February 11, 2010
For Immediate Release

Senator Díaz Calls for Committee to Investigate AEG Selection

Bronx, NY - State Senator Rubén Díaz, Sr. called on Senate Democratic Conference Leader John L. Sampson to create a committee to investigate the selection of AEG to operate VLTs at the Aqueduct race track.

“In the same way that Senator Sampson formed a committee to investigate the conduct of Hiram Monserrate, Senator Sampson should follow his own example in this matter,” stated Senator Díaz.

Recent reports in the news have detailed charges including political favoritism as well as legal investigations that are taking place regarding the selection of AEG. Senate President Malcolm A. Smith is purported to have ties to AEG. According to Senator Díaz,  “Sampson investigated Monserrate, he should also investigate what connections may exist between the awarding of the AEG contract and any sitting member of the New York State Senate.”

“Just this past Tuesday, the Senate voted to expel a member who was deemed unfit to serve.  The Senate must be consistent in how it determines who is ‘unfit’ to serve.  We must reject and condemn all actions that harm our constituents - physical violence, financial malfeasance - and any other activity that would cause the public to lose its trust in their elected officials,” concluded Senator Díaz.

###