State Sen. Alesi: Don’t Pay Attention to Spitzer’s Lead Toy Investigation, M’kay?
Spitzer’s been in the news in a positive light recently, with his administration investigating lead in toys, and proposing new legislation to address the issue:
Under the proposed legislation, businesses that sell recalled products would be penalized. The law would also require them to properly dispose of recalled products and would require manufacturers establish a recall notification system and post it in an obvious manner.
State Senator Jim Alesi, who for some reason sends me mail even though I’m not in his district, is not about to let Spitzer get an inch of daylight, though. He thoughtfully sent me a “Toy Safety Guide”, along with a letter warning me of the evils of Spitzer.
Here’s the key text:
This year, my legislation to restrict the amount of lead in children’s jewlry was vetoed by the Governor. Though Governor Spitzer refused to sign this important legislation into law, I plan on reintroducing the bill and I will work hard to protect our children from all forms of lead poisoning.
Now, why would Spitzer veto the legislation? Why does he hate the children so? Is it because of this?
Spitzer noted that “the bill is drafted in a manner that will prevent this legislation from serving as an effective deterrent, and the bill therefore fails to provide adequate protections for New Yorkers.” Spitzer questioned whether the restrictions set forth in the bill were sufficiently protective of children’s health and whether a two-tier enforcement mechanism should be created for jewellery intended for children aged six years and younger and other jewellery. In addition, the governor criticised a measure in the bill that would have allowed the imposition of civil penalties only in instances of knowing or intentional violations. The California lead-containing jewellery law, on the other hand, reportedly contains no such requirement and instead allows a court to examine several factors in considering whether to assess a penalty. Spitzer has instructed his staff to work with state officials and legislators to develop alternative legislation to address this matter. Judging from the various arguments included in the governor’s veto message, this legislation would likely be more restrictive that the measure currently in force in California.
Whatever Spitzer’s political troubles, as Attorney General he proved to be a champion of consumer rights– he more than most folks in Albany is qualified to judge whether or not a law adequately protects people. I’d rather wait a few months and get a good law rather than a band-aid that won’t do the job of protecting consumers.
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Did your Senator die? Who voted Jimbo to be “Lead Superman” of the day? Who paid for this self-promotion? Did you call Spitzer’s office and inform them about this?
I’ve said it before at least 100 times- Jimbo Alesi creates laws that duplicate laws that already exist (i.e. road rage laws when it’s already illegal to drive your car with the intent to kill).
Now this? We have “his” health fair, and “his” name on public buildings all over NYS, including those who buy his coin-operated laundry machines in a direct conflict of interest display.
I can’t wait for David Koon to kick his royal mass out of the Senate. Jim Alesi is SO in love with himself, he’s now become your Senator, and in all likelihood, “Senator of the World”.
ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!
Great catch.
Remember Alesi’s unenforceable bill banning texting?
Yet another wasted bill
And let us not forget the entire line of Jimbo Alesi personal care products including Jimbo shaving cream, shower gel, conditioner, moisturizing balm, and after shower talc. I can’t wait for the line of kitchen product line to come out next!
Maybe Jimbo can use his magical powers to convince the Republicans to pass SCHIP so that the kids who played with the lead painted toys, ate the lead-laced candy, drank the lead laden water, and live below the poverty level in rental properties painted with lead based paint can get the medical attention and treatment they deserve.
Wow, Jiminy Bizbo. Interesting to see you responding to your own comments. Sorry to stir up your partisan blindness, but all the nonsense you posted about Alesi is pretty ignorant stuff (”AleSSi” hair cair products? You mean the national company? Ha! Why not get upset about the race car driver with that name?) In your ranting fits, did you notice that David Koon, who is the guy you hope will beat Alesi, was the Assembly co-sponsor of the same lead bill that you’re bashing here? Or that Koon co-sponsors an enormous amount of Alesi’s legislation (but never takes the lead on coming up with ideas, sadly)? People like you are the reason our party always loses elections, because you make us look like idiots. I for one will support Jim Alesi, a statesman who’s done an enormous amount for our community, until a Democratic candidate comes along who can do more than be a Sheldon Silver groupie (i.e., not Koon). But Alesi’s GOP counterparts in our neighboring districts? Now that’s another story entirely…