Statement Analysis: Steve Katz

Steve Katz voted against legalizing medical marijuana.  He was arrested for speeding and possessing marijuana and issued a statement.

The allegation is unstated, but is, "did you have marijuana on you?"  Statement Analysis in bold type.

The assemblyman, Stephen M. Katz, 59, a Republican from Mohegan Lake, was found with a “small bag” of marijuana when stopped on Thursday, the State Police said in astatement. Assemblyman Katz was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, a violation that is punishable by a fine of up to $100.

In a statement, Mr. Katz described his arrest as an “unfortunate incident.”

unfortunate is not illegal.

“This should not overshadow the work I have done over the years for the public and my constituency,” he said, adding, “I am confident that once the facts are presented that this will quickly be put to rest.”

Note that "put to rest" is not to be found innocent, and he does not tell us that he did not have marijuana on him. 

If the subject does not deny, we shall not deny it for him. 

By telling us "I am confident", he is already showing weakness.  

Note that the facts need to be "presented", rather than him simply stating the facts here and now. 

On Thursday, Mr. Katz was arrested around 10 a.m. after he was detected driving 80 miles per hour on the New York State Thruway in Coeymans, south of Albany, where the speed limit is 65 m.p.h. The State Police said the trooper who stopped him noticed the smell of marijuana and then found the bag of marijuana.

Mr. Katz was released on an appearance ticket and is due in court on March 28.

The assemblyman, who is a member of the chamber’s Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, voted against a bill last year that would have legalized medical marijuana.