Tax dollars pay twice

As a taxpayer, I understand there is a certain level of support our state needs to provide in terms of funding local and state projects and legislators and local and state companies research. I understand that my tax dollars will be granted to fund researchers' salaries and lab equipment or perhaps a travel allowance for an employee of a company who has a branch or headquarters in New York.

What I don't understand is why I had to pay former Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno twice with my tax dollars, once as an elected senator and again as a consultant for the company my tax dollars supported

You published a brief about Mr. Bruno's payment for services as a consultant to Evident Technologies in 2003 and 2004. According to the brief, Mr. Bruno helped authorize a $500,000 grant from the state to this company and was hired as a consultant for this company.

I only wish this information could have been made public sooner. I truly believe the people of New York state don't want their politicians to be receiving payment from the same companies that benefit from our taxpayer funding. Mr. Bruno is on trial facing corruption charges for his questionable activities.

I don't think I am alone when I ask for balanced, open financial accountability on the part of the state Legislature. What is so hard about tallying up the money the state receives through taxes vs. the money we have to pay out?

I don't think any of the taxpayers will refuse legitimate funding. We just want to know where our money goes, and we don't want to have to pay you twice. I don't get paid twice for the work I do.

Melanie Letham

Gouverneur