By Michael Benjamin
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wrvo/local-wrvo-946866.mp3
Oswego, NY – A new bill proposed by Long Island Republican Assemblyman Phil Boyle would make destroying or removing constituent files punishable by as much as one year in jail and a $25,000 fine.
Republican 128th District Assemblyman Bob Oaks says sometimes the exchange of power can be something less than smooth.
"We've had situations where there's no communication between the outgoing and incoming legislator," says Oaks, "and so I think this just sets some parameters that make sense, and hopefully in the future this will work better."
Oaks inherited his Assembly seat from a fellow Republican. He says the relationship was friendly, and the documents he was given helped him in working on his constituents' concerns.
He says this bill could help make that kind of smooth transition the law.