This press release was issued September 09, 2010.
Bronx Press and the Riverdale Review Endorse Richard Brodsky for Attorney General
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: September 8, 2010
Contact: Jon Lipshutz; 914-332-4985
The Bronx Press and the Riverdale Review endorsed Richard Brodsky for Attorney General today, lauding him for his “long and admirable record,” citing examples such as congestion pricing, where Richard “almost single-handedly led the fight against Mayor Bloomberg’s congestion pricing plan in Albany, a plan which most agree would have turned large parts of The Bronx into a parking lot for suburban motorists, while imposing economy-killing new taxes that would ensure the continued decline of the city’s employment opportunities.”
Brodsky stated, “I am proud to have received the endorsement of The Bronx Press and The Riverdale Review and honored that they recognize my unparalleled record as a reformer and champion of issues that matter to the people of the Bronx, including authoring the Environmental Protection Fund and the Clean Air/Clean Water Bond Act, saving free and discounted student MetroCards and fighting the regressive taxation of the Mayor’s Congestion Pricing Plan.”
A copy of the full endorsement article is re-printed below
Riverdale Review
RICHARD BRODSKY for ATTORNEY GENERAL
We were ready, willing and able to endorse Eric Schneiderman, who currently represents one of the three Senate districts here, and in the past represented even more of Riverdale and parts of The Bronx. We like Eric and found him to be generally supportive of our goals for our community. But he is running for state Attorney General, a position that has grown in influence and importance in recent years.
This is why his statements regarding the role of Rev. Al Sharpton in his possible administration were so distressing. We see even the acceptance of the endorsement from Mr. Sharpton as a questionable tactic for a candidate for a law enforcement post, given that Mr. Sharpton is frequently a target for investigations by state officials regarding his finances and taxes. But Mr. Schneiderman promised that the reverend’s organization, “will have an annex in Albany for the first time in the history of the state.”
Even liberals such as Wayne Barrett of the Village Voice were disgusted. “It was craven excess, an unconscious declaration of how transactional Schneiderman actually sees the office he seeks. No one really expects a Sharpton cubicle in Schneiderman’s office, but the AG-to-be was declaring that an organization that the current officeholder, Andrew Cuomo, investigated just two years ago would have an inside track with Schneiderman because its leader was helping to make him AG.”
Fortunately voters have choices, and one in particular stands out, Richard Brodsky, an Assemblyman from Westchester. He is our choice, and we hope yours. Mr. Brodsky has a long and admirable record, and has shown leadership in key areas of interest to us and other residents of our borough. He almost single-handedly led the fight against Mayor Bloomberg’s congestion pricing plan in Albany, a plan which most agree would have turned large parts of The Bronx into a parking lot for suburban motorists, while imposing economy-killing new taxes that would insure the continued decline of the city’s employment opportunities. He was particularly vigilant in protecting the public interest by preventing tax dollar giveaways in the construction of new sports stadia.
We like Eric Schneiderman, but have lost respect for him. Mr. Brodsky is someone we can trust for the long haul, a candidate with a backbone and, most importantly, no strings to charlatans like Al Sharpton.
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.”
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