In New York State, Americans look to their elected officials and see no more than a subpar work ethic and misrepresentation. This past week, the U.S. Senate voted to defund the grassroots organization ACORN. This vote took place after the US Census Bureau took action to temporarily cease further collaboration with ACORN involving their work on the the most recent U.S. Census, which is funded by taxpayers. As early as September 14th, 2009 there was word from the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office that there would be a possible investigation of the Brooklyn office of ACORN. Each of these actions was in response to this past week’s publicly released videos and recordings of employees of several ACORN offices indicating possible illegal activity and misuse of federal funds.
Only 7 Senators voted to continue dispensing federal funds to ACORN, one of whom is New York’s newly appointed Senator Kirsten Gillibrand. She was also the only female Senator in this gang of 7. When I contacted Senator Gillibrand’s office in Albany, NY to get an explanation for her vote on this important issue, I asked: “I am calling regarding Senator Gillibrand’s recent vote to continue funding ACORN; does Senator Gillibrand understand that ACORN condones illegal prostitution and voter fraud?” The spokesperson answered “Yes.” Because I was so shocked by this outrageous response, I called for clarification and the spokesperson indicated that she had made a mistake and that “the Senator believes the actions of some of the ACORN employees were reprehensible.” I may not be a sitting Senator but it’s time New Yorkers tell Senator Gillibrand that you can’t have it both ways!
This back and forth conversation with a member of Senator Gillibrand’s staff begs the question of whether she, or her staff, have done any due dilligence on an organization that she is willing to vote to receive federal funds in addition to the $8.5 billion allocated out of the first stimulus bill. As she proudly notes her rigorous legal training and background on her website, Senator Gillibrand is an attorney and she has a legal obligation to uphold the constitution; her legal training alone should be reason enough for her to vote to cut federal funds for an organization that’s operations are legally questionable. Additionally, Senator Gillibrand has positioned herself as a champion for womens’ rights – yet her vote on ACORN speaks otherwise.
If Senator Gillibrand were actually concerned about her New York constituents, her office should have immediately contacted the Child Protection Services in the State of New York for possible illegal child trafficking, Amnesty International for the possible forced illegal immigration and various other human rights organizations. Like all of her votes, Senator Gillibrand’s vote for the continuation of funding of ACORN appears to be for political expediency – after all, she is a politically expedient Senator gearing up for her election in 2010.
Republican Leader Dean Skelos has requested that New York’s Attorney General Andrew Cuomo and New York’s Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli halt any state or federal funding to ACORN. Senator Gillibrand is notably absent from taking action.
Senator Gillibrand’s office should confirm whether she has ever met with any individuals from New York’s ACORN office and whether she has ever received any campaign contributions from ACORN or ACORN affiliates. Senator Gillibrand should also demand that the Maryland Attorney General initiate an investigation into ACORN, instead of pursuing an investigation of the two young reporters who posed as a pimp and prostitute. The 20 year old young woman was very eloquent in follow up interviews and speaking to the media as to why she chose to pursue this investigation into ACORN. And as a taxpayer, I think what her video has unearthed has done her fellow citizens a tremendous public service.
Senator Gillibrand, former Congresswoman of New York’s 20th Congressional district, is demonstrating yet again that her beliefs and political ideals are up for grabs to the highest political bidder. After all, this is not the first time Senator Gillibrand has done a 180-degree turn in her beliefs, but I believe that her recent vote on ACORN will be the most damaging to any further political aspirations.
Already, it is apparent that Senator Gillibrand has seen the critical mistake. At her latest press conference, she refused to answer questions regarding her ACORN vote and instead encouraged reporters to contact her office “offline.” She has yet to issue an official statement on the matter – New Yorkers should know by now that when things become politically inexpedient, mum’s the word for Senator Gillibrand.
Any opponent running against Senator Gillibrand for the 2010 senatorial contest need only use the ACORN video footage advertising that Senator Gillibrand condones the possible misuse of taxpayers fund for possible illegal practices including prostitution and child trafficking.
Senator Gillibrand, New Yorkers do not need your senatorial skills now or in the future.
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Melanie Stefanik is a business executive residing in Upstate New York.
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