During the primary race for AD-64, we learned of Sheldon Silver's arrogance when it comes to his competition. Shortly after we found out he likes to bilk New York's taxpayers by making us pay for extra for his regular trips upstate. For Shelly, the most direct way to Albany from the city is a connecting flight in D.C. Now that may not make sense to you off the bat, but if you were to earn frequent flyer miles for it, then you can get a grasp on why the Speaker would choose such a route. Obviously when this news came out, people were a little more than slightly pissed. Surprisingly though, Silver actually listened to people's outrage.
From The Times-Union:
ALBANY — Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, criticized for roundabout flights at taxpayer expense from his Manhattan home through Washington to work in Albany, has started taking more of the cheaper direct flights upstate following an internal review.
But Silver won't totally give up the connecting flights through Washington he sometimes uses instead of more economical and quicker alternatives like an Amtrak train or state car.The circuitous routes, generating frequent flyer miles for Silver, are allowed under a legislative travel policy good government groups say needs reform.
The New York Sun, citing state comptroller's records, reported each of Silver's flights cost taxpayers $500 to $760, or four times the cost of taking a train. Assembly spokesman Dan Weiller said the Assembly's review of Silver's travel records found the average cost was $456, including direct flights to Albany, and the highest fare was $769. Of 110 flights studied, 57 went through Washington, Weiller said, adding Silver is now taking more of the direct flights as airlines schedule more of them.
Ah so Silver is only going to be a scumbag about getting to Albany some of the time. Now I feel much better (says that while punching fists into the wall)! Seriously, this guy is a major jackass. I can't even imagine how inflated his ego is to continue....even flying directly to Albany. Get the $&^k on the train like the rest of us or splurge and take a car.
Here, I'll even help you out Mr. Speaker with directions:
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