|
It’s shaping up to be an active week
in the state’s capitol.
State legislators this week will
consider two competing ethics reform bills and legislation that
could expel embattled Senator Hiram Monserrate.
And, perhaps most explosive, are
rumors about Governor David Paterson’s alleged indiscretions in a
broom closet at the executive mansion.
On Monday, Senate GOP leaders and the
Governor’s Office filed what the Paterson administration is calling
– quote – “compromise ethics reform legislation.” Democratic Senator
Eric Schneidermen has promised to submit a competing bill of his
own.
Senate Democrats had hoped to secure
enough GOP support to override last Tuesday’s gubernatorial veto of
the original ethics reform bill. But short nine votes, and lacking
support from most GOP legislators, Schneidermen decided to start the
process over again.
State Senator Betty Little told WNBZ
last week she would not support a veto override, even though she
originally voted in favor of the legislation.
“We need to get it right this time,”
Little said.
Little said she has yet to review the
text of the Governor’s ethics bill, but will do so as soon as it’s
available.
According to the Governor’s office,
Paterson’s ethics reform package revives the two independent ethics
commissions that were stripped from the previous bill.
It would create Legislative and
Executive commissions to oversee pay-to-play disclosure and
compliance with campaign finance laws in both branches of state
government. Democrats are challenging Paterson’s assertion that he
has reached out to them to negotiate a new ethics bill.
Meanwhile, as discontent grows about
Senator Hiram Monserrate’s continued presence on the floor, Senators
are expecting to see legislation Tuesday that would either expel or
censure the Queens Democrat.
Last month, a senate panel concluded
that Monserrate should be expelled from the chamber after being
convicted on misdemeanor assault charges surrounding a December 2008
incident where he was videotaped dragging his girlfriend through the
lobby of his apartment complex by her hair.
Little said that she believes
Monserrate should be expelled for his actions, a sentiment that has
been expressed by a growing number of legislators.
In other news, Albany insiders told
WNBZ Monday they’ve never seen so much buzz about something that has
yet to be published, as the state awaits a coming New York Times
article that is expected to detail Paterson’s recent alleged
extramarital affairs.
Last week, the New York Post reported
that unnamed sources within the state Police Governor’s Detail said
last fall an officer found Paterson in a broom closet at the
executive mansion in an embrace with an unnamed woman.
The Times piece is expected within the
next two or three days. Some reports have even said that the
Governor may resign amidst the accusations.
But gubernatorial staffers have
continued to deny that the incident took place and that Paterson is
not considering filing his resignation.
-Jon
Alexander, 2-9-10
|