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Garcia Calls for Town to Take Action on Wedding Rip-Off Allegations

Demands Suspension of Marrying Ability for Accused Democrat Clerk Probe Should Expand to Include Democratic Boss & Supervisor

5/07/2009

Brookhaven Republican Chairman Jesse Garcia today called for the Brookhaven Town Board to take pro-active measures against the Democratic Town Clerk
accused of illegally overcharging couples seeking to be married. Garcia also called on the Democratic Party leadership to come clean and detail to
the public and investigators 'what they knew and when did know it' in regards to this scandal.

"With the Democratic Town Clerk facing a DA investigation, internal Town investigations and charges of abusing her position and office to illicitly make money off of newlyweds, how can we let this individual continue to marry people? The Democrat Town Clerk took an oath to serve the public and obey the laws and it appears as that the Democrats have broken the people's trust," said Garcia.

"While these charges and investigations are pending, the Town Board needs to remove the ability to conduct marriage ceremonies from this alleged wedding
bandit - and should do so at the next Town Board meeting on May 12th.," said Garcia. "I am confident the Republican Majority will take steps to restore
integrity and fairness to this process."

In addition, Garcia said the scope of the investigation should be expanded to include other parties who were either involved in the alleged scam, or
knew of it but did not take immediate action or report the alleged abuse.

"This activity came to light in Marsha Laufer's Democratic clubhouse during political screenings, and apparently a number of people were aware of this
issue prior to these investigations including Supervisor Lesko. That's despicable. The people of Brookhaven deserve better than to have crooked politicians discussing possible crimes they may have committed in back rooms to find the best way to protect themselves and their political party. Is it any wonder why people in our town are calling them Demo-crooks?" asked Garcia. "I'm demanding that Democratic Party Boss Marsha Laufer and Supervisor Mark Lesko tell all residents what they knew and when they knew it regarding this scandal, and why THEY didn't alert the authorities."