Katz Challenges Opponents to Open Income Disclosure

Stephen Katz of Mohegan Lake is challenging Jim Borkowski, the GOP nominee, for the 99th Assembly District seat. Katz has secured enough signatures to force a Republican primary, the winner of which will face off against Democrat Brendan Tully of Yorktown.

Here is a statement from the 99th Assembly District Candidate Steve Katz:

His campaign issued a statement about a press conference to be held at Town Hall on July 27 at 11 a.m. where Katz will announce the "People's Comprehensive Reform Plan," a platform to restore honesty and integrity to state government. 

"Inspired by the ideas and true stories of those he has met," read the statement, "the People's Comprehensive Reform Plan will include a challenge to Katz's opponents for the open Assembly seat that they fully disclose all income earned through their work as attorneys."

Under current New York State Legislative ethics rules, lawyers do not need to fully disclose the sources of their income under the protections of attorney-client privilege.

"We must restore honesty and integrity in Albany, returning our government to function for and by the people," Katz said.  "It's outrageous that a public servant is not required to report all the revenue gained outside of his public office. Too many career politicians have occupied state legislative seats for far too long and have gamed the system to stay in power for personal gain. This needs to stop this November and it will. The voters are awake and engaged in the process like they have not been in decades."

According to the statement, the ethics loophole of not disclosing income allows the "potential for bribery and pay-to-play politics without a paper trail."

Both James Borkowski (WF, R- Southeast) and the Democratic nominee Brendan Tully are career lawyers and Katz wants them to "pledge and produce full disclosure."

"We the taxpayers are entitled to know exactly how much money these people are making and from what sources," he said. "If they want to keep it secret, then they can stay in the private sector," Katz said.