ABINANTI CALLS FOR ETHICS INVESTIGATION OF SHIMSKY.

Charges Shimsky Is Misusing Assembly Resources For Campaign Purposes.

 June 13, 2024  

Former Assembly member Tom Abinanti is calling on the NYS Assembly to immediately commence an ethics investigation of Assembly member MaryJane Shimsky. Further, Abinanti says that the matter should be forwarded to the District Attorney if there is evidence of a violation of State law.

In a letter to Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie which Abinanti hand-delivered yesterday, Abinanti said that Shimsky obtained Abinanti’s email list without his permission in violation of Assembly Policy that prohibits any access to or use of a former member’s emails, files, materials or work product without permission. Further, after loading the list into the Assembly system making the list an Assembly resource, she used it for campaign purposes.

“People throughout New York State and elsewhere who were on my email list received unsolicited e-news from Assembly member Maryjane Shimsky and are now receiving her unsolicited campaign propaganda,” Abinanti said.

Assembly staff confirmed to Abinanti that a Shimsky staff member had access to Abinanti’s list through the Assembly system and that Shimsky made a large upload of emails in a format which was unique to Abinanti’s list.

Now, Shimsky is using the purloined Assembly list for her campaign which appears to be in violation of NYS law which prohibits use of government materials for political purposes. 

I did not give Shimsky my list or permission to use my list,” stated Abinanti. “I call on Ms. Shimsky to immediately cease the use of my email list.”

For more information:
Tom Abinanti 914-328-9000

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