In a previous letter to your publication, I pointed out that state Sen. Elaine Phillips was using paid social media ads in an ethically questionable way.
I also suggested that Phillips clear up any potential conflict of interest by publicly disclosing how such ads were being funded and how much was being spent on each ad.
Well, of course, Phillips has done none of those things. In fact, her recent social media ads have been what I can only describe as frivolous and wasteful.
One example is a “sponsored” Facebook post Phillips published on Oct. 20. The entire content of this post was Phillips bragging about an award she had received from the American Institute of Architects.
It is, of course, Phillips’ prerogative to share such an achievement on her official Facebook page. However, it is not her prerogative to spend what I assume is taxpayer money to promote a post with no educational or informative value.
Phillips placed a similar Facebook ad on Nov. 24. In that “sponsored” post, Phillips’ staff congratulated her on her progress toward achieving a fifth degree black belt.
Unless Phillips’ staff took up a collection to pay Facebook, there is no way they can justify “sponsoring” that post.
Like the Oct. 20 ad before it, it was completely devoid of educational or informative value.
Since these ads revert to ordinary unpaid posts after a short time and don’t leave tangible evidence behind, Phillips and her people seem to think they can waste taxpayer money with impunity.
Hopefully, the residents of New York’s 7th District will hold Phillips to account for this cavalier attitude.
While she isn’t up for re-election until next fall, don’t be afraid to call her Mineola office at (516) 746-5924 in the meantime and share your opinion on this matter.
Of course, if taxpayers aren’t footing the bill for these ads, I would love for Phillips or a member of her staff to write in to this publication and set the record straight. However, I won’t hold my breath.
Matthew Zeidman
New Hyde Park
