Letter to Editor/ Published by Poughkeepsie Journal on 9.2.18

Dear Editor:

On June 6, 2017, bill A5885A was voted through the NYS Assembly by a bipartisan 139 to 7 vote (assembly.state.ny) – a rare plurality. This bill, The Child Victims Act, should have passed as easily as it did. This act extended the time period during which an abused child could report a felony sex crime (age 28 rather than 23) or sue the perpetrator (50 rather than 23). What Republican leader would not herald this bill that would help not just victims but remove serial abusers from society?

What candidate for New York State Governor or running for reelection as NYS Senator would not urge the Republican leadership of the NYS Senate, which stalled the bill, to bring this bill to the floor– yes, just urge that it be voted on. Well, apparently even this was too much for gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro and current NYS41 Senator Sue Serino.

Gary Greenberg, Founder of Protect NY Kids (a child victim himself) told Spectrum News he wants a different NYS Senator this November:”Sue Serino and the Republican majority have obstructed justice for victims of child sexual abuse by not allowing any vote on the Senate floor. Karen Smythe will make sure victims get the justice and the healing they need.” I want a governor who speaks out for justice throughout the state, and I want a NYS Senator who advocates for us rather than merely following party line. Do you? Then be sure to register, and vote on Nov. 6th for Karen Smythe.

Anne McCabe LaGrangeville