Gounardes denies ‘Golden Rule’ bill aimed at rival
Democratic state Sen. Andrew Gounardes denies that an anti-corruption bill he has introduced that has been nicknamed the “Golden Rule” is aimed at punishing Marty Golden, the Republican incumbent he defeated in November after a bitter and bruising campaign.
But two Golden supporters, Fran Vella-Marrone, chairperson of the Brooklyn Conservative Party and Ted Ghorra, chairperson of the Brooklyn Republican Party, issued a joint statement on Wednesday accusing Gounardes of “using his government office to settle petty political scores.”
The legislation, which would prohibit lawmakers and candidates from using campaign funds to pay for services provided by a business owned by a close family member, would prevent Golden from booking campaign-related events at the Bay Ridge Manor, a catering hall at 476 76th St. owned by one of his siblings, should he decide to run for state office again.