Cohen Criticizes Oppenheimer On Brochures

It's a four-page brochure printed on glossy paper.  It touts a number of New York State Senator Suzi Oppenheimer's accomplishments, and asks recipients for feedback about governmental issues that are important to them.  It includes a letter from the Senator that promises to continue educational reform in Albany.

It's also causing a storm of controversy.

Last Wednesday, Scarsdale resident and Senate candidate Bob Cohen held a press conference to publicly criticize the brochures, which were sent to thousands of residents in Westchester.

"Just days after her campaign kickoff I was shocked to see this campaign-style brochure with a bulk postage stamp indicating that it was paid for by New York taxpayers," said Cohen, who called for Senator Oppenheimer to reimburse the state for the brochures.

"I am sure I am not the only one offended by this use of government funds to boost the image of one of the legislators responsible for the state's current fiscal crisis," he added.

But a statement from the Senator's office contradicted Cohen's claim, stating that the mailings are not campaign flyers, and actually have nothing to do with the campaign.

"Legislative mailings, which allow government officials to transmit informational mailings to their constituents, have existed in the United States since colonial times," said Oppenheimer campaign manager Ryan McCleod in a press release.

"Here in New York, as elsewhere throughout the country, they serve the fundamental purpose of conveying information to citizens about important policy matters before the State Legislature. Limited legislative mailings are strictly controlled by Senate rules and can only be used for communicating government information."

McCleod explained that the Senator's newsletter complies with those rules, informing constituents about her education reforms and other matters that they may consider important.  But the Cohen campaign has a problem with that.

"There should be an embargo on this type of mailing after a legislator becomes a candidate," said Josh Hills, a spokesman for Bob Cohen. 

"I don't know how many tens of thousands of dollars it cost taxpayers to design, print and mail this brochure, but it is certainly money that could have been better spent on education, infrastructure, or debt reduction."

Cohen, a volunteer firefighter and real estate executive who is running on the Republican ticket, has publicly criticized both the Senator and the status quo in Albany.  His campaign advocates for term limits, redistricting, and lowering property taxes

"New Yorkers spend more per pupil on education than any other state – 67 percent above the national average – yet in terms of academic achievement we're consistently in the middle of the pack," said Cohen.

"Property taxes are out of control, the state budget is months late, programs are facing cuts, residents are facing tax increases, and Albany gridlock is at an all time high.  It is a complete contradiction for Senator Oppenheimer to send out a mass mailing at taxpayer expense claiming of all things that she is protecting taxpayers."

The Oppenheimer campaign emphasized the importance of recent legislation sponsored by the Senator, which offers mandate relief to schools, lowering taxpayer costs.

"Suzi is doing her job for the people of her district, even as her opponent is engaged in campaign stunts," McCleod said.

The election will take place in November.