Senator Fred Akshar Comments on New Legislation Allowing Prisoners to Vote Behind Bars

(Binghamton, NY) "Welcome to the “New” New York: Democrat Majority member Sen. Kevin Parker just introduced legislation to allow inmates still serving their time to vote from prison.

It’s a slap in the face to every law-abiding citizen and to every individual who paid their debt to society and earned back their ability to vote.

This proposal is misguided at best and insidious at worst in the way it undermines our election system, but it perfectly illustrates the radical, far-left politics behind New York’s One Party Rule."

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2019/s6821

Chairman Datta Statement on PLOT Blocking Community Parade

Statement from Broome County Republican Committee Chairman Bijoy Datta

"The so-called Progressive Leaders of Tomorrow (PLOT) is well known divisive, anti-police fringe group. Yesterday, PLOT formed an illegal blockage at a community parade and four of their members were arrested.

"PLOT has brazenly advocated for residents to NOT call police if they are in danger and appallingly celebrated the recent suicide death of a retired NYPD officer. PLOT was also exposed as being behind false claims levied against police officers responding to an incident at the YWCA last year.

"PLOT's conduct in these matters is disgusting.

"Two Democratic City Council candidates, Aviva Friedman (District 4) and Salka Valerio (District 7), are active and well-documented members of PLOT. Valerio participated in Monday's protests. Democratic City Councilman Dan Livingston has attended PLOT events and supported their efforts. Former Democratic Mayoral and County Executive candidate Tarik Abdelazim is also a PLOT organizer.

"New Broome Democratic Chair Bridget Kane and elected Democratic officials and candidates need to be clear about where they stand. Do these PLOT-associated candidates have the support of the Broome County Democratic Party?"

https://www.pressconnects.com/…/columbus-day-pa…/3975608002/

Mayor Rich David releases statement on 2020 City of Binghamton Budget Legislation

Republican Mayor Richard C. David released the following statement Thursday, signing into law the 2020 Budget Legislation following its approval from Binghamton City Council:

“The 2020 Budget is a responsible financial plan for the City’s future that includes our largest property tax cut to date and reflects the enduring priorities of this administration. From public safety and infrastructure to community development and flood mitigation, we’re fulfilling our commitments to residents and continuing to turn difficult challenges into significant opportunities.

I thank City Council for their bipartisan support of this budget. It’s a road map for not just delivering essential government services but also tackling the tough challenges residents expect us to take on.”

Bijoy Datta Unanimously Re-Elected As Broome County Republican Chairman

(Binghamton, NY) Bijoy Datta was unanimously re-elected tonight to a fourth term as Broome County Republican Chairman in a vote by local Republican Committee Members. Chairman Datta was nominated by Binghamton Mayor Rich David and seconded by Senator Fred Akshar, Broome County Legislature Chairman Dan Reynolds and Endicott Mayoral candidate Linda Jackson.

“It’s an honor to be re-elected to a fourth term as Republican Chairman,” said Datta. “Throughout my six years as Chairman and 20+ years of being involved with local Republican politics, I’m proud that through thick and thin we’ve worked together cooperatively to build a strong team and win elections.”

“Looking ahead to this fall, 2020 and beyond, we’ll keep working hard to recruit great candidates, run aggressive campaigns, and elect Republicans to office who are focused on keeping taxes down and reducing the size of government.”

Also elected tonight were First Vice Chair Chris Dziedzic, Secretary Benjamin Federman, and Treasurer Laurie Gialanella of Vestal. The Committee also formally nominated Mark Smith to serve as the new Republican Election Commissioner to replace Oliver Blaise III, who recently resigned from the position as he runs for State Supreme Court Justice.

Chairman Datta and the Committee also took time at tonight’s meeting to recognize Paul VanSavage, who is retiring from Party Leadership after serving as First Vice Chair for the past six years. Mr. VanSavage also served as Party Chairman for several years in the 1980s.

More information about the Broome County Republican Committee can be found at www.Facebook.com/BroomeRepublicans and www.BroomeRepublicans.com.

Statement from Broome County Legislature Chairman Daniel J. Reynolds on Jason Garnar's misleading comments regarding the County's financial condition

(Binghamton, NY) - "Unfortunately, the County Executive continues to make misleading public comments regarding the County's financial condition," said Chairman Dan J. Reynolds. "For anyone to imply that the County was nearing bankruptcy in 2016 shows a clear lack of understanding of Government finance. At the end of 2016, far from these bankruptcy claims:

• Broome County has an average daily amount of $80 to $90 Million in cash on-hand at any given time.
• Broome County had over $540 Million available in borrowing power.
• Broome County government owned nearly 1/2 billion dollars in assets.
• Broome County departments had over $10 million in unrestricted funds that could have been accessed in an emergency.

The fact is that the Legislature restored the Fair Share 50/50 sales tax revenue split to our partner municipalities, over the objections of the then incoming County Executive, as part of the normal budget process. The County Executive's recent politically motivated comments are reckless and damaging to the County's overall fiscal health and potential economic development possibilities. The residents of Broome County deserve better."

Broome County Clerk Joseph Mihalko Issues Fraud Alert to Help Residents Avoid Scammers

(Binghamton, NY) This morning, Republican Broome County Clerk Joseph Mihalko issued a fraud alert, warning individuals and businesses of potential email scams. Some concerned citizens have reported emails about alleged traffic violations that can only be paid online with a credit card. The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles does not accept payments for local traffic violations. Instead, they are handled at the local municipal level.

“It’s unfortunate that fraudsters are posing as local and New York State DMV personnel to scam innocent people of money over email. These emails and the links within them may contain viruses and other malware,” said County Clerk Joe Mihalko.

“If you had a traffic violation, you would get an official document through the mail from a local court or municipality. Citizens should be cautious about emails claiming to be from local or NYS DMV, and to take the time to research. If you receive a suspicious email asking you to pay money online for alleged traffic violations, do not hesitate to contact the Clerk’s Office at clerkinfo@co.broome.ny.us and we can let you know whether or not it is legitimate.”