Vics take on gov hopeful
Group fights GOPer over sex suit bill
ALBANY — An outspoken child sex abuse survivor and two other victims are forming a committee to oppose state Senate Deputy Majority Leader John DeFrancisco’s bid for governor.
The effort is headed by Gary Greenberg, a survivor and upstate investor who previously created a political action committee to push for passage of the Child Victims Act, which would make it easier for child sex abuse victims to seek justice as adults.
Called Sexual Assault Survivors Against DeFrancisco for Governor, the committee will also include Jason Gough, a former Albany television weatherman who was abused as a child, and Nikki DuBose, a former model who is also a survivor.
“We plan on informing the public of how poor a record Sen. DeFrancisco has on bringing justice for victims of child sex abuse,” Greenberg said. “Sen. DeFrancisco has firmly, year after year, stood with predators.”
He noted that recent polls show overwhelming public support for the Child Victims Act.
“We will raise money using Fighting for Children PAC to make sure DeFrancisco never becomes governor,” Greenberg said.
DeFrancisco, one of three Republicans seeking the nomination for governor, has opposed the Child Victims Act, primarily because of a provision to create a one-year window for victims who under current law can no longer bring a civil case allowing them to do so.
DeFrancisco spokesman Michael Lawler said the Syracuse Republican has successfully pushed for tougher sex crime laws during his time in the Senate. He co-sponsored a bill in 2006 changing the statute of limitations so prosecutors have more time to go after sex offenders, and extended the age at which someone could file civil charges.
“The issue with this bill involves due process: As much as we want offenders locked up and punished, it’s nearly impossible to reliably try 30- and 40-year-old cases,” Lawler said.
“There has to be balance in the responsible administration of justice.”
Meanwhile, state Senate Democrats on Tuesday will hold a press conference with advocates to again call on Republicans to keep the Child Victims Act in the final state budget that is being negotiated. Gov. Cuomo included the measure in his proposed 2018-19 spending plan.
“The Senate Republicans have blocked this important bill for too long,” said Senate Minority Leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins (D-Yonkers).
“Now is the moment to get this done and we cannot miss this crucial opportunity to provide justice to so many brave survivors. To remove this bill from the budget or water it down would be a disservice to New York.”
Senate Republican spokesman Scott Reif declined comment.