FOR RELEASE: Tuesday, October 23, 2018

CONTACT: 315-775-8552
EMAIL: friendsofwalczyk@gmail.com

WALCZYK CALLS FOR INVESTIGATION INTO GRANTS SECURED

BY ASSEMBLYWOMAN JENNE
Request for JCOPE Investigation Prompted by Recent Allegations the Assemblywoman
Tried to Steer Funds Around any Legitimate Process

In light of recent events that have called into question whether Assemblywoman Addie Jenne has
engaged in efforts to steer state funds to a client, Assembly candidate Mark Walczyk is calling on the
New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) to investigate grants she has secured.

Walczyk’s request—which was made in a letter sent Tuesday to JCOPE Chairman Michael Rozen—
is prompted by recent news the Assemblywoman allegedly attempted to enlist the assistance of a
local nonprofit organization, Neighbors of Watertown, to funnel funds to Mr. Nathan McElhone, a law
client of hers and someone she’s described as “as close personal friend.”

“Elected officials have a responsibility to conduct themselves ethically and do what’s in the best
interest of those they represent,” said Walczyk. “Allegations that the Assemblywoman would play
favorites and attempt to drive funds to help a client—instead of addressing other more pressing
needs in her district—are extremely concerning. That’s why I am calling on JCOPE to investigate this
situation, and all other grants secured by the Assemblywoman to determine if this was an isolated
incident or something that is systemic throughout her time in elected office.”

In his letter, Walczyk cites Mr. Gary Beasley’s indication that Assemblywoman Jenne improperly tried
to direct state funds to a building project spearheaded by her client, Mr. McElhone and his partner,
Mr. Brad Nourse.

In a public Facebook post from October 10, 2018, Mr. Gary Beasley—the former Executive Director
of Neighbors of Watertown—states he has “ample evidence” that Assemblywoman Jenne improperly
tried to direct state funds to a building project spearheaded by Mr. McElhone.

Moreover, Mr. Beasley attests that on several separate occasions, he made repeated efforts to direct
the Assemblywoman to utilize funds in a way that would benefit the Village of Antwerp as a whole, as
opposed to solely the owners of 60 Main Street, Antwerp. He has also expressed that utilizing funds
in the manner she advocated for would have circumvented the bidding process, as well as Minority
and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) requirements.
Mr. Beasley notes that Mr. McElhone was present during meetings and part of discussions. In
addition, Mr. Beasley has expressed he was not made aware of any requests for financial assistance
from the Village of Antwerp, nor were Village officials involved in the process.

“As an elected official, it’s so important to remove even the perception of impropriety when handling
taxpayer funds. The attempt of the Assemblywoman to direct taxpayer money to a client not only
looks bad; if this is the way she does business, we need to know” Walczyk said.

Walczyk, who is calling for a JCOPE investigation, requests that Mr. Beasley—who before his
retirement in 2017 had a nearly 40 year career with Neighbors of Watertown and is a respected
leader in the North Country—be interviewed regarding his experience with the Assemblywoman.

A full copy of Walczyk’s letter to JCOPE is attached.

In 2015, Mark was elected to the non-partisan Watertown City Council. Until recently, he served as
District Director to State Senator Patty Ritchie. Mark is a member of New Life Christian Church, A
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow, an Eagle Scout, American Legion Boy’s State attendee and a
4-time Ironman Triathlete. Walczyk is the Republican, Conservative, Independence, and Reform
Party candidate in his challenge to 10-year incumbent, Assemblywoman Addie Jenne, for the 116th
Assembly District. The 116th Assembly District, referred to as “The River District” includes the cities
of Ogdensburg and Watertown, as well as the towns of Alexandria, Antwerp, Brownville, Canton,
Cape Vincent, Clayton, DePeyster, Hammond, Hounsfield, Lisbon, Louisville, Lyme, Macomb,
Massena, Morristown, Orleans, Oswegatchie, Pamelia, Philadelphia, Potsdam, Rossie, Theresa and
Waddington.

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