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Capitol Confidential
A behind-the-scenes look at New York politics.
Updated: 2 years 28 weeks ago Ball’s gun privacy stanceWe have a story today about a gun permit web site that came and went and, last we checked, linked to a site about Assemblyman Greg Ball. Here’s the release the Ball put out last week after the list of gun permit holders was taken down from the whosepackingny.com web site. Categories: Mashup
Megna: Layoff planning starts next monthA top Paterson administration official said Wednesday that planning to lay off state workers — needed to realize $250 million in workforce savings counted in the budget — will begin in earnest next month. “We have, as you know, an early retirement program that we’re working through with state agencies,” Budget Director Bob Megna said in an interview with New York Now to be aired Friday. “I don’t think we can get to the $250 million just through the early retirement program, but I think we want to see where we are with that program over the next week, 10 days, where we think savings are,” Megna said. “And then after that, I think we need to sit down with the governor … and decide if we need to take further actions, including layoffs.” Paterson has attempted to lag pay for state workers and furlough employees one day a week in order to achieve his savings. He also asked employees to forgo a scheduled raise earlier this year. All the proposal were rebuffed by unions representing public employees, and the furlough attempt was ruled unconstitutional by a federal judge. The unions have argued that concessions required by the governor unfairly abrogate their existing collective bargaining agreements, and have proposed finding workforce savings by replacing outside consultants with unionized employees. They also claim Paterson is bound by a pledge to not lay off workers until 2011, an agreement forged when unions acquiesced to the creation of a new, less-generous pension tier for new employees. Paterson originally said he would wait until the first of the year to lay off workers, but later said he felt it would unfairly “kick the can” to the next governor were he to do so. Paterson is not seeking another term in office. Megna said that planning now was necessary given the “complicated” nature of planning for layoffs. “It’s not something where you can say, ‘oh, I’m going to lay off people tomorrow,’ and then make it happen,” he said. “It’s a lengthy process, so it is a process that would certainly, in all likelihood, extend into the next governor’s administration, so I think you have to take it very seriously and very careful.” Categories: Mashup
Murphy raises in SaratogaThe track season is starting, and the pols are heading toward the Spa City for summer fundraisers, almost certainly catching a few race. Rep. Scott Murphy will have a brunch reception this Sunday at the home of think-tank founder Elliott Masie. There’s an interesting group of names on the invite (below) including Suzy Ballantyne, a top official in the AFL-CIO and as well as Stewart’s head Gary Dake. Michael Del Guidice, a banker, trustee of the New York Racing Association and longtime associate of Andrew Cuomo, is also listed. As are three other congressman, including two prominent members of the New York delegation: Rep. Steve Israel, a Long Island Democrat who serves as the top recruiter for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (which helped pick Murphy before his 2009 special election win) and Rep. Joe Crowley, also the Queens County Democratic chairman. Murphy’s Republican opponent Chris Gibson outraised him in the last fundraising quarter, but Murphy has significantly more cash on hand for the race. [Donor], I wanted to invite you to the event we are having on opening weekend of the Saratoga Race Track, Sunday, July 25th at the home of Cathy and Elliott Masie. This will be a great opportunity to discuss the Congressman Murphy’s time in office and the tough upcoming election. Elliott & Cathy Masie cordially invite you to brunch with Categories: Mashup
Cuomo: Sodexho swallows fineAG Andrew Cuomo is announcing a $20 million settlement with food service giant Sodexho regarding what officials say was over-charging a number of schools, from western New York to downstate, including the Schenectady school district in the Capital Region. Some SUNY campuses also were shortchanged Cuomo said, when the company failed to pass along savings from supplier discounts. Here are the details: Attorney General Andrew M. Cuomo An Attorney General investigation found that the company promised to The 21 schools and the SUNY system contracted with Sodexo to provide “This company cut sweetheart deals with suppliers and then denied The 21 K-12 schools participate in the New York State Education Pursuant to the False Claims Act, the settlement funds will be ● Children’s Village and Abbott House (Westchester County): Sodexo must also implement greater transparency in the contracting ● Disclose in future contracts with public entities that it is Sodexo is among the world’s largest food services companies and the Attorney General Cuomo’s investigation has revealed that it is common The Attorney General’s investigation is being conducted by Assistant Categories: Mashup
You know Howard and Daffy and Donald and Peking …But are you ready to meet the newest duck on the political scene? The Paladino campaign is introducing Mario Jr., who makes his first appearance today in Glens Falls. The choice of fowl as a Cuomo-baiter is predicated on the idea that the Attorney General is “ducking” his chance to join in the flock (sorry) of lawsuits against the health care reform package brought by attorneys general in more than 20 states. Paladino contends that the reforms will burden New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. Mario Jr. will be migrating (again, sorry) across the state on the heels of Cuomo: The RV Tour. Speaking as a former singing telegram messenger, I have two words for whoever’s in that suit: Stay hydrated, brother. Or sister. Today’s question: What other mascots would you like to see following which candidates on the campaign trail, readers? Here’s Paladino’s release and the flier the duck will be handing out: PALADINO’S DUCK TO CUOMO: STOP DUCKING OBAMACARE (BUFFALO, NY) – The campaign of Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, a Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today kicked off a campaign to urge Cuomo to join a lawsuit against the Obama healthcare law that violates the US Constitution and will bankrupt New York taxpayers. At Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s upcoming campaign stops, a Paladino campaign volunteer dressed as MARIO JR. THE DUCK will be making a flap of the Democrat candidate for Governor’s habit of ducking Obamacare. “Andrew Cuomo ducks vital policy questions like Obamacare because he knows New Yorkers won’t support his tired progressive agenda,” Paladino campaign manager Michael Caputo said. “Does Cuomo support Obamacare? Why won’t he join the 20-plus states signed on to federal lawsuits challenging the Constitutionality of Obamacare? It’s time for Andrew Coumo to pick a side – Obamacare or New Yorkers – and Mario Jr. will be tailing Cuomo’s “Retread New York” RV tour to remind him.” Text of a handout MARIO JR. is distributing along the campaign trail is pasted below. Today see MARIO JR. THE DUCK: 1:00 P.M. Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in Buffalo in April. He and Ognibene have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and are canvassing also to create a Tea Party-oriented line – the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit www.paladinoforthepeople.com . ### ——– MARIO JR.’s FLYER ——– WHY IS ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW CUOMO DUCKING OBAMACARE? • Obamacare will cost New Yorkers millions, making health care more expensive for our taxpayers who already pay the most for healthcare in America. New York needs a leader to fight for taxpayers and limit federal power. STOP DUCKING OBAMACARE, ANDREW! Categories: Mashup
You know Howard and Daffy and Donald … (updated)But are you ready to meet the newest duck on the political scene? The Paladino campaign is introducing Mario Jr., who makes his first appearance today in Glens Falls. The choice of fowl as a Cuomo-baiter is predicated on the idea that the Attorney General is “ducking” his chance to join in the flock (sorry) of lawsuits against the health care reform package brought by attorneys general in more than 20 states. Paladino contends that the reforms will burden New York’s already overburdened taxpayers. Mario Jr. will be migrating (again, sorry) across the state on the heels of Cuomo: The RV Tour. Speaking as a former singing telegram messenger, I have two words for whoever’s in that suit: Stay hydrated, brother. Or sister. Today’s question: What other mascots would you like to see following which candidates on the campaign trail, readers? Update: State Democratic Committee Chair Jay Jacobs wisely avoids any horse references in his response: “Carl Paladino sends a duck to a political event? Of course. Paladino is a quack.” Here’s Paladino’s release and the flier the duck will be handing out: PALADINO’S DUCK TO CUOMO: STOP DUCKING OBAMACARE (BUFFALO, NY) – The campaign of Buffalo businessman Carl Paladino, a Republican candidate for Governor of New York, today kicked off a campaign to urge Cuomo to join a lawsuit against the Obama healthcare law that violates the US Constitution and will bankrupt New York taxpayers. At Attorney General Andrew Cuomo’s upcoming campaign stops, a Paladino campaign volunteer dressed as MARIO JR. THE DUCK will be making a flap of the Democrat candidate for Governor’s habit of ducking Obamacare. “Andrew Cuomo ducks vital policy questions like Obamacare because he knows New Yorkers won’t support his tired progressive agenda,” Paladino campaign manager Michael Caputo said. “Does Cuomo support Obamacare? Why won’t he join the 20-plus states signed on to federal lawsuits challenging the Constitutionality of Obamacare? It’s time for Andrew Coumo to pick a side – Obamacare or New Yorkers – and Mario Jr. will be tailing Cuomo’s “Retread New York” RV tour to remind him.” Text of a handout MARIO JR. is distributing along the campaign trail is pasted below. Today see MARIO JR. THE DUCK: 1:00 P.M. Carl Paladino, a successful Western New York real estate developer and attorney, declared his candidacy for Governor of New York in Buffalo in April. He and Ognibene have petitioned their way into the Republican Primary and are canvassing also to create a Tea Party-oriented line – the Taxpayers Party. For more information on where Carl Paladino stands on the issues, please visit www.paladinoforthepeople.com . ### ——– MARIO JR.’s FLYER ——– WHY IS ATTORNEY GENERAL ANDREW CUOMO DUCKING OBAMACARE? • Obamacare will cost New Yorkers millions, making health care more expensive for our taxpayers who already pay the most for healthcare in America. New York needs a leader to fight for taxpayers and limit federal power. STOP DUCKING OBAMACARE, ANDREW! Categories: Mashup
Brodsky cross-examines Schneiderman on EspadaThis is long, but I think worth the read. During the yesterday’s City Hall-sponsored debate among the Democratic attorney general candidates, each man was allowed to ask two questions to any of his opponents. Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Westchester, passed on his first opportunity but on the second go-around, trained his sights on Sen. Eric Schneiderman, D-Manhattan. I transcribed the whole session. It’s significant to me to listen to Schneiderman’s answers — which indeed, many Democratic (and Republican) senators will be hedging on when asked by voters — and that Brodsky would pursue this fairly damaging line of inquiry in a primary. While these men are rivals, they will all have a common enemy in Staten Island District Attorney Dan Donovan, the Republican attorney general designee. Here it is: Brodsky: You take credit for the Monserrate stuff, and that’s to your credit, but why did you support Espada twice? Schneiderman: I’ve actually never supported Espada. I supported his opponent… Brodsky: I’m sorry, not in the election; in the election for Senate leader. Schneiderman: I never voted for him to be in leadership. Actually, he only could come back to the Democratic conference after a bizarre flip to the Republicans and then return. Brodsky: Did you oppose his being in the Senate leadership? Schneiderman: No, no. There was no vote on it. This is something that you inherit. No one in the Senate — the Democrats in the Senate — there are too many of us who said we will never vote for him in that leadership position. He was brought in and given some stuff by leadership. I never voted for him. Brodsky: Did you acquiesce in his getting that position? Schneiderman: I don’t know about acquiesce. I…I have made my positions about Senator Espada clear: I was one of the first people to call for him to step down as majority leader, and I’ve called for him to relinquish that position. It was, I didn’t, the Republicans — maybe you’re confused, Richard — it was the Republicans who actually voted for him to not just be the leader but to be the president pro tem of the Senate. The Republicans in the Senate were so desperate to take power. Brodsky: I understand… Schneiderman: Let me finish, Richard. They voted for him to be next in line to be the governor, and he came back to the Democrats with his tail between his legs, no one would agree to vote for him and have that position. There never was a vote. Brodsky: I understand there wasn’t a vote. My only point here was, this wasn’t about technical legalities, you take great credit for the Monserrate stuff. Senator Espada took his position as a leader in the state Senate with the support of the Democratic conference. That seems to me to be…if Monserrate is relevant, so is Espada. Schneiderman: I agree completely. He’s under investigation by the attorney general’s office, which prevents me — and I think all of us — from commenting on the specifics of the corruption case against him. I did call for him to relinquish all of his powers and titles and whatever perks he’s got, and I don’t know that I’ve been joined by the other candidates for this office, and I hope you will join me in calling that he step down as majority leader. But beyond that, there’s a case against him that I will inherit in January when I become the attorney general. Let me also mention that I am confident that broader support from far and away the broadest, most diverse coalition of supporters in this race, including a lot of leading reformers and reform groups related to these sorts of issues, whether it’s Citizen Action or New York-NARAL, and I do expect that as we continue these debates, my record as an actual reformer not just challenging structures of government but challenging the power structure in the legislature and successfully, in some cases failing, will become more clear. Brodsky: Would you put a resolution on the floor of the Senate stripping him of his powers? Schneiderman: I don’t, I think that’s something that, look: he’s under investigation. I’ve called for him to relinquish his powers I don’t think we have more than that. Categories: Mashup
Paterson lays groundwork to drag lawmakers backGov. Paterson just said he’s revoking the Legislature’s ‘extraordinary session’ that he triggered Jan 17 and then on June 26. While there are some arcane legalistic ins and outs here, the bottom line is he is attempting to lay the groundwork to overcome any potential legal opposition that could arise should he force lawmakers to return to Albany to complete the 2010-11 budget (Remember that? That’s the $136 billion spending plan that was due April 1) Apparently, Paterson wants to try to force them back in the next few weeks to finish up. The question of extraordinary sessions has come up in the past with some lawmakers suggesting that the governor can’t force them to meet since, technically speaking, they continued to be in the special sessions from January and June. How, the argument went, can the governor force them to do something they already are doing? Paterson’s revocation aims to clear that up once and for all. The reaction, at least from the Democratic-controlled Senate, which has yet to pass the revenue bill that would in fact complete the budget, was swift and harsh. ‘The Senate and Assembly are meeting themselves because the governor says he will not negotiate,” said Austin Shafran, spokesman for the Senate Democrats. “We don’t need a constitutional argument. We need a budget and an executive willing to work with the Legislature to get the job done.” Likewise, Assemblyman Jack McEneny, maintained that only the Legislature can adjourn a session. “He can’t end it. We have to revoke it,” said the Albany Democrat who “gavels in” every three days to keep the session, technically, going. What we still don’t know is precisely when Paterson will call lawmakers back. Categories: Mashup
Dinallo: ‘There are just certain things I just will not do’Nope. Still no Kathleen Rice in this picture. (Jimmy Vielkind / Times Union) NEW YORK — During the second of two debates yesterday in Manhattan, Eric Dinallo stated that he could see instances where he would not defend state agencies if he believed they were implementing wrong-headed policies. “I will not, under certain facts – and I just want to be careful, because I’m a lawyer and I understand facts are important – but there are certain issues around gay marriage that I will not defend, and I think that’s a pertinent issue,” Dinallo, the former insurance superintendent, said after the debate. “I have no problem saying it. Like Elliot Richardson, there are just certain things I just will not do. If people want to vote me out because I use my conscience and we don’t have a machine as the attorney general, so be it.” When the first position came out during the debate, Dinallo’s rival Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, D-Westchester, pounced. This was a sophisticated crowd: it was hosted at Cardozo Law School and sponsored by the Democratic Lawyers Council. “A candidate for attorney general who says that he or she will only defend the laws that he or she likes is violating that constitutional oath of office,” Brodsky said. It’s a tough nut to crack, but when you run for this you run to be the lawyer for state agencies. There’s a lot you can do to shape social policy — that’s the hallmark of my campaign — but to pretend that you can pick and choose among the laws of the state is disingenuous and I thought the debate helped sharpen that point.” “You took an oath of office to defend state agencies. You don’t get to defend them just when they’re right, and there’s a lot you can do to shape a policy,” he continued. “You’re the lawyer for the state, and to pretend otherwise is to pander to voters, and I won’t do it.” Dinallo said he believed there was precedent for the stance, pointing to Bob Abrams’ actions in a matter concerning sodomy law. He said it was still fulfilling his Constitutional duties. “I have a constitutional obligation to get those cases done. We can appoint, I can deputize and assistant attorney general outside of the agency and refer to them, and recuse myself and the agency. It’s been done before,” he said. “But say an agency got sued in a way that implicated the lack of same-sex marriage in the state. I might say, yeah, I think it’s immoral, I think it’s unconstitutional, and I’m not going to defend that action. I could see that. But I hae to see the facts, and these things are very fact-specific and obviously you want to limit it as much as possible, but I could see a rare — and extremely rare — case where one just does not agree to take the case. And if people don’t like that, they should find someone who is a robot in the office.” Categories: Mashup
Jack Donaghy/Ryan for SchneidermanNo, not the stars of 30 Rock or The Hunt for Red October, but Alec Baldwin, the famously left-leaning actor who portrayed them. He endorsed Sen. Eric Schneiderman in his quest to be attorney general. The endorsement was announced today by team Schneiderman, after several others this week: former New York Mayor David Dinkins and the Hotel Trades Council, which offers “boots on the ground,” announced their support. “I’m supporting Eric Schneiderman because New York State is facing big problems and we need big progressive solutions,” Baldwin said in a statement. “We need an independent, gutsy Attorney General – that’s why I’m proud to endorse lifelong progressive Eric Schneiderman. Eric’s always been on the right side of the issues, from protecting the environment to fighting for marriage equality and reproductive freedom, and I know he has the character and the tenacity to stand up and deliver the real change our state needs.” Categories: Mashup
David Grandeau takes his beefs to the webDavid Grandeau, who spent 12 years as the executive director of the old State Lobbying Commission, is well-known as a critic of the Commission’s successor agency, the Commission on Public Integrity. Now, Grandeau has taken his critiques to the internet, with a blog that appears to focus on the CPI. Why did Grandeau start the blog? “Probably an unrequited need to vent about how bad things are,’ he said, adding ‘It’s also a way to keep in touch with the community. His latest issue, outlined in the blog, is the fines CPI imposes on late filing fees: Hes takes issue with the way they are calculating the time period before a fine is warranted. Categories: Mashup
David Grandeau takes his beefs to the webDavid Grandeau, who spent 12 years as the executive director of the old State Lobbying Commission, is well-known as a critic of the Commission’s successor agency, the Commission on Public Integrity. Now, Grandeau has taken his critiques to the internet, with a blog that appears to focus on the CPI. Why did Grandeau start the blog? “Probably an unrequited need to vent about how bad things are,’ he said, adding ‘It’s also a way to keep in touch with the community. His latest issue, outlined in the blog, is the fines CPI imposes on late filing fees: Hes takes issue with the way they are calculating the time period before a fine is warranted. Categories: Mashup
NY joins Ohio in BP suitNew York’s pension system is joining forces with Ohio in the class action lawsuit against BP. More state will likely join in, pension systems essentially contend that the Gulf disaster has degraded the value of BP stock which numerous retirement systems own. Here are the details: New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli and Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray announced that the $132 billion New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) and four Ohio pension funds with combined assets of about $150 billion yesterday filed petitions seeking co-lead plaintiff status in a securities fraud action against BP Plc. and others. “BP misled investors with false and misleading statements about the safety of its drilling operations and its ability to fix events like the oil spill,” DiNapoli said. “The partnership between New York and the Ohio funds seeks to hold BP accountable to investors and provide the best chance for recovering losses due to BP’s apparent misconduct.” Cordray, who represents the legal interests of the Ohio funds, said: “Institutional investors and the Ohio Funds in particular, have been greatly harmed by BP’s alleged misconduct. By forming a partnership between New York and Ohio, we aim to compensate investors for what we believe was securities fraud and effect real change in the way BP and other companies do business.” Plaintiffs contend that BP and related defendants issued materially false and misleading statements regarding the company’s safety protocols and record, as well as its ability to respond to a major oil spill. As a result, BP’s securities traded at artificially inflated prices. Since the April 20, 2010 Deepwater Horizon explosion, BP’s stock has fallen approximately 40%, eliminating tens of billions of dollars in the company’s total market capitalization value, causing the five public pension funds more than $200 million of estimated losses. DiNapoli, as trustee of the Fund, is suing to protect the interests of more than one million active and retired state and local government employees, police officers, and firefighters, as well as the millions of taxpayers who support the Fund. The Ohio funds consist of the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System; the State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio; the School Employees Retirement System of Ohio; and the Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. Categories: Mashup
CapNY: Cuomo’s Tight Rope with DemsBased in part on last Saturday’s picnic hosted by the Albany County Democratic Committee, I wrote a story for CapitalNewYork.com about gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo’s campaign and his interaction with old-line Democrats. Cuomo on stage this Saturday. (Jimmy Vielkind) The speech lasted four minutes and 47 seconds. Not mentioned: Cuomo’s pledge to cap property taxes, reorganize government and “put New York’s fiscal house in order.” Nor his pledge to “clean up” Democratic-controlled Albany. Standing on a stage beside Assemblymen Jack McEneny, Ron Canestrari and Bob Reilly, Senator Neil Breslin and his brother Mike, the Albany County executive, as well as Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings (an old buddy who Cuomo ribbed as having “a beautiful set of legs”), Cuomo didn’t mention the stated purpose of the statewide Winnebago ride: to gather signatures for his “Reform NY” pledge. It’s the latest step along the tight-rope that Cuomo, a second-generation politician, has walked in his second campaign for governor. Cuomo is actively seeking—and receiving—the support of officials and apparatchiks like the ones he addressed in Colonie. But he’s running on a platform of stripping down government and purging the party of the entrenched, and tailoring the message to them is not easy. “You can’t have it both ways,” McEneny said, in a phone interview. “You can’t elevate the career politician like the late Jack McNulty as a role model and not recognize that there are some living role models, too. I think as the campaign goes on, there has to be a recognition of people who have worked very hard, very honestly, to be the best that they could. That message has not gotten across.” Categories: Mashup
A.M. Roundup: Sampson’s legal work for Meeks’ lenderGood morning! The candidates are moving, and after two debates yesterday the would-be Democratic candidates for attorney general will meet again tonight. Here are some headlines… State officials have repeatedly investigated a man, Edul Ahmad, who gave Rep. Greg Meeks a loan. Ahmad was represented by Senate Democratic Conference Leader John Sampson. (NYP/NYT) Four of the five Democrats running for attorney general debated, twice, in Manhattan. My take and Colby Hamilton’s take. (TU/City Hall) Priority one: cleaning up Albany. (NYP) Rick Lazio increased his call for an investigation of the “trophy mosque” being constructed near Ground Zero. (AP) Lazio’s campaign manager, Kevin Fullington, is still a registered lobbyist. (TU) Rick Lazio was in Wayne and Oneida counties yesterday. Andrew Cuomo was backed by Republicans in New Paltz, and will today visit Glens Falls. (Messenger-Post/OD/Mid-Hudson/Post-Star) The DSCC is chipping in to help incumbents Bill Perkins and Shirley Huntley weather primary challenges. (City Hall) The committee also spent $26,000 on restaurant tabs (for fundraising.) (DN) Tim Kennedy is getting support from the Senecas. (BN) Cuomo is suing a coal plant in Pennsylvania. (TU) Pete Seeger and Mark Ruffalo rallied in favor of a moratorium on drilling in the Marcellus Shale. (TU/Press & Sun-Bulletin) No one challenged Carl Paladino’s signatures, so he’s a go to primary Rick Lazio. (AP) Lennny Rosado, crusading for tougher penalties against drunk drivers, wants to sit down with Barack Obama. (DN) Martin Dunn is leaving the Daily News. (DN) SKDKnickerbocker has political muscle, and is doing press for Genting’s bid to develop Aqueduct. (DN) Myers Mermel dished out $51,000 to candidates. (NYO) Congressional hopeful Reshma Saujani is getting support from the south Asian community. (CapNY) Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz enjoyed lots of free travel. (WSJ) And here are some national headlines… Georgia USDA official Shirley Sherrod, a black woman, was fired after a video of allegedly racist remarks to the NAACP emerged. (WP) Ben Smith says this shows that the conversation about race has gotten dumber. (Politico) The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced the nomination of Elena Kagan. (AP) Republican Ann Marie Buerkle got the Independence line. (Post-Standard) Doug Hoffman loaned his campaign money, and the campaign is paying him interest. (WDT) Categories: Mashup
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