-mail.

Thanks.

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Richard Brodsky