Everyone Take It Easy

Volker suspends his aide for over-reacting to Scott Brown.

“Today, I have suspended my staff member and legislative counsel, J.R. Drexelius, for two weeks without pay, for his actions during a television interview by Channel 2 reporter Scott Brown at a Senate Hearing on Hospital Closures impacting the western New York region.

He will be contacting Channel 2 reporter Scott Brown, apologizing for his actions and outbursts. Additionally, after his discussions with me, it is crystal clear that he is sincerely sorry for his statements and will reflect on his actions during the next couple of weeks.

Our media outlets have the difficult responsibility to report and inform our public on the positions and policies of state government, which impact our daily lives. Being an elected official, I take my responsibility to represent the best interest of my constituents very seriously and the public deserves an open press, free of bias and prejudice.

I do not accept or condone public outbursts by staff members employed by my office–period. Mr. Drexelius is a long and trusted staff member. He understands that I expect high standards from my staff members and his recent actions fall short of this goal.”

When will Senator Volker apologize for accusing the Brennan Center and Manhattan Institute of being anti-upstate promoters of higher taxes? When will Senator Volker suspend himself without pay for his whining about Channel 2’s reporting of an undeserved payraise that Albany legislators very well may vote themselves tomorrow?