Reactions split among party lines

Thursday, Sept. 23, 2004 | 11:18 a.m.

Reaction from state lawmakers asked whether State Controller Kathy Augustine should be removed from office was split along party lines. Every Democrat contacted by the Sun called for her resignation. No Republicans did so.

But, he said, he doesn't want to spend taxpayer money on the impeachment if it can be avoided -- and it should be avoided.

"You've got somebody who has admitted to willful violations," he said. "Is it right to let them stay in the job? Again, it would save us a whole lot of heartache and time (if Augustine would resign)."

"She should do the right thing and resign and not cost the taxpayers $30 a day for a special session," Buckley said. "I would like to see the governor and attorney general get together and convince her to resign."

Buckley also said the impeachment process would probably not be muddied by partisan politics.

"I do not think it would be partisan. The attorney general believes she's guilty and he's a Republican."

"I don't see how this would be partisan," she said. "...I think both sides would probably just want to do it and get it over."

Beers also said he doesn't think Augustine needs to resign.

"I think in general she's done an exemplary job as controller, as demonstrated by the awards the state has received for its financial reporting," Beers said. "And she certainly has had a long distinguished career serving the public."

Beers said if the Legislature does take up the impeachment, he hopes partisan politics would be set aside.

"I served with her in 1993 and she was always a good legislator and I'm stunned and sorry it's come to something like this," Tiffany said. "My God, that's awful for her."

Tiffany said it's up to Augustine to decide whether she should resign.

But Tiffany said if the matter does go to the Legislature for impeachment, she thinks partisan politics could be a factor in the matter.

"I think the assembly is much more partisan than the senate, and a decision along party lines there wouldn't surprise me," she said. Republicans have a majority in the Senate, the Democrats hold the edge in the Assembly.

"We shouldn't be wasting taxpayer time and legislative time on this because we have such a short session," she said. "And at this point I wonder why she would not resign, and why she would risk the embarrassment of impeachment."

Giunchigliani said if the matter did go to the Legislature, she would expect partisan politics to play no role in the matter.

"It's beyond partisan politics, it was brought by an attorney general who is Republican, and we're dealing with facts," she said.

Giunchigliani said Augustine was not among the most congenial legislators during her time in the senate.

"Overall Kathy did not endear herself to many people," she said.