(Bingo. - promoted by phillip anderson)
I know Jay Gallagher isn't exactly revered around here, but on process he's frequently asking the right questions. His latest article on the end of the session has a telling bit:
It's not as though actually making decisions in public is an alien concept in the country. Congress and most state legislatures have open meetings where panels of lawmakers "mark up" bills - making changes that they agree to be considered by their respective houses. They seem to get things done all the same.
Albany has a pale version of these "conference committees." Four have been meeting for weeks here to try to resolve differences over issues large (making it easier to build power plants) and small (limiting junk food in schools.) But it's clear to anyone sitting in on even a few of these meetings that they are authorized to do only what the leaders tell them. There have been some interesting discussions, but calling them "negotiations" is a stretch.
Somehow our legislature lacks imagination and willingness to look at how things get done elsewhere.
I almost think that the aspect of the Brennan Center Report that angered legislators the most was their willingness to look at governance outside of New York. Somehow the Empire State is somehow especially blessed with good government and not comparable to anywhere else. |
