STATEMENT BY MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG

ON THE DEATH OF WILLIAM F. BUCKLEY JR.

“William F. Buckley Jr. brought a rare combination of gifts to American politics: brilliance, wit, and a fearless determination to challenge the conventional wisdom of the day.  He believed that ideas could transform society, and he was right.  As a publisher, author, and candidate, he jousted with the world -- civilly, stylishly, and memorably.  His 1965 bid for New York’s City Hall will live on as one of the defining mayoral campaigns of the city’s history.  William F. Buckley was a giant in American politics, but first and foremost, he was a New Yorker.  And we will miss him.  My thoughts and prayers are with the Buckley family as they mourn his passing, and celebrate a life well-lived.”

Authoritative Panel Discusses
Spitzer's First Year in Albany
And How He Could Recover.
(Today, the Prologue)

By Henry J. Stern
February 27, 2008

As our readers know, we have probably given more space to New York's new governor, Eliot Spitzer, and his travails than any other subject.  State government is an often overlooked leg of the federal-state-city triangle of sovereignties.  Nonetheless, a lot of power resides in the state capitol in Albany.  For one thing, this country is the United STATES of America.  For another, cities, even a great one like ours, are creatures of the state and subject to its direction.  If it cared to, the legislature could repeal any city law or promulgate any new one.

We would probably have been better off if the state had kept its capital city in Kingston, which was the seat of state government from 1777 to 1797, when the governor and legislature moved 56 miles up the Hudson to Albany.  It certainly would have been more convenient for New York City residents, shaving about an hour off their travel time.

In Albany, on January 1, 2007, a new Democratic governor was sworn in after twelve years under Republican Governor George Pataki. Elected by a large majority on a promise of reform, the slogan at the time was "Day One: Everything Changes."  We kept count of the days, and unfortunately, most of the change was for the worse. 

Yesterday, Day 422, however, was a very good day for Governor Spitzer.  The Democrats captured a vacant upstate state senate seat in a special election and are now just one short of a tie in the Senate, which would be broken by Lieutenant Governor David Paterson. The Republican advantage is now 32-30. Similarly, the Democrats control the United States Senate by a single vote (that of Senator Joe Lieberman of Connecticut).  If he switched, the result would be a tie, to be broken by Vice President Cheney, and you can imagine how he would vote if he had the opportunity. 

The Democrats have a comfortable majority in the House of Representative, but their hold on the Senate is precarious, as was shown when Senator Tim Johnson (D-S.D.) suffered a serious stroke on December 13, 2006.  If he were to pass away, his seat would be filled by an appointee of South Dakota Governor Mike Rounds, a Republican.  Senator Johnson fortunately, made a substantial recovery, and nine months later resumed his seat.  He said he would run for re-election in 2008, but some think he may not.

Another Senate vacancy almost occurred when Senator Larry Craig (R-Idaho) promised to resign after an unfortunate encounter with an undercover police officer sitting in wait in an adjoining stall at the airport men's room in Minneapolis.  However, the Senator gave more thought to the matter and decided he would remain in office to continue to serve his constituents.  His Republican colleagues had demanded that he resign.  The question occured to us as to whether they would have exhibited the same fervor if the Idaho Governor who would appoint Craig's successor had been a Democrat.

Back to the Governor, this morning at the New School a five-member panel discussed the question of whether he could recover in his second year (2008) from what is generally regarded as an unsuccessful first year, during which his popularity declined sharply, his administration endured Troopergate, his Director of State Operations was ousted, he was at war with Senate leader Bruno, and his relations with Speaker Silver were amicable as long as Spitzer deferred to his senior (15 years by birth, 22 years by arrival in Albany)

We attended the panel discussion at the New School called "In Like a Lion," and are working on an account of the proceedings. It should be ready in a couple of days.. The panelists said some fascinating things which we would like to bring to your attention. It is remarkable when people who are really knowledgeable as to what is going on are brought together and share their insights with a group of students and public policy buffs. We learned things this morning that we had not known before.

Here is a list of the speakers and the moderator:

New York Civic, in cooperation with the Museum of the City of New York will hold a forum to discuss Judicial Reform. The forum will be located at the Museum of the City of New York, located at 1220 Fifth Avenue between 103rd and 104th Streets (enter on 104th).

Panelists Include:

1) Michael Cardozo (NYC Corporation Counsel)
For Appointments

2) Victor Kovner (Chair, Fund for Modern Courts)
For Appointments

3) Joseph Forstadt (Partner at Stroock, Stroock & Lavan)
For Conventions

4) Arthur Greig (Counsel to New York County Democratic Committee)
For Conventions

5) Steven De Castro (Judicial Fairness Advocate)
For Elections

6) Michael Oliva (Chief of Staff, New York Civic)
For Elections