PEF Endorses Tom DiNapoli for State Comptroller

ALBANY, NY (08/12/2010)(readMedia)-- The New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) today announced its endorsement of Tom DiNapoli for State Comptroller. As Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli is responsible for managing the New York State and Local Employees Retirement System (NYSLERS), the pension fund that covers most state workers.

"Since taking office, Tom has worked hard to improve the management of this fund, to protect both retirees and taxpayers," said PEF President Kenneth Brynien.

"He has adopted new, stronger ethics standards to prevent conflicts of interest and his reforms have resulted in greater oversight and public accountability. He has identified more than $1.8 billion dollars of cost savings and waste through his expanded audits. He is looking out for New York's working men and women, and I am pleased to announce PEF's endorsement of his candidacy," Brynien said.

"Receiving the endorsement of PEF is truly a great honor and it is my pleasure to accept the backing of the 58,000 members of New York's professional work force," said Comptroller DiNapoli. "Voters are facing a choice in this year's election for comptroller. I share the values of the working men and women of New York State and my record of saving taxpayer money and making every dollar count speaks to that. My opponent's values are out of step with New Yorkers. He represents all that is wrong with Wall Street. His plans for the office include increasing the tax burden on middle-class families and fundamentally changing the security of our pension system. I thank PEF for standing up for the values which matter to New Yorkers; together we will win this election."

As a result of Tom DiNapoli's careful management of the state pension fund, it has been recognized as the 'Nationwide pension leader' by Governing Magazine. In addition, the Pew Center, an independent national good government research center, and Institutional Investor magazine cite New York's pension fund as one of strongest in the country. DiNapoli's effective management of the pension fund helps to insure income security for thousands of retired workers who depend on their pension checks.

"As Comptroller, Tom DiNapoli recognizes that his efforts to protect the public interest require his office to be staffed by well-qualified professionals who deserve respect and support for their work on behalf of the taxpayers of New York," Brynien added.

PEF is the state's second-largest state-employee union, representing 58,000 professional, scientific and technical employees.