X

Former River District Assemblywoman says ethics commission not investigating her, criticizes Walczyk for allegations

Posted 2/11/19

Former Assemblywoman Addie A. E. Jenne released a statement late Monday (Feb. 11) claiming the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics will not be investigating her based on allegations …

This item is available in full to subscribers.

Please log in to continue

Log in

Former River District Assemblywoman says ethics commission not investigating her, criticizes Walczyk for allegations

Posted

Former Assemblywoman Addie A. E. Jenne released a statement late Monday (Feb. 11) claiming the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics will not be investigating her based on allegations which surfaced during the last election cycle.

Jenne, who previously represented the River District along the St. Lawrence, lost her re-election bid in November to former Watertown councilman Mark Walczyk.

Jenne’s statement said JCOPE will not investigate her based upon allegations of impropriety made by her opponent during this past fall's campaign.

The decision came during the Jan. 29 meeting of the state's Joint Commission on Public Ethics Board, Jenne said.

The former assemblywoman said she had received a letter from the board which said no further action would be taken on the allegations following an initial inquiry consisting of an interview with a relevent party and responses provided by her.

In the statement released Monday, Jenne said she was making the board’s decision on the confidential investigation public because Walczyk publicized he had made allegations to the board regarding Jenne, and that he has continued to state publically that JCOPE was investigating her.

Cases with circumstances like Jenne's, where allegations do not warrant an investigation, are kept confidential by JCOPE, the assemblywoman said in the prepared statement.

"Mr. Walczyk showed no respect for the truth or the fairness of processes aimed at ensuring fabricated allegations are not used purely for personal gain. That is precisely what he did, showing a complete lack of integrity," Jenne said.

Walcyzk later responded to Jenne's statement.

"I'd like to thank Ms. Jenne for her years of work to better the North County," Walcyzk said. "Holding Albany politicians accountable is very important to me. I'm happy that JCOPE determined no wrong doing occurred. However, when there's any possible appearance of corruption, the public has a right to know."