Donating salary an election promise
July 30, 2008
Democrat Robert Reilly won election to the state Assembly four years ago, in part, by pledging to donate his annual salary to charity. Four years later, another Capital Region Democrat will try out that strategy in another Assembly district dominated by Republicans.
Ian McGaughey of Wilton said Monday he will donate his $79,500 salary to charities if elected to the 112th District Assembly seat now held by Roy McDonald, R-Saratoga.
McGaughey, 38, owns two small businesses, Cerasun Video Productions and WeddingCombo, which provide video and wedding services. His Assembly salary would be donated to organizations in the district chosen by a committee, he said.
His decision to donate his salary takes a page from the playbook of Reilly, D-Colonie, who defeated incumbent Republican Robert Prentiss in the 109th Assembly district in 2004.
McGaughey will face Washington County attorney Tony Jordan or Northumberland developer Chris “C.J.” Laing in the general election. The Republicans could battle in a September primary.
If elected, Laing, 46, promised that he would take home in pay no more than what the average working person in the district earns, and donate the rest to food banks and church-sponsored charities. He commended McGaughey on his decision.
Jordan, a 43-year-old who lives on a Washington County farm with his wife and four children, said Monday that he would not be able to afford to donate his salary.
He is focusing on plans for property tax relief.
“I trust the voters are going to look at whose going to make the most impact on the issues that they care about,” Jordan said.
Source: Times Union
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