Gilbert says Schimminger should sign

TONAWANDA - A petition for the immediate resignation of New York State Assembly Speaker, Sheldon Silver, has been brought to the public’s attention after news broke of the sex scandal cover up involving Assemblyman Vito Lopez and two former female state workers.

“Silver paid $130,000 in settlement funds,” said Assembly Candidate Chuck Gilbert. “That’s public funds that he used without telling anybody.”

Gilbert is calling for his opponent Assemblyman Robin Schimminger to make a statement and sign the petition.

“To me it’s an issue of transparency and womens rights,” said Gilbert. “And Schimminger, not yet commenting, has condoned the actions of the assembly and to me that’s appalling.”

Schimminger has taken the side of the law and will wait until the investigation is complete to make his decision.

“With the legal process underway, I concur with the Republican Minority Leader of the Assembly that we should withhold judgment on the settlement involving Mr. Lopez and other incidents until all the facts are known,” said Schimminger. “Two official investigations into the appalling situation concerning Assemblyman Lopez are currently underway, one by the state’s bipartisan joint ethics commission and the other by the Republican district attorney in Staten Island.”

Gilbert said he is looking out for women, having a daughter and wife in the work force, he thinks it’s important for women to feel safe.

“The women of the 140th District have a right to know if he’s with them or against them. I have taken a stand against the sexual abuse and exploitation of women by state lawmakers by calling on Shelly Silver to step down from office,” said Gilbert.

Schimminger said that he does not condone sexual harassment in the workplace or anywhere else.

“I would note that Assemblyman Lopez has already been censured and stripped of his committee chairmanship and seniority,” said Schimminger. “He should do the right thing and resign, but his name is on the November election ballot so his fate rests in the hands of his constituents.”

Schimminger wants to keep his focus on the issues currently facing the state with the upcoming election.

Schimminger said, “With all the critical issues facing our state, like jobs, taxes, education and health care it’s unfortunate that my opponent has chosen to launch his campaign with such an unfounded and clearly partisan attack.”