It’s how things get done in Albany, right?
Gov. Cuomo’s better policy positions got shelved but at least we have a budget. Right?
To the casual Albany watcher, it can be striking how political positions on issues can be so, um, “inconsistent.”
Ancient riddle that no mortal has solved: How does one get New York’s legislative body to enforce ethics and transparency upon itself?
The dueling roles of the NY State legislator does make one pause, especially considering the legislative part generally pays the least.
Papal conclaves look positively transparent and democratic compared to the murky leadership selection proceedings held deep in the closed doors of Albany. There is apparently an unwritten law that says the new speaker must hail from one of the NYC boroughs, and be chosen very very quickly, without opposition. The Vatican emits smoke when their new leader is chosen, as does Albany, only with the addition of mirrors.
A sharp reader could think this cartoon is in reference to the troubles of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver. But nope. I sketched this up the day before he was charged by federal prosecutors. Albany pols can legally make a ton of questionable outside money, that’s the bigger scandal.
Regardless of what one thinks of the political bent of the crew LI voters are sending to the land of Albany, the geographic clout of having the Senate leadership be from down here is indisputable.
The initial response I had on the NY State rebate checks was that they were such a small drop in the bucked compared to what NYers pay in (to said bucket).
Then I realized, it’s exactly how things get (not) done in Albany!
