SEE YOU IN COURT
State Budget Overrides and Length of Council Terms
to be Decided by Judges --- A Sad Fourth Anniversary
By Henry J. Stern
May 16, 2003
 
     This has been a week of agita and angst in city and state government.  

    The Republican State Senate and the Democratic Assembly overrode 119 budget vetoes by Governor Pataki, last year's liberal turned this year's conservative. The governor has threatened a lawsuit, and spared from his veto funds which the legislature allotted to the court system.  He may try to impound funds voted by the legislature, in which case they would have to sue him to get spending money.

    Sensing Mayor Bloomberg's poll weakness, several prospective Democratic candidates for 2005 emerged from the woodwork.  Congressman Anthony Wiener and former Borough President Fernando Ferrer surfaced in interviews.  They both have nothing to lose since Weiner comes up for re-election in even years, and Ferrer is already out of office.  Look for others to jump in on any new signs of a downturn for Bloomberg.  I foresee a summer rally if the Daily News gets off the Mayor's case.

    The City Council is in court, appealing a Brooklyn organization judge's decision throwing out its attempt to extend its members' terms despite two referenda limiting them.   I was asked by the plaintiffs to provide an affidavit in the case and I did, merely stating that senior councilmembers had more influence than junior council members, which they obviously do, and that therefore term extension would delay the ascent to power of those who would be masters of the council.  The bill also contains a sneak proviso, which would bar people whose terms ended in 2001 from running again in 2003.  That is what you call anti-competitive.   The Appellate Division and, most likely, the Court of Appeals will decide the matter, hopefully before petitions are due to be circulated.   If not, the courts can change the political calendar if they choose.

    Tomorrow is the fourth anniversary of an unfortunate expensive event for the City of New York.   It was on May 17, 1999 that the State Assembly, directed by Speaker Sheldon Silver (Democrat- Manhattan), voted to repeal the commuter tax.  So far the repeal has cost the City of New York almost two billion dollars, and there is no relief in sight.  The motive for the crime was the elusive pursuit of an open Senate seat in Rockland County, which stayed Republican anyway, as well as the desire to punish Mayor Giuliani, who viewed the Speaker with profound distaste which was reciprocated. Two billion dollars is a terrible thing to waste, particularly when the principal purpose of the punishment is not principle or policy, but petty, partisan, political and personal pique.  Pshaw and phooey.
 

THANK YOU PARTY   6-12-03

 
    Our May 1 fundraiser was a great success, for a fledgling. 175 people contributed over $45,000 and checks are still coming in.  Since the notice came late, and many donors could not attend, we will hold a Thank You Party on Thursday, June 12  (27 days from today), at the same time (6 to 8.30 pm) and at the same place, the Yazgis, 1165 Fifth Avenue.  By the way, Rog (Sea Eagle) and Pat (Lady Sturgeon) Yazgi, our generous hosts, lead a group called Friends of Fishes.

    Anyone who gave at herring level or above who did not attend on May 1 is invited, as our guest, for good food and drink and to meet other interesting New Yorkers.  Herrings who want a second serving should call Northside at 212-564-4441.  Other contributors are encouraged to attend, but are asked to bring their total gift up to a modest $99. (It's like an air fare sale.)  People who have not yet responded but who would want to come since they now have proper notice should call Ginger Nut at 212-564-4441.

    You may never have seen an invitation like this one, but we appreciate your kindness and generosity and would like to be able to thank you.

Henry J. Stern is the director of NYCivic.