From a press release tonight from the Rensselaer County Minority/Democrats:
Chairman Martin Reid, who is currently embroiled in a controversy over unemployment insurance fraud, deniedMinority Legislators the right to speak at the regular monthly meeting of the Legislature. Against the Rules of the Rensselaer County Legislature, Mr. Reid abruptlyadjourned the meeting before all “order of business” wasconcluded.
“Mr. Reid’s actions tonight reinforce why we are calling for his resignation immediately. We had planned to ask Mr. Reid to do the right thing and step down as Chairman,” said Legislator Len Welcome.
Reid has been under investigation by the State Department for misrepresenting his job status and improperly collecting unemployment benefits. “What galls me is the fact that he has not repaid the $15,335 which he obtained by dishonesty and deceit,” said Legislator Mark Fleming. In addition, an administrative law judge has found that Mr. Reid “willfully and intentionally misrepresented the facts” to receive benefits, and that the judge has referred the case to District Attorney Joel Abelove for possible prosecution.
“I have heard from numerous constituents who expressedoutrage concerning these findings – which involve the wrongful taking of taxpayer funds and violation of the public’s trust,” stated Minority Legislator Cindy Doran.
“I believe Chairman Reid’s continuing leadership of the Rensselaer County Legislature is inappropriate and that it will distract from the important work we have been elected to do,” said Legislator Gary Pavlic.
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