There are two lawmakers from the Rochester area who have leadership roles in the NYS Assembly, and they have a much different outlook on the situation involving Speaker Sheldon Silver, who has been accused of federal corruption charges.
Assembly Majority Leader Joe Morelle, an Irondequoit Democrat, calls the arrest of Sheldon Silver a troubling day, but says he and Assembly Democrats are behind Silver.
“ I’m continuing to support the Speaker and I would say that the members overwhelmingly in the conversation that we just had are continuing their support and there is a strong feeling as I think we should all reflect on that there is a presumption of innocence.”
Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb, a Canandaigua Republican, said Silver's troubles could cast a dark cloud over the Legislature.
"You’re innocent until proven guilty but I think having this is a distraction to one of the top leadership posts in the state assembly, will not serve the people of the state well"
Kolb says the charges will make it difficult for Silver to act on important issues this session including the start of the budget negotiations.
Morelle doesn't feel this is a distraction, and he says all 106 members are prepared and ready to continue to do the people's work.
Morelle made his comments before reading details of the federal complaint against Silver
