Corruption and the benefits of being in the 'club' have been mainstays for the state government of New York. Selecting Assemblyman Tom DiNapoli to comptroller would have hardly batted an eye in the past. However, it seems that the times, they are a changing.
First Eliot 'Steamroller' Spitzer came out and attacked lawmakers for appointing the unqualified DiNapoli to the position to state comptroller last week. The harsh reaction from the Governor prompted the NY media to cover the criticism. Now it seems the public is taking noticing and letting their Assemblymen know how they feel.
From the New York Times:
ALBANY, Feb. 13 — “Are you getting a lot of love mail?” Assemblyman Albert A. Stirpe Jr., a Democrat from North Syracuse, asked a colleague this week as they both got into an elevator here in the Capitol complex.
“Phone calls,” his colleague said. “I’m getting phone calls.”
Mr. Stirpe, a freshman lawmaker, said wryly, “No one’s ever going to vote for me again.”
In the week since state lawmakers rebuffed Gov. Eliot Spitzer and picked a member of the Assembly, Thomas P. DiNapoli, as state comptroller, they have been feeling plenty of heat.
Well it is about time that people let their representatives know that this type of behavior is unacceptable. The reformation up in Albany by Spitzer will not be stopped by those in the legislature that want to keep business as usual. It is good to see citizens respond to their government and hold them accountable.
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