Why Would David Gantt Submit A Bill That He Doesn’t Support? “That’s For Me To Know And You To Find Out!”
Speaking of David Gantt, a reader sent us this story that appeared in today’s New York Times. Assemblyman Gantt actually told Rachel Barnhart of 13 wham tv, “that’s for me to know and you to find out!”, according to the Times. I didn’t see it on 13 — the story on their website doesn’t mention it — so I’m not sure how they found out.
A Change of Heart, but Is It Sincere?
Assemblyman David F. Gantt has made it a point as chairman of the Assembly’s Transportation Committee to oppose cameras that monitor traffic for violations like running red lights. They were just too Big Brother for him, he said. But Mr. Gantt, who represents Rochester, has quietly introduced a bill that would allow cities and towns across the state to install such cameras. Now, they are permitted only in New York City.
What could be the reason for his abrupt about-face? According to The Buffalo News, a former senior aide to Mr. Gantt is a lobbyist for a company in Latham, N.Y., that distributes traffic-monitoring equipment.
What’s more, according to The News, Mr. Gantt’s bill calls for a specific type of traffic-monitoring technology that the company, CMA Consulting Services, distributes. The lobbyist, Robert Scott Gaddy, served as counsel for Mr. Gantt’s Transportation Committee and was being paid $80,000 to lobby on the company’s behalf.
But after the matter became public, Mr. Gantt appeared to back off his newfound support for traffic cameras. According to the ABC affiliate in Rochester, WHAM-TV, he said he is still against them. “I submit bills all the time that don’t go anywhere,” he told the station. When asked why he would do that, he said, “That’s for me to know, and for you to find out.”
Calls to Mr. Gantt and Mr. Gaddy were not returned. JEREMY W. PETERS
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