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Science Forum Index » Medicine - Dentistry Forum » Dentists Buy Legislation that Favors themselves...
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| nyscof... |
 Posted: Wed Jul 16, 2008 2:31 am |
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This NY Times editorial should make you wonder why organized dentistry
spends so much money and political capital pushing fluoridation on us
and that the tactic most used is stealth. Anyone who truly believes
its for our benefit needs a lesson in politics.
July 16, 2008
Editorial
Dental Decay in Albany [NY]
Tucked inside the first batch of bills that Gov. David Paterson signed
last week was a law involving state dentists that Joel Miller, a
Republican assemblyman from Poughkeepsie, called “nothing more than
proof that corruption is alive and well in the State Legislature.”
Dr. Miller, the only dentist in the Legislature, voted against the
bill. And although it would seem to be a small matter — giving the
state dental society control over New York City’s dental society — it
is an almost perfect example of what’s wrong with the state
government.
Here’s the drill: Roy Lasky, one of Albany’s most powerful lobbyists,
controls the New York State Dental Association with a salary that can
run to $300,000 a year, plus benefits. When some New York City
dentists began to question how their dues were being spent, Mr. Lasky
called on his friends in the Legislature for help. Lawmakers dutifully
passed a bill that allows the state organization run by Mr. Lasky to
take control of the city’s group, including those who questioned his
authority. The state group might also be able to take over the greater
New York dental conference that generates millions of dollars in
concession fees each year.
Mr. Lasky and his supporters have made this out as a minor dispute
that still requires a state law. Fortunately, Sam Roberts of The Times
began following this bill through the Legislature and uncovered the
details of how Albany passes what is known as “a contract bill.”
Translation: whoever gives campaign money gets legislation passed,
usually with great ease.
Since January, the Empire Dental Political Action Committee, the
political arm of Mr. Lasky’s association, has given almost $350,000 to
New York’s political establishment, and Mr. Lasky’s bill slid quickly
through both legislative houses.
What is perhaps more surprising, Governor Paterson signed Mr. Lasky’s
bill on July 7. On July 8, Mr. Lasky’s dental association donated
$25,000 to the Paterson for Governor campaign fund.
The governor’s people insist there was no quid pro quo and that those
opposing this particular bill have also contributed to the governor.
Either the new state integrity commission or the attorney general,
Andrew Cuomo, should investigate why this small new law came with such
a large and questionable price tag. |
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