By JOE LoTEMPLIO
PLATTSBURGH — State Assembly Republicans have launched a new Web site designed to identify government waste, abuse and fraud.
The site, www.stopgovern
mentwasteny.com, will allow taxpayers and government workers to anonymously report any fiscal irresponsibility they are aware of.
"We are trying to get people in government, or the public, who recognize waste to be able to bring it to our attention so it can be taken care of," Assemblywoman Janet Duprey (R-Peru) said.
"Sometimes people are worried about saying something publicly, but this will give them a chance (to report waste)."
The site will also feature a listing of several recent examples uncovered by the media of state government waste, fraud and misuse of tax dollars.
It will also outline how government waste leads to higher taxes, a strain on the delivery of services and damage to public confidence in state government.
All reports to the site will be publicized by the Assembly Republican Conference and will be submitted to the administration.
Duprey said with the state in such fiscal trouble, new ways of saving money have to be looked at.
"We will see how this goes, but we have got to start thinking out of the box to find ways to save money."
Duprey said she hopes the new Web site is not misused by people seeking to target certain state employees or departments.
"If it is, we can take it down. But I think this is something we have to see if it works."
David Kimmel, who is challenging Duprey in a Republican primary this year, said the Web site is not a bad idea but that citizens can demand change without a site.
He noted that staunch objections from the public on renewing license plates were very effective earlier this year.
Kimmel also said businesses should demand a repeal on the requirement that they pay for new certification to collect state sales tax.
"We can get things done, but we have to first believe that we can."
Kimmel said another way to save money is for the legislature to not pass new legislation without first knowing the true cost.
E-mail Joe LoTemplio at: jlotemplio@pressrepublican.com
