PENN YAN -- Tracy Mitrano, Democratic candidate for New York’s 23rd congressional district, released the following statement today:
"Former Congressman Chris Collins’ actions have been a dark cloud hanging over the 27th Congressional District for the past two and a half years. Congressman Collins should have resigned at the time of his indictment, in June of 2017. Instead, he created the CHRIS PAC and began funneling campaign money to fellow Republicans, including Congressman Tom Reed (R-NY23).
"It is ironic that Congressman Reed now calls on Governor Cuomo to quickly set a special election to ensure the people of the 27th District have proper representation in the House. Mr. Reed, where were you back in June of 2017 when the allegations against Mr. Collins resulted in his indictment for felony fraud charges? The 27th District hasn't had representation for the past two and a half years! During that time, instability and mistrust have infected not only the career of Congressman Collins but the entire political environment of the 27th District. And that dark cloud has not yet passed.
"Congressman Reed needs to take the right action and donate those contributions to a local non-profit organization. At least that’s a start to getting dirty money out of the 23rd congressional district and bringing clear skies back to the 27th district."
