Judgement of Democratic Election Commissioner Called Into Question
Commissioner Ferrarese Oversteps Bounds of His Position by Serving as Campaign Treasurer for Harry Bronson
Monroe County Republican Chairman Bill Reilich today questioned Democratic Election Commissioner Tom Ferrarese’s decision to serve as Treasurer for Harry Bronson’s State Assembly campaign. Ferrarese is currently the only commissioner in the entire State of New York who serves the dual role of ensuring elections are conducted properly while also being closely involved in the day-to-day operations of a campaign for State office.
“It is nearly impossible for any candidate running in the 131st Assembly District to feel comfortable with this set of circumstances given that all candidates rely on Board of Elections staff on a variety of issues ranging from petition help and assistance with campaign finance disclosure reports,” Reilich said. “The fact that the candidate supported by Ferrarese is currently involved in a Democratic primary makes the situation that much more complicated.”
Commissioner Ferrarese is listed on the New York State Board of Elections website as Treasurer of “Friends of Harry Bronson”. In addition, when individuals visit Bronson’s campaign website, they are prompted to mail their campaign donations directly to Ferrarese.
“Not only was it a poor decision on Commissioner Ferrarese’s part to accept the position, it was a poor decision on Mr. Bronson’s part to offer a key campaign position to the Commissioner of the Board of Elections in the first place,” Reilich concluded.
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