4 years ago
An aide for State Senator Dale Volker has been suspended for two weeks following his outburst to 2 On Your Side reporter Scott Brown.
The , J.R. Drexelius, pulled Volker away from 2 On Your Side's Scott Brown, after Brown questioned Volker on his position about a potential vote to raise legislators' salary. Drexilius then criticized Brown for his questions.
"I don't know why we're talking about this," said Drexelius, "we're at a health care hearing. You're talking about an issue that doesn't exist."
2 On Your Side's Scott Brown: "Why wouldn't he return five phone calls that I made." Drexelius: "Because you know what..." Volker off camera: "You insulted the legislature." Drexelius: "Yeah. And you know what, it's a speculation, there's no bill. You're wrong."
Senator Volker then told his aide to, "calm down." He also added that the aide was under a lot of stress with a number of important issues that the senator's office is dealing with.
Tuesday, Volker issued a statement that said:
"Today, I have suspended my staff member and legislative counsel, J.R. Drexelius, for two weeks without pay, for his actions during a television interview by Channel 2 reporter Scott Brown at a Senate Hearing on Hospital Closures impacting the western New York region.
He will be contacting Channel 2 reporter Scott Brown, apologizing for his actions and outbursts. Additionally, after his discussions with me, it is crystal clear that he is sincerely sorry for his statements and will reflect on his actions during the next couple of weeks.
Our media outlets have the difficult responsibility to report and inform our public on the positions and policies of state government, which impact our daily lives. Being an elected official, I take my responsibility to represent the best interest of my constituents very seriously and the public deserves an open press, free of bias and prejudice.
I do not accept or condone public outbursts by staff members employed by my office--period. Mr. Drexelius is a long and trusted staff member. He understands that I expect high standards from my staff members and his recent actions fall short of this goal."
