Ceretto Not Biggest Assembly Spender After all - Daily News Got Story Wrong

 

Last week, the New York Daily News reported that Niagara Falls/Lewiston Assemblyman John Ceretto had racked up the highest total of per diem expenses, $19,534, of any state Assembly member. It turned out, however, that not every member had filed their per diem expense reports.

Sources told the Niagara Falls Reporter over the weekend that some legislators still have yet to file.

In any event, Bronx Assemblyman Michael Blake easily outdistanced Ceretto in expenses, having been reimbursed to the tune of $20,928, taking the less than coveted Number One spot.

Peter Lawrence of Greece, a Rochester suburb, came in second at $20,582, more than $1,000 above what Ceretto received.

And Ceretto finds himself in a virtual tie with Queens Assemblyman Jeffrion Aubrey ($19,523), Dean Murray of East Patchogue ($19,470), Michael Benedetto of the Bronx ($19,226), Andrew Goodell of Jamestown ($19,086) and Fred Thiel of Sag Harbor ($18,701) for the third spot.

Unlike many of his colleagues, Ceretto holds a record of perfect attendance for the legislative session, which runs from January to June. And he has one of the longest drives to and from Albany of any legislator.

While Blake, Murray, Benedetto and Theil’s New York City area homes are barely two hours away, Ceretto faces a drive of more than five hours in good weather, with the associated increased food, tolls and other expenses.

“The hardest part of my job is being away from home, but I took on this job to do the best I can do and to do that is to make every session,” Ceretto said.