Silver Ready to Work With Ravitch
July 29th, 2009
Tomorrow a judge will hear arguments about whether to continue a stay on an injunction that would keep Richard Ravitch from from performing the duties of lieutenant governor.
The Daily News reported today that Gov. David Paterson is arguing that he needs Ravitch to help him guide the state through perilous financial waters.
Paterson says that Ravitch should be able to assit him while the courts decide whether his appointment was legal. Today Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver backed him up.
“I am well aware that the question of Governor David Patersons ability to appoint Mr. Ravitch to the position of lieutenant governor is currently being litigated.” said Silver in a statement.
“However, while the matter is under consideration in the courts, it is clearly in the best interests of New Yorkers to allow Mr. Ravitch to serve in the role. My Assembly colleagues and I stand ready to work with him along with Governor Paterson and the State Senate to take on the many challenges that we face.”
Here is his full statement:
STATEMENT FROM SPEAKER SILVER REGARDING
LITIGATION ON GOVERNOR PATERSON’S APPOINTMENT
OF RICHARD RAVITCH AS LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR
Richard Ravitch has a long and distinguished record of public service. Time and time again, he has shown that he has the willingness and fortitude to tackle tough governmental and public policy challenges and bring about effective solutions that benefit all New Yorkers. Now more than ever, as we wrestle with the effects of a worldwide economic downturn on our state, we need Dick Ravitch on our team.
Mr. Ravitch is known for his ability as a fixer and has proven that he can get even the most difficult jobs done. In the early 1980s, he helped turn around a public transit system that was falling apart and on the brink of collapse. He was, and is, willing to do whatever it takes to build consensus and get things done in a pragmatic manner, always with New Yorkers best interests at heart.
I am well aware that the question of Governor David Patersons ability to appoint Mr. Ravitch to the position of lieutenant governor is currently being litigated. However, while the matter is under consideration in the courts, it is clearly in the best interests of New Yorkers to allow Mr. Ravitch to serve in the role. My Assembly colleagues and I stand ready to work with him along with Governor Paterson and the State Senate to take on the many challenges that we face.
By David King on July 29, 2009, 3:50 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »
