Reform and the Comptroller Succession
It's safe to say that from the point of view of the reform-minded governor, independence from the legislative leaders ranks high on the list of qualifications. One way that could have been demonstrated, apparently, was to buck the Assembly leadership two years ago by signing on to a resolution written by former Assemblyman Scott Stringer supporting some rules changes recommended by the Brennan Center.
That's what Joe Morelle of Monroe County did, and he was later rewarded with a letter of support from the Brennan Center folks Jeremy Creelan, a lawyer now in private practice but who earlier helped put together the Brennan Center's report.
The changes were designed to democratize the legislative process by empowering rank-and-file members and reduce the power of the Assembly Speaker. A risky move in the pre-Spitzer days.
The other most often-mentioned comptroller candidates - Richard Brodsky, Tom DiNapoli, and Pete Grannis - didn't sign on.
Update: Creelan was in private practive by the time he sent his letter in support of Morelle. The Brennan Center does not support any candidates.
-- Azi Paybarah
Not likely to get him many votes from the legislature.
Does anyone know if Morelle collects a salary as Monroe County Democratic Chairman?
Morelle was one of the original sponsors of the Brenna Center resolution, it's not like a member can retroactively sign onto a resolution from a previous legislative session.
Havn't Morelle's actions over the last few weeks seemed like a desperate candidate trying to attract attention to himself? There is really only one vote in this election--and it belings to Speaker Silver and he cannot be pleased with Morelle's antics.
those rules are absolutely ridiculous. In the name of "reform" they treat elected officials like middle schoolers. there is definitely need for real reform in Albany... those rules didn't do it.
It is easy to sign onto rules like that when you plan on leaving the chamber that they effect
Westchester guy: You are right on. This "reformer" image thing Morelle is trying to sell is a joke, especially for someone whose job has been to keep people in line as head of the Monroe Democratic Party. Doesn't this guy also chair a committee in the Assembly? Has he followed the Brennan Center's rules to the letter and voted on all requested votes etc? I hardly think that is the case.
The same goes for DiNapoli. He seems like a nice enough fellow (I've have the pleasure of meeting him a couple of years ago), but an outsider or reformer? Yeah right! He is the head of the Speaker's Assembly Campaign Committee.
Yikes!
Who are the official candidates for Comptroller?
Dinapoli
Grannis
Brodsky
Morelle
Gianaris
Taylor
Carrion
Mulrow
who else?
KT McFarland?
Just kidding.
Did you see that Ryan Karben was one of the members who signed on? 'Nough said.
I remain utterly perplexed by the focus being put on: 1) "independence" and 2) candidates' having a finance background. I obviously get both in the hypothetical, but in reality neither seems relevant.
The role of comptroller isn't some "independent" appointee, its an elected office in which candidates are normally steeped in the political process. When did independence become a qualifier? If anything a comptroller needs independence from the Administration!
As for a finance background, none of the former comptroller's on this selection committee had much finance background before THEY took office as comptrollers. They were legislators and local electeds. I can see how exposure and awareness of state and local finances is important, but I don't believe some Wall Street bond-guru would necessarily make a good comptroller.
Anon 3:23. I agree. I would love to see someone like Brodsky. I know he is a legislator , but boy his prickishness would be great for the job. We need someone who will audit the heck out of agencies. Say what you will about the guy, but he did clean-up authorities.
These are the same attacks on reform everyone on this site leveled against Stringer back in 2005 and look what it got him--the NY Times endorsement and the Borough Presidency...
Martha E. Stark for State Comptroller! She is the first African-American woman to serve as New York City's Finance Commissioner, leads a 2300-person agency charged with collecting $18 billion dollars in annual tax revenue, maintaining records for more than one 1 million properties, conducting thousands of tax audits and adjudicating more than two million parking tickets each year.
Commissioner Stark also serves as chair of the New York City Retirement System and the Teachers Retirement System.
She's a peach!
Joe Morelle is the best person for the job, hands down. If there is a litmus test it is qualifications and a record one can point to - in government and outside government. Joe Morelle has a record as a small business owner and as a legislator. He is one of the smartest giys in the Assembly and someone who understands where real people are coming from. Shelly would be crazy to pick a bomb thrower like the others mentioned.
Im still waiting for the Morelle supporters to explain how running a SMALL business is a plus for comptrollers.