Local law enforcement opposed to Governor's revised license plan

Over the weekend, Governor Eliot Spitzer announced a revised driver's license plan, prompting Assembly Republicans to go on record once again Tuesday opposing his policy.

This time, Assembly Republicans and County Clerks were flanked by local law enforcement representatives attacking Governor Eliot Spitzer's revised driver's license plan. Even though Spitzer’s offer is seen as a form of compromise, they say his policy is still irresponsible and confusing.

"There are all types of unanswered questions, we have verification equipment that has been mentioned that does not work, we still don't have residency requirements, we have no implementation dates, we have no cost analysis done at all," said Cheryl Dinolfo, Monroe County Clerk.

Under the revised plan, New York will issue three types of licenses: a traditional state license, an "enhanced license" with passport-level security and a license that meets new federal standards.

But even so, Assembly Republicans say giving illegal immigrants a valid license is giving them too much power.

"Would give them the ability to rent cars, open bank accounts, apply for government jobs, apply for welfare benefits, cost us jobs here, would give legitimacy to illegals," said David Malta, Monroe County Legislator, (R) 8th District.

Three weeks ago, the Monroe County Legislature passed two measures to protect county clerks who refuse to issue licenses under Spitzer's policy and require all applicants to show proof of age, identity and social security number before getting a license.

Now, local law enforcement representatives are jumping on board, questioning the effectiveness in identifying potential criminals.

"Financial crimes and identity theft would be even more difficult if not impossible to track and hopefully arrest these criminals. Illegal aliens with valid driver's licenses will potentially fly below the radar of police efforts and when they're stopped by the police for other violations," said Sheriff Patrick O’Flynn, Monroe County.

Assembly Republicans are threatening to sue Governor Spitzer if he doesn't pull the plug on his driver's license policy by midnight Wednesday.

On the other side of this argument, Lieutenant Governor David Patterson says the arguments against the plan made in the name of national security are unfounded. He says there would be a six-point identification process for people applying for a license.