Archive for July 15th, 2009
Recent Posts
NYC Blogs
Click here for a list of NYC blogs
Newsfeeds
Search This Blog

Senate After Dark (Updated)
July 15th, 2009

It is a little after 12:30 a.m. and the Senate is back in session and voting on the non-controversial calendar.

It is interesting to note that Sen. Pedro Espada’s name has made it into the amended roll call that takes place during votes on non-controversial legislation. If the Democratic leadership structure continues to grow the way it has lately the amended list might have to be amended for time’s sake.

The Senate seems to be moving rather speedily through legislation. As for controversial issues…don’t hold your breath.

The chamber stood at ease at 12:45 a.m. and Sen. Malcolm Smith called for a rules committee meeting at 1:15 a.m.

The 1:15 a.m. rules committee meeting has apparently been scheduled to address a deal on rules reform. The Times Union has the release from the Republican press office that details the proposed reforms.

By David King on July 15, 2009, 11:39 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


The Late Late Show
July 15th, 2009

The Senate managed to get something done today despite the chaos that saw the chamber paralyzed until late tonight. A number of judges were confirmed. Right now the Senate stands at ease and senators just gaveled in to extend session through midnight.

The judges who have now been confirmed had been waiting since 1 p.m. for senators to pull themselves into session. A number of Senators were openly embarrassed that they had left the judges and their families waiting for so long.

Embarrassment has become a constant for a number of Democratic senators who can’t believe the way their conference is being led. The Democrats seem paralyzed not only because they are operating under three leaders but because of racial tension and regionalism. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on July 15, 2009, 11:06 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Deal on Control?
July 15th, 2009

Senate Democrats have been seen talking with representatives of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office and word is that there is significant progress towards an agreement on an amendment to the Assembly school governance bill.

That amendment could include parental training and a measure to improve arts education among other things. It is not clear if such a deal would appease a number of Democrats who want major checks and balances.

The Senate, Bloomberg, Gov. David Paterson, and the Assembly would all have to agree on such an amendment.

Sen. Martin Dilan told me earlier that things are looking up for negotiations on mayoral control and that Paterson and Bloomberg are listening to the Democrats. Dilan did not rule out acting on a mayoral control bill this week.

Meanwhile Democrats are headed back into the Senate chamber to try to act on some bills and a few nominations. It is not clear if Republicans will join them.

Sen. Neil Breslin said that negotiations on rules reform with Republicans are progressing. But he and a number of Democrats still feel the Republicans are only interested in getting themselves more member items to dole out and not in empowering rank and file senators.

By David King on July 15, 2009, 6:42 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Immigration's Female Face
July 15th, 2009

This post was filed by Jackie Pearce.

The face of immigration in America is changing, according to experts, advocates and media representatives who gathered at the Ford Foundation auditorium this afternoon. That face, they say, is a womans.

The panel discussion focused on a poll recently released by New American Media, which looked at the problems and experiences of the often-silent female immigrant. Women now account for the majority of immigrants coming to the U.S. — 53 percent. Read the rest of this entry »

By Gail Robinson on July 15, 2009, 5:51 pm
In category: Civil Rights, Demographics, Gotham City, Immigrants, Measuring UP | 2 Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


The Talks Continue
July 15th, 2009

As Democrats — at least those still in Albany — remain huddled in conference, one senator said there could still be action on mayoral control of city schools.

Sen. Martin Dilan, who authored a draft report sharply critical of mayoral control earlier this year, told David King, “The mayor is listening and the governor, is listening.” As a result, Dilan said, “Things are looking up.”

As for the bill passed by the Assembly and backed by the mayor, which extends the current system with a few tweaks, Dilan said, “it could be salvaged.”

Earlier today the mayor and the Senate seemed far apart, with the mayor issuing a statement blasting the Senate for not voting on mayoral control and Sen. Kevin Parker accusing the mayor of failing to negotiate in good faith.

Whether Dilan’s comments indicate a vote could come today or tomorrow is anyone’s guess, although some senators had previously ruled that out. With at least two Democrats having gone back to New York City and with one on his honeymoon, Democrats would need Republican votes to pass any measure. In general, Senate Republicans support mayoral control in its current incarnation.

By Gail Robinson on July 15, 2009, 5:32 pm
In category: Albany, Education, Eye on Albany, Gotham City | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Bloomberg Asks for Special Sessions
July 15th, 2009

We are still waiting to hear whether Democrats will hold session today. A number of Democratic Senators told me they didn’t expect to have session today or tomorrow. Democrats are currently in conference.

In the meantime Mayor Michael Bloomberg has let his displeasure with the Senate’s inaction on mayoral control be known. He wants Gov. David Paterson to call the Senate back into session until they pass a school governance bill.

Sen. Kevin Parker said earlier that Senate Democrats now “have the upper hand,” regarding school governance negotiations.

He said that his constituents favor a return to a time before mayoral control and yet he is still willing to make concessions and negotiate around the Assembly’s school governance bill that would mostly retain Bloomberg’s power.

“I have made concessions but the mayor will not. He has refused to negotiate in good faith,” said Parker.

Here is a statement from Bloomberg’s office: Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on July 15, 2009, 4:45 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


A Smidgen of Spending
July 15th, 2009

Comptroller and mayoral contender Bill Thompson has spent about $2.4 million on his run for higher office, according to campaign finance filings released today.

That is just 6 percent of the $36.6 million spent so far by the Bloomberg re-election camp. Councilmember Tony Avella, the long, long shot for the Democratic ticket, has spent about $202,000 of the approximately $260,000 he has raised.

Below is Thompson’s new spending via Scribd (login needed):

Thompson Spending

By Courtney Gross on July 15, 2009, 4:08 pm
In category: City Hall, Electoral Politics, Gotham City, Governing, Public Finance, nextNY | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Padavan Calls Dems "Irresponsible"
July 15th, 2009

“Irresponsible,” that is how Republican Sen. Frank Padavan describes the Senate Democrats and their handling of school governance.

“I came here fully intending to vote on mayoral control,” said Padavan. But that vote now seems unlikely.

The Democrats are divided on how to address the issue. Some would like to simply pass the Assembly bill. Others want to see more checks and balances installed.

It was thought that they would vote on the Assembly’s bill today. The bill’s Democratic sponsor in the Senate, Sen. Daniel Squadron, reportedly received assurances that the bill would come to a vote this week. But opponents of the bill are unhappy that they have not had more input.

Padavan has a similar take on Sen. Carl Kruger’s decision to walk out on today’s planned session. “What adjective would you like me use?” asked Padavan “How about irresponsible?” he responded. Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. has followed Kruger’s lead. Both are opponents of the Assembly’s school governance bill. Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on July 15, 2009, 3:33 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Kruger Going Home (Updated)
July 15th, 2009

Sen. Carl Kruger just told a group of reporters that he is going home. Kruger said he is frustrated with negotiations over school governance and sees no reason to hold session this week. Kruger said he doesn’t want to be part of the “circus.”

Kruger said he expects to be back in his district later today.

This leaves Democrats with 30 or less senators–Sen. Daniel Squadron is on his honeymoon. Kruger hinted that other senators might follow his lead.

Kruger suggested session should resume in a few months when the Senate will take up the escalating budget deficit.

Kruger said that without the Assembly in session negotiations over mayoral control can’t take place.

I checked the hall, the Assembly isnt back. There is nothing we can do, that we can negotiate on because the Assembly isnt here, Kruger said.

Update: I just asked Sen. Hiram Monserrate about Kruger’s descision. Monserrate said he has nothing to say about it.

By David King on July 15, 2009, 2:41 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Espaillat Takes Rodriguez's Side
July 15th, 2009

Making his allegiance clear early on in the post-Miguel Martinez race in district 10, Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat is endorsing Ydanis Rodriguez right now in the embattled Washington Heights district.

The endorsement may come as no surprise to some. Even if Martinez had not been swept up in the council slush fund scandal and did not resign abruptly yesterday, it was common knowledge that Espaillat was not going to rush to his side with support. The two, who not too long ago were considered good friends, had a bitter fallout and faced off in last year’s Democratic primary for Espaillat’s assembly seat. Espaillat won.

Now the race is likely to heat up even more.
Read the rest of this entry »

By Courtney Gross on July 15, 2009, 2:32 pm
In category: Albany, City Hall, Crime & Safety, Electoral Politics, Gotham City, Governing, Parks, nextNY | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Session? What session?
July 15th, 2009

The Senate was supposed to hold session at 1 p.m. today but that didn’t happen. It didn’t take long for chaos and stagnation to return to the chamber.

Negotiations between Democrats and Republicans continue over rules reform and mayoral control but that does not mean a Senator can’t have a little fun.

Just a few minutes ago Sen. Ruben Diaz Sr. decided to taunt a group of chanting advocates outside the Senate hallway.

Diaz jumped up and down and gave the thumbs down to a large group of advocates who continue to shout “better students, better schools!” Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on July 15, 2009, 1:55 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


No Control?
July 15th, 2009

The fractured Democratic caucus still isn’t on the same page on mayoral control. The Assembly school governance bill was expected to be voted on today but it was not on the list of active bills printed last night.

Democrats are still unsure how to go forward on the bill. Some of their members are furious that they haven’t had greater input into how the bill was negotiated.

Negotiations with Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s office over potential amendments reportedly did not go well last night.

Sen. Kevin Parker, an outspoken opponent of Bloomberg and critic of mayoral control, said on Monday that he would have no problem delaying the vote on the bill to make sure that he and his colleagues were able to install more checks and balances.

“If we can do it by Wednesday that is great but as I said to you about June 30, the deadline is arbitrary. Schooling is not being negatively affected.” Read the rest of this entry »

By David King on July 15, 2009, 12:13 pm
In category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Last-Minute Candidate
July 15th, 2009

Guillermo Linares, the mayor’s commissioner for immigrant affairs, has left that post in order to run for the City Council seat left vacant by the resignation of Councilmember Miguel Martinez yesterday. Linares had held the council seat before but was forced out by term limits in 2001.

With tomorrow the deadline for submitting petitions to get on the September primary ballot, Linares has no intention of pounding the pavement of Washington Heights to collect signatures. Instead he would hope to come in on Martinez’s coattail thanks to a rather obscure part of city election law. Read the rest of this entry »

By Gail Robinson on July 15, 2009, 11:55 am
In category: Electoral Politics, Gotham City, Governing | No Comments »

| More

RSS Feed RSS Feed


Gotham Gazette the Place for Politics and Policy

Gotham Gazette is published by Citizens Union Foundation and is made possible by support from the Robert Sterling Clark Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, the Altman Foundation,the Fund for the City of New York and donors to Citizens Union Foundation. Please consider supporting Citizens Union Foundation's public education programs. Critical early support to Gotham Gazette was provided by the Charles H. Revson Foundation, Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation.

RSS Feed