BUFFALO, NY (WBFO) - Republican gubernatorial candidate Marc Molinaro came to Buffalo Thursday morning, announcing a set of proposed government reforms. They include more independent oversight, newer standards for sexual harassment policy, the end of "pay to play" culture and term limits for numerous state offices - including the one he seeks.
Marc Molinaro stood outside the federal courthouse in downtown Buffalo, holding up a copy of his proposed 2019 Albany Accountability Act, which was also released on his official campaign website.
"It limits the governor and state comptroller to two four-year terms, and legislators to six two-year terms," Molinaro said. "On day one, we will request and ask for a full up-or-down vote on term limits."
He says the plan also seeks to change the way Albany does its business, including more power to the public to push policy change.
"A ban on the corrupt giveaways that have lined the governor's campaign coffers," he said. "New and sweeping sexual harassment rules that apply to everyone in state government. Initiative and referendum to empower citizens to force their own reforms. Independent oversight of state contracts, something this governor has wiped clean and is now on trial across the state."
That remark came hours before a jury in New York City returned guilty verdicts against four men connected to Governor Andrew Cuomo's Buffalo Billion program.
Molinaro cited reports including one issued in 2015 by the Center for Public Integritywhich gave New York government a D- grade. He also cited a report by Politico that same year which called New York's government the most corrupt in the nation.
Molinaro told local reporters he is not seeking the governor's seat for the purpose of making friends.
"I'm going to Albany to finally provide the relief that taxpayers deserve and the reforms that New Yorkers demand," he said. "I am here to tell you, without question, to those who think politics is about themselves, to those who believe that public service is about enriching themselves, that ends when I am governor."