GOULDMAN FOR STATE ASSEMBLYP.O. Box 164
Putnam Valley, New York  10579PRESS RELEASE


CANDIDATE FOR ASSEMBLY FINDS HOLES IN LATEST PROPERTY TAX PLAN

Assemblywoman Sandra Galef Says "No" To More Protection for Senior Citizens & The Disabled Votes Against "Granny's Law" & Refuses to Increase Criminal Penalties Against Thugs Who Prey Upon Senior Citizens & The Disabled


Putnam Valley, New York:

Sandra Galef the Democratic Assemblywoman representing the 90th Assembly District covering parts of Westchester and Putnam Counties, cast a decisive vote that defeated "Granny Law," on the floor of the State Assembly.

In a stunning repudiation of senior citizens and the disabled, Assemblywoman Galef voted no on legislation that would have increased criminal penalties for individuals who commit crimes against senior citizens and the disabled.

"It's shocking that Mrs. Galef is so out of touch and would deny senior citizens and the disabled the additional protection and peace of mind they deserve", said Bill Gouldman, the Republican challenger to Mrs. Galef. "The people of the 90th district want somebody to stand up for them to put politics aside and bring a dose of reality to Albany," Mr. Gouldman declared.

"Passing Granny's Law was the right thing to do. It could have ushered in a new era for New York and the people of the 90th district. There is no justification for voting against legislation that protects the most vulnerable among us.  We expect and deserve better from people like Sandy Galef," asserted Mr. Gouldman.

"People in the 90th district want stronger laws that will better protect them. Sadly, the Legislature refuses to listen; blocking or rejecting nearly every consequential public safety initiative, from Penny's Law to the death penalty.  Once again Sandy Galef has shown she is soft on crime and coddles criminals. She has chosen to ignore what the people in her district want and denied the disabled and seniors additional common sense safety.



__________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________












GOULDMAN FOR STATE ASSEMBLYP.O. Box 164
Putnam Valley,  New York,   10579

Press Release


Assemblywoman Sandra Galef Says "No" To More Protection for Senior Citizens & The Disabled Votes Against "Granny's Law" & Refuses to Increase Criminal Penalties Against Thugs Who Prey Upon Senior Citizens & The Disabled

Putnam Valley, New York:


Sandra Galef the Democratic Assemblywoman representing the 90th Assembly District covering parts of Westchester and Putnam Counties, cast a decisive vote that defeated "Granny Law," on the floor of the State Assembly.

In a stunning repudiation of senior citizens and the disabled, Assemblywoman Galef voted no on legislation that would have increased criminal penalties for individuals who commit crimes against senior citizens and the disabled.

"It's shocking that Mrs. Galef is so out of touch and would deny senior citizens and the disabled the additional protection and peace of mind they deserve", said Bill Gouldman, the Republican challenger to Mrs. Galef. "The people of the 90th district want somebody to stand up for them to put politics aside and bring a dose of reality to Albany," Mr. Gouldman declared.

"Passing Granny's Law was the right thing to do. It could have ushered in a new era for New York and the people of the 90th district. There is no justification for voting against legislation that protects the most vulnerable among us.  We expect and deserve better from people like Sandy Galef," asserted Mr. Gouldman.

"People in the 90th district want stronger laws that will better protect them. Sadly, the Legislature refuses to listen; blocking or rejecting nearly every consequential public safety initiative, from Penny's Law to the death penalty.  Once again Sandy Galef has shown she is soft on crime and coddles criminals. She has chosen to ignore what the people in her district want and denied the disabled and seniors additional common sense safety.


Gouldman continues his push for a property tax cap to ease burden on working families

Bill Gouldman, candidate for Assembly in the 90th District, today criticized a new property tax proposal that would give relief to only half of the families that the current program includes.  Gouldman once again called on the Democratic Leadership in the Assembly to put forth a property tax cap, which studies have shown to be the most effective way to curb the problem. 

"Residents in Putnam and Westchester County are feeling the squeeze everywhere, whether it's filling up our gas tanks, heating our homes or paying our outrageous property taxes," said Gouldman.  "It is time for some relief and we need to start with property taxes.  Our current representative in the Assembly has come up with a plan that simply doesn't provide enough relief and leaves out many who need help.  After 16 years in office, shouldn't we expect a better solution from the Chairwoman of the Committee on Real Property Taxation?  She's the most powerful woman in Albany on the issue of property taxes and unfortunately we've gotten rhetoric, not action and misguided proposals, not real relief."

Gouldman contends that the best way to solve the property tax problem is to impose a cap on the increase to our property taxes.  By tying it to the rate of inflation, homeowners will be able to better afford the taxes and our schools will still get the funding they need.  However, the latest proposal does nothing to slow down spending, which is the root of the problem.  Property taxes will continue to grow unless the rate of spending decreases.

    "I'll be the first person to say that my opponent is a nice woman," stated Gouldman, "but unfortunately, she has been in Albany too long and has become an insider, simply voting for spending increase after spending increase with the political bosses from New York City.  Even worse, her committee has turned into the place where promising property tax relief proposals go to die.  We don't need more elected officials who simply 'tax and spend' with no regard for what a budget means.  We need someone with a business background who has the common sense to rein in spending and give middle class families a real break."

After extensive analysis, Gouldman has found that the proposal is little more than a band-aid that is actually a step backwards from the current relief that is provided.  Under this new plan, homeowners would still have to pay their entire bill before they receive a rebate, but the checks will go out to 1 million fewer people.  In addition, homeowners who have owned their home for less than five years are excluded.  Often, the people who fall into this category are new families and they need the help as much as anyone.  Nevertheless, the biggest flaw in the plan is a failure to rein in spending.

"Even Governor Spitzer recognized he was wrong, when an overwhelming majority of the public disapproved of his plan to give driver's licenses to illegal aliens," added Gouldman.  "Now it is time for our Assemblywoman to listen to the public and push for the property tax cap that we so desperately want and need.  Regardless of what she chooses, I guarantee that I'll fight for it."


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, March 4, 2008
Contact:   Carl Scaringe 914-523-3672