Matthew Hamilton is reporting at Capitol Confidential state Senate candidate Democrat Sara Niccoli has written a letter to members of the state Commission on Legislative, Judicial and Executive Compensation urging them not to increase salaries for state lawmakers. Niccoli is challenging incumbent Republican George Amedore in the 46th Senate District. In her letter Niccoli cited legislators' part-time status and their failure to take action on ethics and campaign finance reform in making her argument against the pay hikes. Niccoli wrote, “Community members throughout New York find it offensive that legislators like George Amedore, who have blocked ethics reforms and treat their public service as a hobby rather than a full-time job....” Amedore spokeswoman Eileen Miller said Amedore “has very clearly been on the record: He does not support a pay increase for legislators.” Four other Democrats candidates from Long Island and the Hudson Valley have written similar letters to the commission. The commission said last month it was considering an increase in lawmakers’ base pay to nearly $117,000 per year, up from the present rate of $79,500. The commission must make its decision by mid-November. Lawmakers will have the final say on whether they receive a raise. Read the full story at Capitol Confidential, a Times Union blog.