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GOP Faces Election with Big Hopes but Few Candidates


steve levy
Some Republicans hope Democrat Steve Levy, currently Suffolk Countuy executive, can win the race for governor for the GOP and bring the party in the state back from the political wilderness

Earlier this month Republican State Chairman Ed Cox shook up the political narrative by backing a Democrat -- Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy-- to run for governor on the Republican ticket. The move angered some in his party who back Republican candidate Rick Lazio; it enraged conservatives and tea party members who do not want a Democrat at the top of the Republican ticket. But at the same time it put the names of the Republican candidates into the headlines and steered the conversation away from assumed Democratic nominee Andrew Cuomo.

"We've heard more from Lazio in the last few weeks, since Levy entered the race, than we have in the last five months," said Alex Carey, director of communications for the New York State Republican Party. "The public is now paying attention. All we heard about before was Cuomo and Paterson."

Cox's move is a brazen gamble, and he has a lot to lose, but with every major state office and both houses of the legislature in Democratic hands, some say Cox had to do something bold. While the Democrats are dogged by scandal and allegations of gross mismanagement of the state government, the Republicans so far have not been able to capitalize on that. Cox has been unable to find Republican candidates with a realistic chance of actually winning statewide office -- or energizing the party. Now, Cox hopes, Levy will do that -- and bring the Republicans, seemingly lost in the political desert after the 2008 elections, back to power and influence in Albany.

High Stakes Contest

The results in November will determine not just who holds what state office but also the very future of the Republican Party in New York.

Following the 2010 census the legislature will have the power to redistrict the state. Experts say that, as Republican support in the state declined and population in the state has shifted to urban areas the party maintained political relevance in the state by controlling the districting process. In New York State, the legislature and the governor control redistricting. Last time around -- in 2001 -- the party held the State Senate and the governorship. This let them draw the lines to their advantage.

Now the Democrats control both houses of the legislature and the governorship. If the GOP does not win back two Senate seats to regain the majority there, the party will find itself facing permanent irrelevancy. "They are in danger of entering a state of being a perpetual minority party," said Ken Sherrill, a professor emeritus at Hunter College. "Malapportionment is the only thing keeping them near political power."

Some Republicans see things coming together so they can do that. "This will be the best year Republicans have had in 50 years," State Republican Chairman Ed Cox said during a recent interview.

Cox thinks the public will turn to Republicans in reaction to the passage of national health care reform, smoldering scandals that have marred Democratic control of Albany and the economy. "If you take a look at the big issues, economic issues, we have to close a $9 billion budget gap that will become a $20 billion deficit by the time the next elected governor takes office," said Cox. "The Democrats who control Albany can't confront it because of distractions: the scandal of an unelected governor who is being investigated by an attorney general who failed to recluse himself until after a 13 point drop in the polls. An unelected comptroller because of corruption by staffers of the previous comptroller. Democrats control the Senate, and both leaders are under investigations for problems that they have. It is a mess!"

Cox said the public will come to the conclusion that, "the political solution to this is to vote in a Republican governor who is fiscally conservative and a Republican Senate. Together they will be able to solve the problem. Being fiscally conservative is in our DNA."

Democrats counter that Republicans were in charge of the governorship and Senate for years and did not exercise much fiscal conservatism then.

Cox points out that a number of major Democrats were not elected by voters, but were instead appointed, either due to scandal or a seat opening. Those unelecteds include Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, Comptroller Thomas Dinapoli and Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch.

No one denies that scandal has dogged the Democrats during their recent period of control in Albany. The fall of Eliot Spitzer, the scandal surrounding Allan Hevesi, the domestic abuse trial of Hiram Monserrate, the continuing scandals and gaffes surrounding Gov. David Paterson -- and even the odd saga emanating from Rep. Eric Massa have left the Democrats scrambling to emphasize their accomplishments and push the ugly past under the carpet as they head into election season.

Yet the Republican Party is not exactly a betting favorite among political observers.

The top of the Republican ticket has Sherrill doubtful that the GOP can make any great gains come this fall. "They are right to think they have things going in their favor, but it's not clear they are going to get things together to have the ability to take advantage of it," Sherrill said, pointing out that the party does not yet have any challenger to Sen. Chuck Schumer or "formidable candidates" for attorney general, state comptroller or to face Paterson-appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand.

"To use a sports metaphor," said Baruch professor of political science Douglas Muzzio, "the Republicans don't have a starting team, they don't have a bench and they traded to get a guy from the other team."

Gambling on Levy

That "trade, as Muzzio calls it, has produced major tension within the Republican ranks. Insiders say Lazio supporters, including former Sen. Al D'Amato and former governor George Pataki, are very unhappy with Cox and would rather lose this year than see Cox get his way. "It looks like the Republicans have borrowed the Democrats' strategy of a circular firing squad," said Muzzio, "It is civil war."

Levy's nomination is by no means assured. He must now secure 51 percent of the party support at the convention to even get on the primary ballot, because he still is technically a Democrat. The struggle is on between the two candidates with the Conservative Party and tea party supporters insisting they will back Lazio into the general election. Observers say the move could lead to the kind of split that occurred in the race for Congress from New York's 23rd district upstate. Republicans backed moderate Republican Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava while conservatives got behind Doug Hoffman. Scozzafava eventually quit the race but Democratic nominee Bill Owens was able to take the seat thanks to the split.

Cox sees little reason for his fellow party members not to back Levy.

"This is not a party of exclusion," said Cox of the move. "Levy is a real fiscal conservative. There is no Republican who is more fiscally conservative than Steve Levy."

Lazio supporters counter the Levy is in actuality a liberal and have put out numerous talking points attacking Levy in that manner. Lazio scored a recent victory by winning the endorsement of Nassau County Executive Ed Magano. Magano announced on Wednesday that he is "joining the Republican and Conservative Parties by endorsing Rick Lazio for Governor because of his solutions to change Albany. Rick will be a stronger partner for reducing taxes and fostering a business climate that puts people back to work in Nassau County. Rick has the right experience and the right message to succeed in November."

Trouble at the Top?

Cox also has come in for criticism for not being able to coax a big Republican name to challenge Gillibrand, whose poll numbers have remained stagnant since Paterson appointed her. A number of big-name Republicans have been rumored to be considering a challenge, but so far only lesser known candidates have announced. Pataki is one name who has yet to decide if he will challenge Gillibrand.

"I'm not sure you need a big name to win," said Cox, who pointed to the victories of Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown over Attorney General Martha Coakley and Nassau County Executive Edward Mangano, who upset incumbent Tom Suozzi in November. "An unknown named Pataki came out of nowhere to beat Mario Cuomo," said Cox, "It just takes someone the public trusts."

Sherrill isn't so sure. He says without big, established names at the top of the ticket Republicans will have a hard time enticing voters to the booth to vote for candidates whose names appear lower on the ballot. "You can't beat somebody with nobody," he said.

That may hurt Republican chances to take two State Senate seats away from the Democrats and regain the GOP majority there. Sherrill says this should be within reach -- if Republicans can get their ticket in order. "They may have a better chance of that because of dissatisfaction with Albany, but again, if there is no one at the top of the ticket, there won't be any coattails," Sherrill said.

Muzzio agrees a Republican Senate majority be within their grasp and questions how much the top of the ticket will matter. "My gut tells me Levy, given his war chest and combative nature may have longer coat tails but politics is local," he said.

Cox pointed to a number of seats he thinks Republicans will wrest from Democrats because of local issues.

Sen. Darrel Aubertine, who holds the 48th district in northern upstate, faces a challenge from Patty Ritchie. Ritchie is currently a county clerk. "She was the clerk who first opposed the license plate fee that was just an insane move by Democrats," said Cox. "It was just another dumb way to come up with money."

On Long Island, Cox points to the Senate seat currently held by Brian Foley. He says Foley "took some bad votes that didn't match the needs of the district." The votes Cox is referring to include a vote to support the MTA bailout, which also established a payroll tax, and a vote for same-sex marriage. He says he is confident that Republican challenger Lee Zeldin will win.

Cox thinks Assemblyman Jack Quinn has a very good chance of unseating Democrat Sen. William Stachowski in the 58th Senate district around Buffalo. Stachowski has held the seat since 1981 and had a very tough time getting reelected in 2008. While Cox said he thinks Stachowski may be vulnerable because "he's been there a long time, maybe too long," he may also be having trouble because the Democratic leadership denied him the Finance Committee Chairmanship, which he was expected to inherit. This could reinforce the view upstate that the Democratic leadership, dominated by senators from New York City has ditched upstate Democrats. Stachowksi, who leans right, also voted no on gay marriage and is facing a number of primary challengers. Liz Benjamin reported earlier this year that Democrats are trying to push Stachowski out of the race to replace him with a more popular Democratic candidate so they don't have to spend money defending his seat.

But some Republican seats could be in play as well. Another New York incumbent, Republican Sen. Frank Padavan, had a rough reelection bid in 2008, pulling out a victory with a mere 480 vote lead against Democratic challenger James Gennarro. Democrats are confident Padavan won't be so lucky this year. Former 19th district Councilman Tony Avella has announced he will challenge Padavan. Sherrill thinks it will be a daunting challenge for Republicans to hold the seat. "The elderly constituents are aging out of the district or moving out," said Sherrill. He said Padavan's victory will depend a lot on "the top of the ticket."

But Cox sees things differently. He said in 2008 Democrats had momentum, but things have changed since then. He points out that three City Council seats in Queens were won by the Republicans in November. "I think Padavan is going to do well," Cox said. "Last time was a rough year."

Cox, also predicted Republicans "will pick up 15 Assembly seats. That won't give us control, but will allow us to uphold the governor's veto with some conservative upstate Democrats."

"There is no reason we can't win back seats traditionally held by Republicans," said Carey. "People are tired of senators who slash their girlfriend's throat, congressman who are involved in tickling and governors who take Yankees tickets."

Sherrill agrees with Cox that "all the macro things" are trending in the Republican's direction, but he said, "you have to look at whether they are capable of building the infrastructure and campaign to take advantage of that…They are under the gun, but I don't know that they can get themselves together to do anything about it. Wishing does not make it so," said Sherrill.

Now Out of Race, Can Paterson Hold On and Govern?


At first it sounded like a stump speech. Gov. David Paterson, with his wife, Michelle Paige Paterson by his side, stood before the press gathered at his Manhattan office on Friday afternoon. Paterson listed his accomplishments in public office, saying he "improved the quality of life of all New Yorkers."

But very quickly his tone changed. There was a hint of finality, everything said in the past tense. "This is his 'You won't have Nixon to kick around anymore' moment," said one press observer.

Aides had told the press Paterson was going to announce the end of his campaign, but his words also rang for the moment as a final farewell.

"There are times in politics when you have to know not to strive for service but to step back. And that moment has come for me," he said.

Paterson, though, did not resign Instead he vowed to remain in office for 308 days until his term expires and said he would spend the time fighting for the people of New York.

The governor's statement on Friday, therefore, left New York in a state of limbo as high-stakes budget negotiations begin.

While some Democrats were glad to see Paterson bow out, a great many express concern that, at such a critical time, New York has a governor who is under investigation and completely without political capitol. They believe that, as the lamest of lame ducks, Paterson will not be able to corral legislators into tough but needed budget cuts. The state is facing an $8.2 billion deficit by spring of next year, according to the state budget office.

Some legislators and officials have called on Paterson to resign and hand over the reins to Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch. The lieutenant governor, based on his past performances, is seen as a financial wiz and a crack negotiator. Others have come to Paterson's defense. They say the state does not need yet another governor to resign, especially during critical budget negotiations. And some legislators have simply called on Paterson to let Ravitch head negotiations, while Paterson remains in office.

Off With His Head

Despite what Paterson said on Friday, some believe the governor is simply delaying the inevitable.

For weeks, rumors about the contents of a New York Times investigation had floated around the capital. The Times eventually ran three articles about Paterson and his aide David Johnson, the last of which detailed how state troopers pressured a woman who had allegedly been assaulted by Johnson not to seek an order of protection against him. The day before her scheduled court appearance, Paterson allegedly phoned the woman. The woman failed to show up for the hearing and her case was dismissed.

As the final Times story broke, Paterson called for Attorney General Andrew Cuomo to investigate his, his aides' and the state troopers’ involvement in the case. Cuomo, Paterson's chief political rival, agreed. Quickly pressure mounted on Paterson to exit the race, even to resign. For months, Paterson had been facing pressure to exit the race from Democrats who wanted to see Cuomo as the Democratic nominee for governor. On Friday, they got at least half of what they wanted as Paterson halted his campaign.

For some, though, that was not enough.

Perhaps the most striking call for Paterson's resignation came from the man who holds Paterson's former Senate seat, Bill Perkins. "He knows what he did, who he talked to," Perkins told WNYC. "He knows under whose order the state troopers contacted this woman. If the investigation turns out the way many suspect, his resignation is almost inevitable. If that is the case then it is in the best interests of the people of New York for him to cut bait now."

Having Paterson remain in office will only make it harder to move forward, U.S. Rep Michael McMahon said Friday. His "staying in office as a lame duck is a distraction," McMahon said to the Staten Island Advance. "There could be impeachment proceedings."

City Comptroller John Liu also called for Paterson's resignation Friday, citing the best interests of the city. "We have a $4.1 billion budget deficit to grapple with in New York City and cannot make real progress until the state budget is resolved on time one month from now," said Liu. "In order for this to happen, we need Gov. Paterson to step down now. Richard Ravitch has an abundance of integrity, experience and creativity. As governor, Richard Ravitch would be the person most able to steer clear of politics, bring people together, and bring about a balanced, on-time state budget.

A Pass to Ravitch?

While stopping short of calling for Paterson to resign, Liu's state counterpart, Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli agreed about the handling of budget talks. "The governor has made a wise choice to end his election campaign," DiNapoli said, according to the Village Voice. "Now he needs to make another wise choice and designate Lt. Gov. Ravitch to negotiate the budget with the legislature."

Even before the final Times story damned Paterson's campaign, Albany Sen. Neil Breslin was calling on Paterson to allow Ravitch to take the reins in budget negotiations.

"If the governor let the lieutenant governor negotiate on his behalf, he would be very well served," Breslin told Gotham Gazette last Tuesday. After the scandal broke, Breslin was more frank. "I think of this as the straw that broke the camel's back," said Breslin. "If the story proves to be true this will be the last in a lot of missteps for the governor. It is just too much, and a resignation should follow."

Sen. Liz Krueger also supports having Paterson put Ravitch in control of budget negotiations. "Somebody’s got to get this budget negotiated," Krueger told Business Week, saying that Ravitch, "has an experience in government budgeting and negotiating under complex circumstances. He is a very skilled public finance person."

Even without the scandal, some legislators had worried Paterson was too politically weak to negotiate the budget. The latest revelation only reinforced that. " "I don't know if he can find a way to walk himself back into the room and be part of the process," State Sen. Diane Savino told the Advance. "I don't know if he can find a way to walk himself back into the room and be part of the process."

Many legislators had hoped Paterson would draw on Ravitch's expertise during deficit reduction negotiations late last year; nevertheless Ravitch was isolated. It has been reported that Ravitch and Paterson haven't spoken in months.

Ravitch is working on a long-term plan for the state's finances. He wasn't willing to share much about the plan during a recent interview with Gotham Gazette and said he was unsure how it would be received by the legislature. "There are several possibilities," said Ravitch, "One is there will be a lot of screaming, yelling and people saying it's the dumbest idea they have ever heard. My guess is some people will be polite, and I think some people will think the ideas are good, but I really don't want to talk about it yet."

Ravitch indicated that he would be willing to take the lead on budget negotiations if he was asked to. "I'm fully prepared if it's useful to do that. I don't think that David Paterson has a problem communicating I think the problem is, as I suggested, is it's very, very difficult [to cut the budget].

Hold Your Horses

Others argue that Paterson may now be in a better position to negotiate the budget than he was, say, a month ago. He, like Ravitch, who has said he has no plan to run for office in November, does not have to worry about poll numbers and can propose and push for unpopular cuts.

Bronx Democratic Chairman Carl Heastie supports this idea. "I join many of my colleagues in government asking that others refrain from calling for Gov. Paterson's resignation," said Heastie in a statement. "We are on a definitive clock with the state's budget, and I believe that having another transition at this time would put our state government in greater jeopardy of not meeting its obligations to the people of New York [i.e., with an on-time budget]."

Heastie said he respects Ravitch, "who is a man of great intellect and integrity. However, the people of the state of New York would be better served by a higher level of stability at this time. We accomplish that by having Gov. David Paterson lead us through this year's budget process."

"Great crises also sometimes bring about great opportunities," Assemblymember Adriano Espaillat told the New Times. He said that, without the distractions of running for office, Paterson would have more time to devote to crucial legislative business."

Critics of this idea say that Paterson is so politically damaged by scandal that legislators have no reason to listen to him. Nevertheless, some say Paterson should be left alone until Cuomo concludes his investigation.

"The calls for his resignation at this point are premature and I would urge everyone to cease and desist," said Assemblymember Hakeem Jeffries in a statement. "The governor, like every other individual, is entitled to a presumption of innocence and should not be hounded out of office unless a comprehensive investigation establishes clear evidence of wrongdoing."

If nothing else, some say, the calls for resignation represent another distraction from the real issues facing the state. "It makes it worse for all of us in terms of trying to put our agenda forward," said Assemblymember Keith Wright, the Manhattan Democratic chairman and one of Paterson's staunchest allies, said. "It weakens the agenda."

Of course, the governor's future hinges to some extent on the finding of Cuomo's investigation. The more damaging information that comes out, the more difficult it will be for him to hold on to his office until January.

Remember When

Ironically, when Paterson became governor in 2008 following the scandal that sent Spitzer running from office, many legislators saw Paterson as a breath of fresh air. Spitzer had been cantankerous and unwilling to conform to Albany's backroom style. Paterson, as the Senate Minority leader, knew how to play the game. He had a great relationship with then Republican Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno, where Spitzer’s relationship with Bruno was venomous. Observers saw Paterson as a cordial negotiator.

"David will sit down with Sen. Bruno and Speaker Silver, and he will be able to be, in part, a facilitator, and he will not be a lightning rod," said Breslin during a 2008 interview immediately following Spitzer's resignation. "It will be much easier for the three of them to agree on basic principles of a good, on-time budget." Assemblyman Ron Canestrari was a bit more guarded about Paterson's prospects at the time, but optimistic nonetheless. "Paterson has a reservoir of good will on both sides of the aisle,” said Canestrari. “He worked as a member of the Senate with Sen. Bruno and this could only help getting his agenda enacted into law. But we have to be realistic. The year of good feelings only goes so far, and strong philosophical differences with the Senate cannot be overcome with a smile and a wink. Our expectations, unlike when Spitzer was elected, should be more realistic this time around."

After Heated Closed-Door Debate, Senate Expels Monserrate


hiram monserrate
commons.wikimedia
Hiram Monserrate and State Senate President Pro Tem Malcolm Smith

On Tuesday night around 9:30 p.m. Sen. Hiram Monserrate was expelled from the New York State Senate. All it took was a show of hands.

It came down to a vote of 53 to 8. The nay votes all came from Democrats: Monserrate himself, Conference Leader John Sampson, Majority Leader Pedro Espada Jr., Ruben Diaz, Carl Kruger, Kevin Parker, Eric Adams and Martin Malave Dilan all voted against expelling Monserrate. An alternative measure would have delayed Monserrate's expulsion until June, giving him time to appeal his misdemeanor conviction for dragging his girlfriend down a hallway after she suffered severe cuts on her face. That measure did not come to a vote.

Monserrate plans an immediate legal challenge with the help of civil rights attorney Norman Siegel. Legislators haven't expelled one of their own for decades.

The show of hands was simple, but the debate beforehand and the results of Monserrate's expulsion are anything but.

Voicing Differences

Overflow crowds flocked to the viewing galleries at noon as the session began. Some of the onlookers joked it was like attending a public execution. But they were in for a long wait, as the Senate considered a number of bills on other matters and then recessed to conference on what to do about Monserrate. The crowds slowly dissipated as it became clear that consensus would not be reached quickly.

Democrats holed up for hours behind closed doors and held what Sen. Neil Breslin described as an "animated" debate. Reporters who waited outside the chamber could hear shouting before the outer doors were finally shut and locked.

At one point Monserrate left the conference, saying he had been excluded. Asked if he could have stayed to simply sit and listen, Monserrate responded, "I don't think that was an option." Later Sen. Ruben Diaz, a close ally of Monserrate's, exited the conference with his hands in the air, waving off questions from reporters. Asked if Monserrate had been excluded from the debate, Diaz, still waving his hands, responded, "He was not excluded."

Hours later Diaz led Monserrate back into the meeting. Shortly thereafter Diaz exited screaming, "John Sampson doesn't have the leadership. John Sampson got defeated. He cannot produce. We don't have a leader. We don't have a leader. We don't have a leader. I don't know what's going to happen!" Diaz then told reporters that he wasn't sure whether he would switch parties, or perhaps just vote on his own.

A number of senators reported that the Democratic conference was evenly split (16-16) about whether to expel Monserrate immediately or to give him until June. Leaving Monserrate in place until June would made sure that Sampson would have the 32 votes he needs to pass anything for the rest of session. Sampson offered the measure that would have let Monserrate remain until then.

Gov. David Paterson announced after the vote that he will call for a special election on March 16 to fill Monserrate's seat. Monserrate has promised to run to get his seat back. If he does, he will probably face Assemblyman Jose Peralta, who enjoys the support of the Queens Democratic establishment.

Monserrate and his allies have attacked the way the Senate, which named a special committee to consider Monserrate's situation following his conviction, carried out its inquiry. They say it was all part of a political agenda, spurred partly by Monserrate's defection from the Democrats during last year's Senate coup.

Monserrate pledged to contest the legality of the expulsion.

Sen. Eric Schneiderman, who chaired the select committee that recommended Monserrate's expulsion, said that the Senate has every right to expel a member. He cited Legislative Law section 3, which states, "Each house has the power to expel any of its members, after the report of a committee to inquire into the charges against him shall have been made."

"Due process was followed, justice was served," said Schneiderman. He issued a statement following the vote to defend his committee and Monserrate's expulsion. "Make no mistake about it, this is a sad day for the Senate," read the statement. "The expulsion of a senator is a rare action that ought to be considered only in the most egregious of circumstances, but I believe the conduct of Sen. Monserrate -- his disregard for the law and for the safety of others -- meets that standard. Sen. Monserrate has not been honest about the events that led to his arrest and conviction, and, to this day, refuses to accept responsibility for his criminal conduct."

A Majority of One

While there is concern among some legislators about what the temporary absence of one Democratic vote -- and the lack of the required 32 vote majority -- might mean to the body, a number of observers are not terribly concerned. Lobbyists and good government advocates point out that the Democratic majority hasn't exactly been steam rolling out bills, and things in the legislature won't really heat up legislatively until late March, when the budget deadline draws closer.

However, some still express concern that no matter how quickly Monserrate is replaced, his allies - -Diaz, Espada, and Carl Kruger -- could make it almost impossible for the Democrats and the Senate as a whole to accomplish anything, if the three decide to retaliate for Monserrate's expulsion.

Breslin and State Sen. Liz Krueger disputed Diaz's accusations about Sampson's leadership. "John Sampson solidified his leadership tonight," Breslin said.

The Nay Votes

Only three members chose to explain their votes on the floor. Diaz raged against what he saw as the hypocrisy of expelling Monserrate. He said that any number of legislators have been found guilty of corruption and misdemeanors but were not expelled. He said the Democrats had begged Monserrate to return during the coup, "Just to make a fool of him and put him to shame."

Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch, who was presiding over the session, interrupted Diaz, who had exceeded the time limit, asking him, "How do you vote?" Diaz responded, "You ask me how I vote? I vote against all these people!"

Espada began by saying he wanted to "voice support for our fair and just leader John Sampson." Then Espada referred to a vote earlier in the day on a resolution to demand that terror trials not be held in Manhattan. Several senators, including Liz Krueger, stood to argue that combatants should be granted the rights of the American civil legal system. Espada said that those members could find it in themselves to afford terrorists due process but refuse to give Monserrate "due process rights."

Finally, Monserrate stood to defend himself. He told the chamber the Senate had not afforded him due process, and insisted, "We don't have the power to expel a member.” He also warned that any other senator could be next: "I will be voting no on this resolution. I will encourage every member of this chamber who believes in fundamental fairness and can put to the side the politics and the heated discussion of the issue and say, 'it's Hiram Monserrate today, it can definitely be me tomorrow.'" He said the vote to expel him was effectively "disenfranchising the voters of my majority minority district."

"I think it’s the height of arrogance for someone who has never pulled a lever in my community -- never saw the narcotics sales on Roosevelt Avenue, never saw the lack of services that my community receives -- to think that today they have more power than the constituent voters that sent me here to represent them," Monserrate said before asking for his colleagues to, "Let the people come this fall. Let them be the final word on the matter of Hiram Monserrate."

No one interrupted Monserrate's, 16-minute speech, and when he finished, the vote tally was read. Monserrate had been expelled. Senators quietly moved toward the exits. Monserrate stood near his, getting hugs from some colleagues, receiving conciliatory pats on the back from others.

Liz Krueger, the first Senator to openly call for Monserrate's ouster, made her way out the door away from where Monserrate was standing. "It was a long process, but you got the result you wanted. Are you satisfied?" she was asked. She paused briefly and replied, "We did what we needed to do."

Marcia Pappas of the National Organization for Women-New York State hailed the vote. "For over a year The National Organization for Women-New York State has repeatedly sent the message that anything less than expulsion was not acceptable. Any form of violence against women is not acceptable. We hope that this serves as a wake-up call to all lawmakers. Whether you are a candidate or a sitting elected official, if you are violent toward another person, you are not fit to hold office."

Three of the four leaders of the legislature and the hea


Councilmembers were asked by Gotham Gazette whether they would support (Intro 1105) legislation set to be re-introduced at the City Council, which would require certain recipients of city aid to pay a living wage.

Their responses are below.

Councilmember Living Wage Position
Margaret Chin Supports
Rosie Mendez Out of town
Christine C. Quinn Undecided
Daniel R. Garodnick Undecided
Jessica S. Lappin Undecided
Gale A. Brewer Supports
Robert Jackson Supports
Melissa Mark-Viverito Supports
Inez E. Dickens Undecided
Ydanis Rodriguez Supports
G. Oliver Koppell Supports
Larry B. Seabrook Did not return phone calls
James Vacca Undecided
Fernando Cabrera Supports
Joel Rivera Supports
Helen D. Foster Supports
Maria del Carmen Arroyo Supports
Annabel Palma Supports
Daniel J. Halloran Against
Peter Koo Did not return phone calls
Julissa Ferreras Supports
Peter F. Vallone, Jr. Against
Mark Weprin Undecided
James F. Gennaro Undecided
Daniel Dromm Supports
James Van Bramer Supports
Leroy G. Comrie, Jr. Undecided
Thomas White, Jr. Undecided
Karen Koslowitz Undecided
Elizabeth Crowley Supports
James Sanders, Jr. Undecided
Eric Ulrich Against
Stephen Levin Undecided
Diana Reyna Undecided
Letitia James Supports
Albert Vann Undecided
Erik Martin Dilan Undecided
Sara M. Gonzalez Supports
Bradford Lander Undecided
Mathieu Eugene Supports
Darlene Mealy Supports
Charles Barron Supports
Vincent J. Gentile Undecided
Jumaane Williams Supports
Lewis A. Fidler Undecided
Domenic M. Recchia, Jr. Undecided
Michael C. Nelson Against
Deborah Rose Did not return phone calls
James S. Oddo Against
Vincent Ignizio Against

The Top Stories of 2010


Instead of looking at the polls, maybe New York's pundits and political players should have consulted Gotham Gazette's 2008 prognosticators. A large number forecast that Mayor Michael Bloomberg would either lose his bid for re-election or as actually happened, win only narrowly.

Baruch College professor Doug Muzzio, perhaps not entirely seriously, put it this way: "In a political stunner, capo di tutti capi of New York politics, Mike "Nine Zeroes" Bloomberg is denied a third term, even after spending $100 million plus, making many offers that couldn't be refused but ultimately were, by a majority of NYC voters." City Comptroller William Thompson Jr. also saw a Bloomberg defeat -- though did not go so far as to divine his own election.

Our prescient predictors also forecast the ramifications of tough economic times, including in novelist Kevin Baker's view, "a growing disparity of wealth." Manhattan College finance professor Charles Geisst foresaw cutbacks "in all city serves since so much wealth has been destroyed in the markets and, with it, tax revenues." WNYC's Brian Lehrer sensed that "the new Yankee Stadium will have may gold-plated empty seats."

Although no one predicted -- who would have dared? -- the chaos that engulfed Albany for much of the year, several did see trouble ahead.

Holding on to some hope, Steve Cohen, executive director of the Earth Institute at Columbia, ventured, "In 2009, we will learn if our political leadership can match the talents and courage of Hugh Carey and Ed Koch, or if we will have the revival of the three guys in a room that got us into this fiscal mess." (Guess we know the answer to that one.)

Jonathan Bowles of the Center for an Urban Future proved closer to the mark: "The state legislature's eventual response to this economic and fiscal crisis will remind New Yorkers, yet again, that the city has few friends in Albany and that the legislature is truly the most dysfunctional such body in America."

Of course our intrepid forecasters missed the mark at times as well. They variously foresaw George Soros, Tina Fey and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute President Shirley Jackson as getting the appointment to fill Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Senate seat. No one predicted Kirsten Gillibrand.

Then there were those predictions that would make many New Yorkers think "if only." Here's one from Lehrer: "The Ravitch Commission's recommendation [on transit funding] will be adopted almost unchanged and the city will be grateful for the next 30 years as world-class mass transit infrastructure attracts sustained private sector development."

Gene Russianoff of the Straphanger's Campaign veered a bit closer to the reality: "The state will permit the transportation authority to toll the East River Bridges, but only for vehicles driven by motorists who are visitors from very, very distant galaxies."

So what is the outlook for next year? We turn once again to a panel of experts who offer their predictions below and invite you to tune in in another 12 months to see who had the clearest crystal ball. (In the meantime, please share your predictions for 2010 -- or reaction to these -- by commenting on this story.



City Councilmember Simcha Felder

After reviewing the five-minute grace period [for parking violations] after it goes into effect, [Mayor Michael Bloomberg] is going to be so excited he's going to suggest a 10-minute grace period.



City Councilmember and Minority Leader James Oddo

I have several predictions for yet another frenetically changing landscape in political life.

I will trip while jogging on a Staten Island street and, while I am temporarily prone on the ground, the Department of Transportation will attempt to paint a bike lane on my fallen body.

The council's Republican delegation will be asked to star in a Verizon "can you hear me now" commercial, as we will be spending lots of time taking calls from the leaders of each side of City Hall who quickly realize our block of five votes is more and more crucial.

At one point (or more) during the year, one of our colleagues will be making some excessively long-winded speech at a committee hearing and Councilmember Lew Fidler and I will pretend to be listening but will really be discussing a rotisserie baseball trade.

A groundswell of support will emerge to make Doug Muzzio grand marshal of a Columbus Day parade somewhere in this great metropolis.

I will be wagering on the under/over on how many votes Charles Barron will get for council speaker. Here's a hint: The under is a "mortal lock."

Marcia Bystryn, she of blatant conflicts of interest and a member of the Water Board, will vote for yet another water rate spike, no matter how egregiously high it is or how hurtful it is to New Yorkers.

I will be consistently funnier than Simcha Felder throughout the year.

Unfortunately, my only truly serious prediction is my most dire: Too many people on both sides of City Hall will attempt to keep government on an unsustainable path of spending, which will continue to crush tax payers and small business owners into submission, forcing them to move out of the city, close up shop and endure a quality of life that is appreciably worse than years past.


State Sen. Kevin Parker

Tiger Woods' wife will be much richer than she started out this year.

We are going to have an on-time budget this year that makes significant improvements on the way we do taxation and also looks at spending in a more critical matter.

I predict I won't be a candidate for governor.



Doug Muzzio, professor at Baruch College

Mike Bloomberg pays off his bribe to Ron Lauder for not challenging the term limits extension by naming him to the Charter revision commission, which he once again announces in a State of the City speech.

David Paterson resigns; Richard Ravitch becomes governor. Ravitch appoints Eliot Spitzer lieutenant governor. Ravitch resigns; Spitzer becomes governor. Spitzer names Paterson lieutenant governor.

New York State legislature was found by the Brennan Center to be the most corrupt in the nation. What pushes New York over the top is the indictment by the U.S. Attorney of 17 current and former members of the State Assembly and 12 current or former senators in an "ongoing" probe of legislative corruption.

Mets win Series; Rangers, the Stanley Cup; Knicks in six in the NBA Finals; Jets v. Giants Super Bowl. Marijuana legalized.



Tom Robbins, reporter for the Village Voice

David Paterson steps aside in early February, accepting a post as special roving human rights ambassador for the White House. "I never said I wanted to be governor. It was all Eliot’s fault," he explains. "This new job is the opportunity of a lifetime. After dealing with Carl Kruger and his wacko pals, Kim Jong-il will be a relief."

Joe Bruno's corruption conviction is overturned on appeal after a split Supreme Court rules that the "honest services" statutes used against the ex-senate boss is unconstitutional. Writing for the majority, Justice Antonin Scalia states: "In their wisdom, the Founding Fathers understood that citizen-legislators need to make a living. Show me where it says it had to be an honest living?"

Andrew Cuomo launches his campaign for governor and tells Post state editor Fred Dicker that he's going to be nothing like Spitzer. "You and Eliot really got off on the wrong foot Fred and I’m not going to let that happen with us," he vows. "No governor in his right mind wants both you and your boss Rupert as enemies. I learned that from my father." In the following weeks, Dicker runs off a string of exclusive stories based on insider tips from the AG’s office and Cuomo campaign.



Carol Kellermann, president of the Citizens Budget Commission

As the economy of New York City continues to sputter, all stakeholders come together to help reduce the cost of government and avoid additional burdens on taxpayers that would further discourage job growth and consumer spending, including:

1. A new pension tier is agreed to by the unions for all city public employees, including the uniformed services, and adopted by the legislature. As part of this agreement, "Christmas bonuses" for retired police and firefighters are eliminated; a minimum retirement age for uniformed employees is adopted; and reimbursement of retirees' Medicare Part B premiums is eliminated.

2. The mayor and the United Federation of Teachers come to an agreement on a new contract that expands the use of merit pay; provides differentials for shortage positions such as math and science teachers; speeds the process of terminating incompetent teachers; and curtails the amount of time un-utilized teachers can collect full pay.

3. The legislature agrees to congestion pricing in Manhattan, reducing traffic and pollution and providing a reliable revenue stream to support the MTA and avert service cuts.



Bradley Tusk, campaign manager for Michael Bloomberg's re-election campaign

Voter frustration produces a new political dynamic in Albany that probably won't be that different from the old political dynamic except that compared to the craziness we see today, it'll feel refreshing and promising.

Mike Bloomberg leads the city effectively through a very difficult budget, reminding New Yorkers that competence is ultimately what matters most.

At least one major elected official running statewide next year takes things for granted and loses.

Knicks get LeBron (OK, that last part may be wishful thinking).


City Comptroller William Thompson Jr.

2009 was a devastating year for New York City's economy. As we move into 2010, I predict that Wall Street will continue to make money, but other areas of the city's economy such as small business and the communications sector will continue to struggle. In addition, unemployment will remain a severe problem in our city, so much so that many people ultimately will become so discouraged with the lack of job prospects that they will stop looking for work altogether.

The residential real estate market ultimately will stabilize even as the foreclosure crisis continues, resulting in high levels of New Yorkers losing their homes. We will see a growing problem in the commercial real estate market over the coming year, and 2010 also will yield a resurgence of cash. Because credit will remain tight, we will see greater numbers of New Yorkers paying for goods and services in cash. And at least in the beginning of 2010, New Yorkers will look to save some money by spending more evenings and weekends at home.


Austin Shafran, spokesperson for the State Senate Majority

We expect to pass ethics reform – that is a top priority.

Property tax relief is a priority, and we expect to pass a balanced budget with no new taxes or fees. Those are all priorities that we feel are very attainable.



Blair Horner of the New York Public Interest Research Group

More chaos! The budget situation, senate leadership and the governor's race are all variables that will determine how the year goes. It all depends on how they play out.



State Sen. Bill Perkins

Next year is 2010... on a serious note I would like to see continuing types of reform we were able to pass this year like the public authorities reform bill.

I am looking forward to introducing legislation on eminent domain reform. I think there is a movement that has been galvanized around that issue. I am hoping to see us reform the budget process as well. We need to do it the right way.

I hope the circus has left town -- never to return again. And if it comes back I hope it takes the long way back if at all.



Daniel Goldstein, Develop Don’t Destroy Brooklyn

Gov. Paterson enacts a statewide moratorium on eminent domain.

The Feds indict Bruce Ratner.

Cuomo commences a thorough investigation of the Empire State Development Corp.

The state legislature approves a bill removing "blight" as a justification for eminent domain.

Mikhail Prokhorov moves the Nets to Moscow, where they proceed to win a game.

Mayor Bloomberg comes to his senses and realizes that Atlantic Yards would be a huge stain on his legacy.

Brooklyn gets the kind of world-class development, at its crossroads, that it deserves.



Kathryn Wylde, president and CEO of the Partnership for New York City

2010 will be a year in which New York's status as the world's financial capital will be challenged on two fronts. Here at home, Washington D.C. will continue to pursue regulatory and tax actions that are intended to show angry American voters that Wall Street is being punished for its sins. From abroad, the competitive challenge will shift from London, which is suffering its own brand of regulatory self-destruction, to the Pacific Rim, most particularly the emerging financial centers in Singapore and Shanghai. I predict that the desire to remain a global economic power and to generate business investment in job creation ultimately will drive Washington, D.C. to legislate common sense reforms that strengthen our international position, but not before we go through a lot of hostile rhetoric that will keep New York and its financial industry on tenterhooks for the first part of the year.



Councilmember Letitia James

My predictions for 2010 begin with the community continuing to be strong and supportive of every neighbor, resident and worker.

I am certain that crime and homelessness will be reduced, and I have hope that affordable housing will become readily available in Brooklyn and throughout New York City. The Atlantic Yards project will continue to be challenged in the New Year, and I predict the courts will make the right decision to stand against eminent domain and big development in Brooklyn.

I also believe that in the upcoming year job opportunities will be created. And, we will make major strides in the fight against all kinds of discrimination; I look forward to the day when marriage is a right extended to every New Yorker. Lastly, health and prosperity will be in abundance for 2010, and I predict taking care of youth and seniors will be the number one priority in this county.



Gary Babad, a NY City public school parent and writer for NYC Public School Parent

In the spirit of the parodies, I write on New York City Public School Parents, here are my predictions:

Klein Closes Department of Education, Fires Self

April 7, 2010 (GBN News): Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, in a bold restructuring move, abruptly closed down the New York City Department of Education today and fired himself. The chancellor’s actions came following the release of the city’s reading test scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), showing that the city’s performance has remained flat for the past two years. On top of last fall’s report that math scores had not significantly improved since 2007, the revelations gave the chancellor no choice but to take this drastic step.

However, on the heels of this announcement, Mr. Klein dropped another bombshell. He told reporters that he gives more weight to the “steady progress” made since 2003 than the lack of progress in the past two years. Thus, he will be rehiring himself immediately and reconstituting the DOE.

These rapid-fire reorganizations come at a particularly challenging time for the education department. Just last week, Mr. Klein had announced the closing of the last remaining public high school in the city. The DOE had been closing more and more “underperforming” schools, with students from each one flooding the few non-charter schools that were left. It is unclear just where the 253,763 students from Alfred E. Neuman High School in Queens will go next year, but the chancellor had a reassuring message for concerned parents. “The good news,” said Mr. Klein, “is that with virtually no schools left, the high school application process has been considerably simplified.”



Michael Miscione, Manhattan Borough Historian

To put the outlook for next year in perspective, let us first look back. Historically speaking, 2009 was marked by three shameful "what were they thinking" moments.

The first came when the state legislature renamed the Triborough Bridge after Robert Kennedy, an admirable leader, but a man who had nothing to do with the bridge and little to do with the civic betterment of the city in which the bridge is located.

Then came the snubbing of no less a boldfaced name than George Washington. Washington led the American forces that defended the city at the outset of the Revolution and was the only president to serve here as the nation’s chief executive. That apparently was not good enough to qualify him as one of the New York City 400, the Museum of the City of New York's newly formulated list of the people "who have helped define New York City for the past four centuries." Washington’s new slogan should read, "First in war. First in peace. But below 400 at the MCNY."

Washington wasn’t the only one to find himself on the chilly side of a velvet rope. New York State declared 2009 the Hudson-Fulton Quadricentennial year. Henry Hudson was celebrated all over the city thanks to boatloads of Dutch cash. But where was the love for Robert Fulton. There was only one –- one! -- tribute to Fulton in New York City: the one my office threw together at the last minute to help correct the oversight. Next time you decide to throw a party, fellas, it might be nice to invite the guest of honor.

OK, enough about '09. What about next year? Well, 2010 contains the anniversaries of two little-known historical footnotes that have long fascinated me.

One hundred years ago in August, James J. Gallagher, a disgruntled former city worker, shot New York City Mayor William Jay Gaynor. (The mayor would survive the bullet wound. A New York World photographer snapped the scene moments after Gallagher pulled the trigger; the resulting photo is a stunning example of early photojournalism.)

And 75 years ago in February, some East Harlem boys discovered a live alligator in the New York City sewer system.

I predict that neither Gaynor nor the alligator will have a bridge named for them. Nor will they appear on any revised edition of the NYC400 list. But they will not be forgotten by the Manhattan Borough Historian’s Office. Stay tuned.



Gene Russianoff of the Straphanger's Campaign

Cash-starved MTA will put advertisements on backs of unsuspecting riders, as well as resort to florescent paints when agency becomes unable to afford to replace light bulbs.

In a desperate move to address the MTA's ballooning budget deficit, MTA Chairman Jay Walder will be a contestant on "American Idol." Sadly, he will not make it past auditions held in Kalamazoo, Michigan even though Simon liked him.

Countdown clocks will start appearing on the 1 through 6 lines, but will inexplicably be in Arabic.

New, improved MTA website WILL be unveiled. It's new URL – Toughcookies.com – will not be popular.

Following Oprah Winfrey's lead, the Straphangers Campaign announces it will close shop when New Yorkers get the subways and buses THEY DESERVE. Campaign assailed for fake announcement.



Nicole Gelinas, contributing editor, the Manhattan Institute's City Journal

The Atlantic Yards project in Brooklyn will finally die.

The MTA will find itself with a "surprising" $250 million surplus in mid-March, reviving the old criticism that it keeps two sets of books.

Mayor Bloomberg will take a trip abroad.



Amy Armstrong of the Furman Center

Next winter will be a little colder for the city's residents because of deferred maintenance on over-leveraged, or financially fragile, properties.

The Administration's efforts to "pedestrianize" and redirect car traffic on major thoroughfares like Times Square and Herald Square will be declared a great success and made permanent.

The foreclosure crisis will continue to cause physical deterioration, loss of wealth and displacement of residents in neighborhoods throughout the city, but particularly in communities of color, which have seen the highest foreclosure rates.



City Councilmember David Yassky

We will see a charter reform commission to make a better, more good-government oriented city government. The council will continue to grow as a policy-making legislature that has its own voice.


Jonathan Bowles, director of the Center for an Urban Future

Few will realize it now, but 2010 will go down as a watershed year for entrepreneurship in the city as throngs of New Yorkers -- including many who have been out-of-work for an extended period -- start new businesses, laying the seeds for the city’s economic recovery.

Responding to the City Council’s defeat of his proposed Kingsbridge Armory development and New Yorkers' growing frustration over the proliferation of low-wage jobs, Mayor Bloomberg announces a series of efforts to support the growth of industries that have the potential to create new middle-income jobs.

Numerous artists and arts organizations struggle to survive amid declining audiences and sharp cuts in support from foundations, individual donors and government.



Azi Paybarah, reporter for the New York Observer

Andrew Cuomo runs for governor, talking about the need to "change the status quo" in Albany.

David Paterson runs for governor, talking about the need to "change the status quo" in Albany.

Tom DiNapoli quietly runs for a full-term as comptroller.

Bill Thompson gets drafted into a primary against Kirsten Gillibrand, but doesn't run, thanks to the magically persuasive Chuck Schumer.

Michael Bloomberg says he's staying out of Albany politics, but opens his wallet to a few people up there.

In City Hall, Bloomberg gets bombarded by criticism from Bill de Blasio and John Liu, who deny they're running for mayor in 2013.

Scott Stringer and Christine Quinn start traveling around the city more often, and tell reporters the 2013 race for mayor is too far in the future to speculate about.

Anthony Weiner gets his mail forwarded to his new address -- at an MSNBC satellite office.

Bradley Tusk opens Tusk Inc. and briefly struggles with managing clients who have less than $100 million to spend.

Half the Democrats who voted against same-sex marriage in the state senate are re-elected. State Sen. George Onorato retires.

Jimmy Siegel runs television ads that make us laugh, and cry.

The Independence Party fights the Working Families Party, using state legislative candidates as pawns.

Doug Muzzio ends the year as the most quoted man in New York politics, again!

Reporters wonder why the Quinnipiac, Marist and Siena polls over-predict the spread in all the races.

And readers wonder what it was like to hold a newspaper in the hands and get ink on their fingertips.

Guide for the Last Minute Voter


Turnout is likely to be anemic, experts say. But that is no reason to head to the polls uninformed.

In our latest Guide for the Last Minute Voter, we have an exhaustive look at the Bloomberg record, stories on the race between Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Comptroller Bill Thompson, a look at a handful of competitive City Council races, information on the city's other contests (including public advocate, comptroller and two ballot questions) and general information on voting in Tuesday's general election.

And to see whether there is a race in your district, check out Who's Running for What.

THE MAYOR'S RACE

Another Term Awaits: Personalities and politics have dominated the mayoral campaign, but the two top candidates have positions on a range of issues. We look at what each man has said he would do as mayor.

Where They Stand: A brief breakdown of where Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Comptroller William Thompson stand on some of the city's most important issues.

Fact Checking the Campaign: The claims and charges are flying from Bloomberg to Thompson and back again. A look at the fact -- and the fiction -- behind the rhetoric.

Bill Thompson Hopes for an Upset: The city's affable comptroller mounts a tough challenge against a popular mayor.

BLOOMBERG'S RECORD

EDUCATION

In Control: No one can deny the mayor has made big changes in the New York City school system but debate still swirls around how effective his policies have been.


ARTS
Patron of the Arts: Even in the face of the faltering economy Mayor Michael Bloomberg has taken steps to insure New York's cultural institutions survive and thrive.


HOUSING
An Increase in Homelessness: The mayor pledged to decrease the number of people without homes, but despite his intentions and new programs, the number of families in city shelters continues to climb.

A Calmer, Yet Still Segregated City: In eight years in office, Bloomberg has quieted the racially charged atmosphere of the Giuliani years but done little to address housing disparities and other divisions that remain.

Affordable Housing Not Included: A key part of the mayor's plan to provide moderately priced housing has collided with the collapse in real estate.

ENVIRONMENT
Steps Toward Sustainability: The announcement of PlanNYC 2030 in 2007 heralded a new emphasis by the Bloomberg administration on reducing pollution and confronting climate change.

TRANSPORTATION
The MetroCard Mayor?: Michael Bloomberg has made major steps to improve transportation in the city -- except when it comes to the subway system.

ECONOMY
Confronting the Challenges of Boom and Bust: James Parrott looks at the last eight years and finds that, despite the mayor's huge success as an innovative businessman, his management of New York City's economic fortunes has been pretty conventional.

IMMIGRANTS
Governing a City of Newcomers: Always a supporter of immigrants, Michael Bloomberg during the election season, has announced more initiatives to aid the foreign born -- and advocates will be watching to make sure these go beyond campaign promises.

SOCIAL SERVICES
Redefining Poverty -- Then What?: Michael Bloomberg won widespread praise for his push to change the way governments measure poverty. Reactions to what he has done after are less effusive.

PARKS
Bloomberg's Green Empire: Recognizing the importance of parks, the mayor has expanded and improved New York's open space -- but critics wish he had consulted more with communities along the way.

PUBLIC FINANCE
Bloomberg as Budget Master: Reflecting a changing economy, the mayor's fiscal policies have changed while the city has gone from bust to boom and back again.

VOTING
Businessman, Billionaire, Reformer?: Michael Bloomberg's handling of issues involving elections and governance raises the question: Is he above politics or a politician whose wealth lets him play the game in a different way?

HEALTH
The Health Mayor? While the administration has garnered attention for restricting smoking and trying to get New Yorkers to eat well, its actions on health policy go far beyond that.

CRIME
Bloomberg and the Police: Crime has hit new lows under Mayor Michael Bloomberg, but experts wonder if he deserves the credit and some critics charge that new police practices infringe on the rights of New Yorkers.

BLOOMBERG IN ALBANY
The 63rd Senator: The mayor won the school control battle and some funding fights too. Has he finally figured out how to get his way in the state capitol?

LAND USE
Reshaping the City: Who's Being Heard -- and Why?: To meet the post-industrial age, the Bloomberg administration has rezoned one sixth of New York's land.

CITY COUNCIL RACES

Two Familiar Names Vie in District 30: A stalwart of city Republican politics hopes he can win the traditionally GOP seat back for his party.

Back to the Voters in Southeast Queens: Eric Ulrich won a surprise victory in last year's special election from District 32 and became the council's youngest member. Now he must survive a one-on-one race with a veteran area activist.

Vann Gets a New Challenger: Bed-Stuy's Staple, Al Vann, sees a challenge from activist and policy advocate, Mark Winston Griffith.

Republican Mounts a Challenge in Bay Ridge: A Republican hopes he can ride the mayor's coattails and defeat a Democratic incumbent in District 43.

Other Council Races: All but two City Council members face some kind of challenge this Election Day. For information about your representative and who else will appear on the ballot in your district, see Who's Running for What.

ALSO ON THE BALLOT

Elsewhere on the Ballot: Voters will choose the public advocate, comptroller, borough presidents and judges and vote on two ballot questions on Tuesday.

CASTING YOUR BALLOT

Where and How to Vote: A roundup of key information on poll hours, absentee ballots and more.



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