To the Readers' Forum:
Longtime N.Y.S. Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is mainly responsible for the sad state of affairs in his legislative domain. Assemblyman Lopez belongs in jail for his repeated acts of sexual harassment. However, his Democratic colleague, Silver, has provided him with cover for his misdeeds.
The intricate scheme to protect Lopez was put together in the speaker's office. The plan was shared with the offices of the State Comptroller and Attorney General. Both claim no participation in the plan. Thankfully, the whole scheme came to light.
As reported by The New York Times Lopez contributed $32,000 of his own funds to Silver's $103,000 of taxpayer monies. So much for Lopez's claims of innocence. also, the whole matter of payment to the victims was to be strictly confidential.
Incidentally, Lopez is running for his 15th two-year term in the assembly and is said to have amassed a million dollars for his reelection.
The Speaker's punishment for his role in the affair was to lead the N.Y.S. delegation to the Democratic convention in Charlotte. Lopez will probably be reelected without opposition.
Thomas J. Harte
Lakewood