September 6, 2012 Ms.

Cheryl Roberts

Dear Ms. Roberts, Like me, Im sure that you have been extremely disappointed and outraged with the recent news that some elected state officials had either been arrested or had charges brought against them for egregious misconduct. Unlike me, however, you have said nothing. I find it to be very telling and an indication of what you would do if you were elected to the state assembly. State Senator Shirley Huntley was arrested and indicted on three charges falsifying business records, tampering with evidence and conspiracy in relation to the alleged theft of almost $30,000 in member-item money. Two of these three charges are felonies. Just as disturbing, it was revealed there were several former female staff members of Assemblyman Vito Lopez who alleged repeated and disturbing sexual misconduct on his part. In the days that followed, it was further revealed that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver used $103,000 of taxpayer dollars as hush money to cover up the alleged sexual misconduct. Mr. Silver agreed to a financial settlement with the victims and appears reluctant to bring these serious allegations to the Assembly ethics panel, as he morally should. The Assembly has an obligation to conduct a full, fair and prompt investigation once it becomes aware of allegations of sexual harassment and discrimination. The fact that you, a female candidate, have not condemned the behavior of both Speaker Silver and Mr. Lopez is simply stunning. Im deeply concerned by Mr. Silvers lack of transparency and judgment when he, behind closed doors, used his leadership role to spend taxpayer money to pay off these innocent victims due to Mr. Lopezs alleged pre-mediated sexual misconduct. Im equally as concerned that Mr. Silver feels no need to bring these serious and disgusting allegations to the Assembly ethics panel just because a monetary settlement with our money was reached. Mr. Silvers actions are exactly what Governor Cuomo and I, and many other legislators, have been trying to rid Albany over the last two years. We cannot support lawmakers or leaders in the state legislature regardless of party who deceive middle-class families, small businesses and the image of our great state. We as New Yorkers should support good government and honest legislators that work as employees for the people. I am committed to running a clean and hard-fought campaign. I pledge to you today that I will not accept monetary or in-kind resources from individuals like Mr. Silver, whos decisionmaking, morals and transparency are in serious question and absolutely not for the good of the taxpayers and business owners in the 107th Assembly district. On behalf of the people of our district, I ask that you publicly pledge to not accept monetary or in-kind resources from Mr. Silver in light of his decision to so blatantly misuse our hard earned money and to not bring full justice to these innocent women by advancing

these sexual harassment claims to the Assembly ethics panel. Mr. Silvers money, and money from individuals like him, has no place in our community. Our district expects and deserves better. I also ask that you clearly and publicly state whether or not you would vote for Sheldon Silver as Speaker of the Assembly. I look forward to hearing from you and sincerely hope you will join me to keep this campaign free of outside influence that will do more harm than good for our district. You can reply back to: PO Box 265, Poestenkill, NY 12140 or Steve@Steve4NY.com. Sincerely,

Steven F. McLaughlin Member of Assembly Candidate for 107th Assembly District P.S. Your acceptance of either funding or in-kind contributions from either Speaker Silver or the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee will signal to the people of this district that, should you be elected, you will say nothing in the face of public corruption.