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Replacing HevesiIs it irresponsible to speculate about who might replace Alan Hevesi if he is forced to resign after being re-elected? Sure, but let’s do it anyway. Based on the last time a Comptroller quit, the next one will be picked by 2 men – the Governor & Assembly Speaker. Who they pick will serve in the job for the rest of Hevesi’s term until the end of 2010. Assuming the next Governor is Eliot Spitzer and Shelly Silver is still the Speaker and assuming they will pick someone with some qualifications for the job, would be a good candidate to run for re-election and is someone they both get along with, here are some potential candidates I came up. I also assumed that ethnic, gender & geographic considerations would be considered. I’ve added some comments where I think it’s appropriate. Carl McCall – The equivalent of New Jersey Democrats bringing back Frank Lautenberg. Bill Thompson Freddie Ferrer Andy Spano – Westchester County Executive. Ran for Comptroller in 1986. Michael Breslin – Albany County Executive.
Neil Breslin – Michael Breslin’s brother and ranking Democrat on State Senate Finance Committee.
David Weprin – Chair of City Council Finance Committee. Former Deputy Banking Commissioner. His bother Mark is close to both Spitzer & Silver.
Denise O’Donnell
Bill Mulrow – Close adviser to Spitzer. Ran against Hevesi 4 years ago. Strong union support. Michael Carey – Son of former Governor. Former President of NYC Economic Development Corporation. Advisor to Spitzer. Shelly Silver - Former Chair of Assembly Ways & Means Committee. Giving him the job would be a neat way for Spitzer to put his own person in charge of the Assembly.
That’s my first cut. I’m sure I’m leaving lots of potential choices out. I invite all to join in the speculation. Oh, one more thing. There’s one candidate I left out who would be ideal if he didn’t miss out on one of the qualifications I listed above - Tom Suozzi. If its Thompson, who runs in the special election to replace HIM? A month and a half is a VERY short time for unknowns to put together a campaign--it would have to be someone who walks in the door with a citywide base and the ability to raise money.
Gifford, Ferrer, Weprin, Gotbaum, Stringer, Peter Vallone Jr, John Liu, Weiner. Any one looking to promote themselves.
OK, so he (Hevesi) my have done something not very good, especially for a official in his position (Comptroller) and of his caliber. BUT, let's be real here as well. How many other elected officials are there in office NOW that one way or another, are betraying the public's trust? At least he did what others dare to do: admit his mistakes, and I commend him for doing it. He could have opted not to say anything about and contineu to be our Comptroller. As far as replacing him is concerned, I have very little doubt any of those mentioned will accept the offer (IF made). Hevesi is a family name that are known for honesty, humility, and commitment to serve the people. Well, that's my two cents on this...for now! Haile Rivera Bronx Resident Almost couldn't post this I laughed so hard. Dave Weprin a nice candidate? Have you ever met him? He might sell State wide, if the State were restricted to say, Hollis Hills.
In that case, a replacement should be a respected CPA, near the end of his or her private sector career, who has not held elective office and is not affiliated with any existing politicos.
Nobody likes Weprin. Nobody. His brother, the Assemblyman, is a very nice guy, but I guess those genes didn't get spread around evenly.
What about someone from Western New York for a change? What about Mark Poloncarz? He's done a great job bringing some credibility back to the Erie County Comptoller's office after our financial disaster a couple of years ago. I realize he hasn't been in office very long but he is good and maybe a newbie is what we need.
Sandra Frankel would be a great choice. She has terrific experience as the long-time Supervisor of the Town of Brighton, outside Rochester. She'd add gender and geographic balance to our statewide officeholders and she's the only upstate Democrat to win a primary for statewide office (Lt. Govr. in 1998) in recent memory. So we should let him slide? It was a stupid mistake. Don't you think that elected officials should be held to a higher standard. What he did was against, what do you call it, the law.
Sandra, unfortunately has a heap of trouble brewing in Brighton. Until she can straighten out her mess and legal entanglements with the citizens, She will have to pass on the illustrious appointment. The Attorney General has been notified. Post new comment |
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It should be SOme one who already has the type of experiance nessisary. Bill Thompson would be great. Also David Weprin is a nice candidate.