With editorial boards calling on state Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza (D-Bayside) to resign and with the state attorney general’s office investigating the legality of her actions with regard to making reportedly false statements in tax filings, mortgage papers and election filings concerning a primary residence on Long Island, one has to wonder why Carrozza, who seems smart and nice, continues this charade?
With complaints lodged with the Assembly Ethics Committee and media reports that Carrozza has the worst attendance record in the state, when is enough enough?
We all read that out of the 62 days the Assembly met earlier this year, Carrozza was absent for 38 legislative sessions — 61 percent. Out of the 1,295 bills voted on in 2009, Carrozza missed 718 of them — 55 percent.
Most folks would have the decency to quit, but not Carrozza. This record was problematic enough until I realized that when she does show up to vote she is a rubber stamp for the tax-and-spend positions of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan).
Adding to years of voting for tax increases, fees and surcharges, Carrozza voted to increase fees on driver’s licenses, vehicle registrations and license plate renewals. New Yorkers will pay 25 percent more to obtain a driver’s license or register a car. Effective April 1, 2010, all registered vehicles will be required to get new license plates for an added cost. If residents wish to keep their current plate numbers, they will need to pay the state an additional fee. These new fee increases were passed into law by Carrozza in Assembly Budget bill A.159-B.
Carrozza’s vote to hike motor vehicle fees by 25 percent is simply a license to tax working families and one more example of her failing to look out for her constituents who reside in Queens — many of whom rely on their cars to get to and from work.
When do we say enough is enough?
Vince Tabone
Republican District Chairman
26th Assembly District
Bayside
