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This belongs to you. Take it back...
Fri Dec 14, 2007 at 21:43:33 PM EST
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Cross-posted at RochesterTurning.com
Spitzer's been in the news in a positive light recently, with his administration investigating lead in toys, and proposing new legislation to address the issue:
Under the proposed legislation, businesses that sell recalled products would be penalized. The law would also require them to properly dispose of recalled products and would require manufacturers establish a recall notification system and post it in an obvious manner.
State Senator Jim Alesi, who for some reason sends me mail even though I'm not in his district, is not about to let Spitzer get an inch of daylight, though. He thoughtfully sent me a "Toy Safety Guide", along with a letter warning me of the evils of Spitzer.
Here's the key text:
This year, my legislation to restrict the amount of lead in children's jewlry was vetoed by the Governor. Though Governor Spitzer refused to sign this important legislation into law, I plan on reintroducing the bill and I will work hard to protect our children from all forms of lead poisoning.
Now, why would Spitzer veto the legislation? Why does he hate the children so? Is it because of this?
Spitzer noted that "the bill is drafted in a manner that will prevent this legislation from serving as an effective deterrent, and the bill therefore fails to provide adequate protections for New Yorkers." Spitzer questioned whether the restrictions set forth in the bill were sufficiently protective of children's health and whether a two-tier enforcement mechanism should be created for jewellery intended for children aged six years and younger and other jewellery. In addition, the governor criticised a measure in the bill that would have allowed the imposition of civil penalties only in instances of knowing or intentional violations. The California lead-containing jewellery law, on the other hand, reportedly contains no such requirement and instead allows a court to examine several factors in considering whether to assess a penalty. Spitzer has instructed his staff to work with state officials and legislators to develop alternative legislation to address this matter. Judging from the various arguments included in the governor's veto message, this legislation would likely be more restrictive that the measure currently in force in California.
Whatever Spitzer's political troubles, as Attorney General he proved to be a champion of consumer rights-- he more than most folks in Albany is qualified to judge whether or not a law adequately protects people. I'd rather wait a few months and get a good law rather than a band-aid that won't do the job of protecting consumers. |
| bythepeople :: State Sen. Alesi: Don't Pay Attention to Spitzer's Lead Toy Investigation, M'kay? |
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