Azi Paybarah | The New York Observer

Thompson Says He'll Run Again, Eventually. Maybe Soon

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:59:49 -0500

Bill Thompson said there is "a very good chance" he'll run for office again, and said he'll announce a decision next month about running statewide.

During an interview on Inside City Hall, Thompson said, "I guess there is a chance, or a very good chance eventually I'll run for office again."

He went on to say, "I think within the next month I have to make a decision. I think that that...

A Political Calendar for New York

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 10:47:57 -0500

Here's a new web site that is intended to serve as a public calendar for all those political events happening around New York.

Tonight, for example, Liz Krueger discusses financial "survival strategies." Micah Kellner discusses emergency preparedness. Rep. Eric Massa and Steve Israel are hanging out with Bill Clinton.

Pretty handy. Also, see this guide to this season's political holiday parties.

You can submit events to be posted on NYCPoliticalCalendar.com at...

Morning Read: Urging Thompson, Questioning Bloomberg, Shoving Rangel

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 08:43:43 -0500

Barack Obama wants 34,000 troops for Afghanistan.

Liberals are not happy.

The Post edit page urges Bill Thompson to challenge Kirsten Gilibrand, saying, "Run, Billy, run!"

Thompson has $531,975 in fines for illegal signs. John Liu has $543,900.

The promotion of Cas Holloway "seemed to reinforce the growing influence of Mr. Skyler." Also, this: "The mayor’s aides seemed especially sensitive to questions about Mr. Holloway’s lack of environmental experience, and on Monday afternoon they...

Elsewhere: Watching the Senate

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:08:55 -0500

No verdict today in the Joe Bruno trial.

Add Michael Balboni to the list of possible U.S. Senate candidates.

Democratic governors are watching their poll ratings slip.

Tom Suozzi is almost ready to accept defeat.

Jason Chaffetz says it's time to bring home the troops.

Tom DiNapoli reported on the pension fund.

The Albany Project floats a redistricting plan.

Dorris Kearns Goodwin on New York Now.

Mike Long convened some Gillibrand challengers.

Frank Padavan is...

Party With the City Council for $25

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:50:36 -0500

Here's the memo about the City Council's holiday party. It's on December 9 and it's taking place inside City Hall.

It's not...

The Barron-Avella Agenda

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:46:26 -0500

Here's a pair that's been long in the making:

Tony Avella and Charles Barron, two of the City Council's most discontented members, are proposing a "Democratic Reform Movement." Basically, the goal is to shift power away from the speaker's office to rank-and-file members. They make the case for, among other things, electing a black or Latino member as Speaker. Barron has announced his candidacy for the speaker position. Avella ran unsuccessfully for mayor and leaving...

Saujani's Party People

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 15:17:56 -0500

Here's the invitation to Reshma Saujani's fund-raiser on Wednesday, which has been getting some attention lately since it includes major Democratic donors like Maureen White and Marc Lasry (and some guy named John Legend).

Not the usual cohorts for someone taking on an scandal-free incumbent Democratic member of...

Gotbaum's Bill

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 14:48:47 -0500

Betsy Gotbaum, who has said that the budget at her public advocate's office was slashed by 40 percent because of her opposition to extending term limits, is introducing a bill to prevent further reductions.

According to a bill introduced today, the funding for the public advocate's office will be "not less than nine thousands of one percent of the net total expense budget of the city." Currently, the level of funding is at...

Wolfson Explains Bloomberg's Spending Again

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 13:40:29 -0500

Michael Bloomberg released his campaign finance numbers this past Friday, at which they disappeared into a post-Thanksgiving news black hole.

But the campaign did make Howard Wolfson available to explain the Bloomberg's spending.

The campaign had always argued that their biggest asset was Bloomberg's successful record, and that his enormous warchest wouldn't be effective if they had no accomplishments to brag about. I asked Wolfson if he thought the mayor could have...

Bloomberg's New Commissioners: Holloway and Schiraldi

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 10:55:45 -0500

Michael Bloomberg announced this morning he's hired two new commissioners.

The first is Cas Holloway, who will lead the Department of Environmental Protection. Bloomberg noted Cas worked a few desks away from him inside the City Hall bullpen, where Holloway was chief of staff to Deputy Mayor Ed Skyler. (Skyler and Holloway [and Bradley Tusk too!] worked together at the Parks Department under Henry Stern.)

At a press conference in the Blue...

Morning Read: Bloomberg's Tab, Seabrook's Bill, Oddo's Office

Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:33:32 -0500

The Washington Post makes Adrian Fenty sound like Michael Bloomberg.

Bloomberg spent $174.53 per vote, says Celeste Katz.

It's $183 per vote, says Michael Barbaro.

The Times edit page hits the mayor: "By far the biggest devotee of the state housekeeping loophole is Mayor Michael Bloomberg."

Public schools and charter schools don't always make for happy neighbors.

Jimmy Oddo's office "wedged between the Public Design Commission and the women’s...

Bloomberg's $100 Million

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:56:26 -0500

Michael Bloomberg spent $102,065,004.40 for his four-point win over Democrat Bill Thompson, according to the mayor's latest campaign finance report, released late this afternoon.

The report does not include bonuses, which could stil be given out and disclosed in a later campaign report due out in January, said campaign spokesman Howard Wolfson.

Bloomberg spent $18,689,842.59 in this latest filing period, between October 20 and November 26.

Elsewhere: DiNapoli's Message

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 15:53:24 -0500

Below, Tom DiNapoli says it's important for a deficit reduction plan to "set us on a course of responsible budgeting."

DiNapoli also wants consumers to ask questions about gift cards.

A measure to crack down on employer retaliation went into effect.

Tiger Woods crashed his car.

James Howard Kunstler hates on Skidmore College.

Jay Gallagher tries his best at charades.

Snow tonight in Albany!

Hillary, no pants suit.

I can't see where Bloomberg is sitting,...

Peralta Finds an Issue: Domestic Violence

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:42:11 -0500

One benefit of running against someone who has notable legal troubles is you don't have to mention them by name in order to go on the offensive.

Assemblyman Peralta, an announced candidate for State Senate against Hiram Monserrate, recently called for the creation of a domestic violence task force, citing a recent murder of a woman and her son in his district. Politically, it's a potent issue, since Monserrate was recently found guilty...

Thompson Talking to People 'Around the State' About His Next Move

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 13:40:12 -0500

Bill Thompson seemed to confirm to NY1 that he is at least considering a run for a statewide office, telling the station yesterday he's talking to people in the city "and around the state."

Who, outside New York City, is Thompson talking to? A spokesman for Thompson declined to comment when I asked about this. Several people reached today either declined to comment or said they haven't heard from Thompson yet.

The races Thompson are...

Morning Read: Bloomberg's Opinion, Thompson's Chatter, Blakeman's Entrance

Fri, 27 Nov 2009 09:07:37 -0500

Michael Bloomberg and Tom Kean have an op-ed in the Washington Post: "A federal law repeatedly supported by Congress interfered with the FBI's ability to find out about Hasan's purchase of a handgun."

David Saltonstall notes that if Rep. Charlie Rangel retires before July 1, the Democratic nominee would be selected by ally Keith Wright.

Can Bloomberg, who campaigned as a fiscal disciplinarian, turn around and give raises to teachers,?

Elsewhere: Bloomberg Raises the Bar for Teacher Tenure

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:58:37 -0500

Michael Bloomberg orders teacher tenure to be tied to student performance.

Bloomberg invokes Obama's name while encouraging Albany to follow his lead on education.

Gotham Schools has more on this.

Rudy Giuliani leads Kirsten Gillibrand 53 to 40 in a hypothetical Senate race, according to a Ramussen poll.

Among female voters, Giuliani breaks even with Gillibrand.

TPM suggests there's a bounce for Giuliani here because NYC is hosting...

Bloomberg's Savings

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 11:49:05 -0500

It's not easy to find money for initiatives like job-generating construction projects when you're hoping to not raise taxes or go further into debt. But yesterday, Michael Bloomberg announced he had done just that, thanks mainly to a series of work concessions by construction unions.

The science of calculating how much money is saved from work rules changes is far from perfect. Things get less scientific still if I am the one doing the calculating.

But...

D'Amato Hedges on 'Mythical Race' Between Giuliani and Gillibrand

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 10:42:48 -0500

Al D'Amato's has long had a strained relationship with Rudy Giuliani. He's also been a conspicuous ally of Kirsten Gillibrand.

So, who would the former Republican senator support if Giuliani challenged Gillibrand?

"This is mythical race and I'm not going to answer a mythical question," D'Amato said last night during a scheduled appearance on New York 1 News.

D'Amato, who has developed a lucrative lobbying business since being ousted from the Senate by...

Schoen: Dobbs 'Formidable'

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 09:26:20 -0500

Pollster Doug Schoen, who crunched numbers for President Clinton and Mayor Bloomberg, and made a prodigious study of the independent movement, thinks Lou Dobbs, who dubbed himself "Mr. Independent" would be a "formidable" candidate for office.

In an email this morning, Schoen said, "Dobbs would be formidable wherever he runs and on whatever ballot line he chose to run on."

Dobbs is reportedly considering a Senate run next year, either as an...

Morning Read: Ackerman Dines, Doherty Continues, Feld Ponders

Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:58:59 -0500

Ken Rudin's list of 2013 Democratic mayoral candidates: Bill Thompson, John Liu, Bill de Blasio, Scott Stringer, Anthony Weiner.

Gary Ackerman was at the State Dinner last night.

Liz Feld may run for Senate, says Sal Gentile.

Bill Thompson was spotted after a flight from Phoenix.

Chuck Schumer doesn't want Adidas to move operations overseas.

Maureen Dowd: "I often wondered if Craig and U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice, the other...

Elsewhere: Duane's Promise, Lazio's Claim, Bloomberg's Deal

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:53:13 -0500

Michael Bloomberg announced a major labor deal that's supposed to create thousands of construction jobs.

A Thanksgiving poem from NYCLU.

Roger Stone says if they get Joe Bruno, they'll get Sheldon Silver.

New Yorkers are not optimistic about the economy.

Rick Lazio says David Paterson's plan to give himself authority over the budget was Lazio's idea first.

Andrew Cuomo accuses the U.H.O. of fraud.

It's Judith Enck's last...

Bloomberg Recalls Palin's 2007 Visit: She 'Really Wasn't Interested in National Politics'

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:27:39 -0500

Michael Bloomberg said it took five months for his administration to find and hand over photographs from Sarah Palin's 2007 visit to City Hall because, in all likelihood, they were "inundated" with other Freedom of Information Law requests.

In recalling the visit, Bloomberg also said, "at that time she really wasn't interested in national politics."

With respect to the FOIL requests, it is true that a fair number of them have...

McCarthy Pleges Support to Gillibrand, After the Primary

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 15:17:04 -0500

At an appearance this morning with Senator Gillibrand, a onetime critic, Rep. Carolyn McCarthy of Long Island, said she'd work to help get the senator elected in next year's election. She cited the freshman senator's support for new gun control restrictions that the pair will introduce next week in Congress. But afterward, McCarthy told reporters she "believes in the primary system" and will only help Gillibrand in the general election.

McCarthy and Gillibrand...

Times' Santos Leaving the City Hall Beat

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:19:57 -0500

New York Times reporter Fernanda Santos is transferring from the City Hall beat. Santos, who covered upstate New York before coming to Room 9, will be transferring to the paper's Queens beat. (Yes, they have one!).

"I'm a street reporter at heart, so this is a beat that suits me better," she said in an email.

During her time at city she interviewed Bloomberg to discuss his ongoing attempt to learn Spanish....

Bloomberg Defends Strategy on D Train

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 12:10:37 -0500

Michael Bloomberg took some criticism in the papers this morning for how the police responded to the fatal stabbing on the D train, where passengers were reportedly "locked" in the car with the assailant until police arrived.

But, as Bloomberg said, the doors remained locked because a passenger pulled the emergency cord while the train was between stations, where the doors couldn't be opened. Once at the nearest station, Bloomberg said one door was...

Morning Read: An Open Door to the White House, A Closed Door on the D Train

Tue, 24 Nov 2009 09:09:29 -0500

"He wouldn't share a stage with fellow Democrat Bill Thompson, but President Obama invited Thompson's campaign rival, Mayor Bloomberg, to attend a White House state dinner tonight."

WaPo's Ken Adelman: "relationships are heightened and debts are deepened by State Dinner invitations."

Rupert Murdoch may join forces with Bing and exclude Google.

The Post edit pages urges "Mayor creampuff" to not give raises to teachers.

Bloomberg defended the move of trapping...

Elsewhere: Gillibrand Hovers, Schumer Ages, Diaz Protests

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:59:07 -0500

NYC Magazine expects layoffs from Michael Bloomberg.

Hotline notices a Kos diarist's unhappiness with Chuck Schumer's health care plan.

By the way: happy birthday, Senator!

Anthony Weiner said he'd want Schumer on his side "maybe even more than the president of the United States."

"Help Elect Andrew Cuomo in 2010."

Kirsten Gillibrand's approval ratings are stagnant.

Nobody likes the legislature.

The RNC's mouthpiece is leaving.

Ruben...

For Gun Control, Gillibrand and McCarthy Come Together

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 17:13:05 -0500

Rep. Carolyn McCarthy, a nationally recognized gun control activist who once considered running for Senate against Kirsten Gillibarnd, will join the incumbent at an event tomorrow calling for stricter gun control laws, according to Gillibrand's office.

Gillibrand had come under criticism over her conservative positions on gun control while in the House, but she has subsequently shifted McCarthy-ward. Gillibrand and McCarthy will also be joined by Michael Bloomberg and police commissioner Ray Kelly at John...

Bloomberg and Emanuel on Taking on the NRA at Election Time

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:27:40 -0500

Today, Michael Bloomberg's coalition against illegal guns placed a full-page ad in the Washington Post urging lawmakers to prevent suspects on a federally maintained "terror watch list" from being allowed to purchase guns.

"500 mayors agree with the Obama and Bush Administrations: stop terror suspects from getting guns," the ad says.

It's also been an issue that Rahm Emanuel voiced support for back in 2007, according to this video clip.

Bloomberg's Argument for Gun Control Critics

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 13:43:53 -0500

Last week, Rep. John Shadegg seemed to cross several rhetorical (and logical) red lines at once when he argued that Michael Bloomberg won't be so tough about the prospect of having a terror trial here when his daughter is kidnapped by terrorist.

Today, Michael Bloomberg used an inoffensive, non-personalized version of a similar formula, when he said gun advocates might act support stricter gun control measures if they thought it affected them or their family...

Crowley Raising for Peralta Against Monserrate

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 12:06:16 -0500

Jose Peralta is stepping up his efforts to oust Hiram Monserrate from the State Senate. On Friday Peralta went on Inside City Hall and said Monserrate no longer has the "political capital" to bring resources back to the district.

He's getting fund-raising help from Joe Crowley, the congressman in the area and Queens County Democratic leader. Crowley is hosting a December 3 fund-raiser for Peralta at Novo, a trendy lounge in the Jackson...

Appearing (Selectively) With Bloomberg

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 11:47:19 -0500

Not every image of Michael Bloomberg with a controversial (is that word strong enough?) figure has gone missing, as Adam Lisberg reported was the case with photographs of the mayor with Sarah Palin from her 2007 visit.

Palin's official October 10 visit isn't in the mayor's archive of press releases or photographs. The images are now over here.

About two weeks after Palin visited Bloomberg, so did Rod Blagojevich (with whom he has...

Morning Read: Bloomberg's Budget, Bloomberg's Staff

Mon, 23 Nov 2009 09:20:34 -0500

Charlie Rangel goes on the offensive.

Rudy Giuliani isn't commenting on his potential race against Kirsten Gillibrand.

Adam Lisberg says Michael Bloomberg promised not to raise taxes when he knew the budget gap would be $4.1 billion instead of $4.9 billion.

Unnamed labor leaders gripe about Dan Cantor.

City Hall News wonders who is leaving Bloomberg's administration.

And this blogger floats more Michael Bloomberg 2013 talk.

...

Elsewhere: Cuomo Rising

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:30:40 -0500

Mark Page told agency heads that "head count reductions should generate additional fringe benefit savings."

NARAL no longer considers Rudy Giuliani to be pro-choice.

Andrew Cuomo raised $16 million.

Dean Skelos wants a bill to vote on.

David Paterson is talking doomsday.

Organizing 2.0

Bob Gorman still feels like a hostage.

Joe Bruno won't testify.

Michael Bloomberg cashes in on his bet.

KT McFarland suggests...

Weiner's Message for (Some) Primary Losers

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:20:35 -0500

In a City Hall News story about Anthony Weiner, this line caught my attention: "he sends a note to everyone who loses a primary in New York City."

I contacted a couple of Democrats who've lost primaries to see if they'd heard from Weiner. Turns out, not many had. (One got a present, though.)

Melinda Katz: "We don't recall any."

Eric Gioia: "I don't think he sent me a letter. But he did...

Thompson's Thank You Note

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:18:18 -0500

Here's the letter Bill Thompson is sending to people who contributed to his campaign to thank them for their support.

One thing not in the letter is any obvious hint at what Thompson will do...

Angling for Finance Chair: Fidler, Recchia and Felder

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:51:50 -0500

Last week, Crain's put out the names of two people from Brooklyn vying for the Finance Committee Chairmanship: Lew Fidler and Domenic Recchia.

There's apparently another name to add to the mix: Simcha Felder, who I'm told has sent word to the speaker that he's interested in the position.

The current Finance chairman is David Weprin, of Queens, who lost a primary bid for city comptroller. The notion that Queens will be able to hang onto...

Bloomberg to Talk Education in Washington

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:25:15 -0500

Michael Bloomberg will join U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan in Washington Wednesday for a "frank discussion" hosted by the Center for American Progress.

The event provides Bloomberg a national platform and a friendly audience. Duncan contacted local lawmakers to urge them to support extending mayoral control. And the founder of C.A.P., John Podesta—Bill Clinton's former chief of staff, who also led Obama's transition team—endorsed Bloomberg for re-election last...

In Monserrate-Peralta Race, a Democratic Club Takes Its Time

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:03:36 -0500

Jose Peralta has been racking up a string of early endorsements in his bid to oust Hiram Monserrate from the State Senate. But when the president of the JFK Democratic Club put forward a motion to endorse Peralta on Wednesday night--a full year before the election--there was an objection.

"We haven't heard from either one of the candidates yet," club member Alfonso Quiroz recalled saying. In an interview this afternoon, Quiroz said, "I...

Morning Read: Bloomberg Raises, D.I.D. Splits

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:11:18 -0500

Rudy Giuliani doesn't need to be a public official, writes David Saltonstall.

The fund-raiser Michael Bloomberg held for Alan Khazei last night could help him raise $250,000.

911 operators sometimes make mistakes.

Juan Gonzalez notices a problem there.

Alan Gerson doesn't like having the 9/11 trial in his area.

Critics of the Downtown Independent Club will form a rival organization.

Crossing D.I.D. is what cost Gerson his seat,...

What Giuliani Means for Paterson

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 20:24:19 -0500

One thing that disappears along with Rudy Giuliani's threats to run for governor: an excuse for Democrats to get rid of David Paterson.

Paterson's poll numbers are low, and his fund-raising is anemic, but much of the talk about getting Paterson out of the race was, at least publicly, premised on the notion that a credible Republican candidate in the general election--that would be Rudy Giuliani--could snatch the governorship away from Democrats. And...

Local Republicans Cheer Giuliani's Shift to National Stage

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 19:13:27 -0500

Jimmy Oddo, the Republican leader in the City Council, sees Rudy Giuliani's reported decision to run for Senate instead of governor as an inevitable decision to take the path of least resistance.

"I don't see him at this point in his life getting sucked into the mire of Albany," said Oddo. "The balance of power in city government is very much in favor of the executive. If the rules of the game in...

Elsewhere: Giuliani

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:03:08 -0500

Rudy Giuliani's spokeswoman denied he's running for Senate.

He may want to, after seeing his poll numbers compared to Kirsten Gillibrand's.

George Pataki may run too.

Guy Molinari said Albany doesn't suit Giuliani.

Reid Wilson: "Most aides to Giuliani, current or former, believe he is likely to stay in the private sector."

Chris Cillizza agrees. "Giuliani stays in the private sector, biding his time for a race that's a better fit."

Lee Miringoff: "His...

At Broadway Triangle Hearing, Some Lopez-Reyna Tensions

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:03:18 -0500

I poked my head into the Council Chambers a few minutes ago, where Dan Garodnick was presiding over a rather well-attended Council hearing about a proposed rezoning at the Broadway Triangle.

That's a 31-acre piece of property whose rezoning is supported by Assemblyman Vito Lopez, the Brooklyn County Democratic Leader.

Critics like City Councilwoman Diana Reyna said many residents in the area were left out of the public review process before the...

Bloomberg Raising for Khazei

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:19:31 -0500

Last week, Michael Bloomberg endorsed Alan Khazei to fill the Senate vacancy left by Ted Kennedy.

Tonight, the mayor is hosting a fund-raiser in his townhouse for Khazei, according to the campaign.

Khazei, a Harvard graduate who helped found City Year in Boston, is trailing in the polls, but making some noteworthy pronouncements. Two days ago he said "we have lost our way in Afghanistan" and that "we do not need more troops in Afghanistan."

Yesterday, Khazei...

Bloomberg: 20,000 People Placed in Jobs

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 12:03:49 -0500

Dealing with the city's worsening economy was one of the reasons Michael Bloomberg wanted to stay on for another term. Toward that end, the mayor announced today that the city helped place 20,620 people into new jobs since January.

That's up from last year, when 17,000 were placed into jobs.

It's worth noting that the act of placing a person in a job is slightly different than creating the job.

Morning Read: Bloomberg's Trip, Weiner's Bluff, Thompson's Opposition

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 09:11:33 -0500

Dov Hikind wants to buy an apartment in East Jerusalem, which Israel acquired from Palestine after the 1967 war.

Louie Gohmert: ""Unless they're trying to create a new jobs bill by allowing terrorism back in New York then this is insane."

Rudy Giuliani still opposes having the 9/11 trial here.

Michael Bloomberg celebrated his election victory in Paris.

Bloomberg donated $125 million to promote safety in Moscow.

Here's more...

Avella Wants More Oversight of Mayoral Appointments

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 13:40:55 -0500

Michael Bloomberg said he is looking to replace a dozen or more commissioners as he goes into his third term at City Hall, but those appointments, and other top positions in his administration, would have to be vetted in a public hearing by the City Council, according to a new bill introduced to the Council on Monday.

The bill, introduced by outgoing Councilman Tony Avella of Queens, and Councilwoman Anabel Palma of the Bronx, calls...

Dennis Gallagher's New Calling

Wed, 18 Nov 2009 12:16:43 -0500

When Michael Bloomberg visited the Flushing Mall the Saturday before Election Day, supporters crowded around him on stage, yelled wildly when he spoke, and encircled him and his security detail as they left.

Dennis Gallagher didn't. The former city councilman, who resigned his seat last year after admitting he sexually assaulted a woman in his Middle Village campaign office, stood inside the doorway of the mall, smiled, then walked down the hallway back to work.

That's...