Reform in Albany? Not today.
It’s a disgrace. Given the opportunity to alter the rancid atmosphere in Albany, Democrats have spoken loud and clear. The message for voters is “NOT TODAY”. Behind closed doors the Democrats decided to unanimously elect Carl Heastie to fill the Assembly speaker position.
It is worth noting that instead of patting themselves on the back for selecting a reformer, the best Democrats can do is congratulate themselves for installing the first black speaker in NYS history. Carl Heastie is about to become one of the most powerful men in NYS government. The third man in the three-men in a room scenario.
So who is Carl Heastie? He is a man without any substantial legislative initiatives and without a record of supporting just about anything. We know that he received $23,441 in per diems for travel to Albany during the 65 or so days the Legislature was in session last year. We know he was investigated for his use of campaign funds and that there were no charges brought against him. We know he never signed on to Assemblyman David Buchwald’s legislation to revoke the pensions of elected officials who are convicted of committing a felony involving breach of public trust. He has not advocated for reform of the legislature. And we know that whatever else Mr.Heastie may or may not be, he comes from one of the five boroughs of NYC; a very important factor in his canonization.
The Democrats missed the opportunity to elect the first black speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Heastie, in a process that was transparent and competitive. Mr. Heastie may or may not be a sound and effective leader, he deserves the opportunity to be judged on his record. But, as he begins his reign as speaker instead of hope and excitement for the new speaker, the public is left with a feeling of disdain for a process that is at best enigmatic.
The stench of the Tammany Hall-like corruption permeates throughout Albany. How much better would it have been for Assembly Democrats to embrace reform and governance that serves in the public’s interest?
Congratulations Mr. Heastie. Here’s hoping that you prove to be the best Speaker the Assembly ever had. It is unfortunate that the Democrats didn’t give you the opportunity to come out of the gate having succeeded in an open contest.
Reform in Albany? Not today!, say Assembly Democrats.
Pat