Seymour Lachman - Welcome.

We'll begin our conversation at 6:30. (0.00 / 0)

First some ground rules.

This is our first book club and we are happy to have Senator Lachman. He is on Staten Island at the moment, at Wagner Collge and will answer your questions and join the conversation in a moment.

I want to encourage everyone to keep your questions brief and on topic. You can click reply and talk with others as we go.

Remember to "refresh" your browser often to see the latest comments.

I'll be back at 6:30.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:19:57 PM CST

Welcome! (4.00 / 3)

I am not exactly enjoying, but learning a tremendous amount, from "Three Men In a Room."

At 6:30 I have a conference call for the Citizen Action Clean Money, Clean Elections campaign. But I'll be back later...

I have a question, perhaps a naive one but here goes: how much of the way the legislature works is a function of laws, and how much is accumulated custom and habit? and are the two so intertwined that the accretions of custom can't change?

thanks for the book and for being here!

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by: greenheron @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:21:05 PM CST

Citizen Action (4.00 / 1)

The two are intertwined.  The ambiance the customs have deteriorated and the customs can be changed by the people and by a strong executive as well as the legislature that goes along with the governor.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:27:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I know... (0.00 / 0)

It's difficult to "enjoy" such a tale of dysfunction...especially when it's our government we're tlaking about.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:29:23 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Welcome, Senator Lachman (0.00 / 0)

It is an honor to have you here to discuss your book with the Albany Project community.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:22:18 PM CST

Welcome (0.00 / 0)

It's a pleasure to be here as well.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:27:38 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Welcome Senator Lachman. (0.00 / 0)

What do you think of Craig Johnson's victory on Long Island? Governor Spitzer put it all on the line and he won. Does that change the dynamic any in Albany?

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:26:04 PM CST

Dynamics in Albany (4.00 / 3)

It could be the beginning of change in the dynamic in Albany.  The governor went all out for the newly elected Senator and broke the complete control that the Republican Senators had of the nine Senate seats on Long Island.  This was a major victory for Gov. Spitzer, as well as many of his supporters who are seeking reform in the state legislature.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:33:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

don't forget the comptroller situation ... (0.00 / 0)

... when assessing how spitzer's doing.  what's been surprising to me in watching the fallout is the seemingly coordinated efforts of people supportive of the legislature (and really, who could that be, outside of cronies and staffers?) to cast the battle as a defeat to spitzer, because it supposedly shows how irrationally bent on dominance he is, etc.  if you watch the blog comments (not just exclusively political blogs, but, gothamist, too, for example) there is a lot of pro-legislature anti-spitzer astro-turf being laid out.

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:54:48 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Indeed. (0.00 / 0)

That one vote really tied things in knots...

The idea that a vote for Stark was a vote for reform...tough to swallow.

It looked to me like it was a straight down the line...

Change v. Status Quo vote.

Rep. Assemblymen joining Dem. Senators to cast out the majority Dem Assemblymen and Rep. Senators.

Only in Albany.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:59:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The Times-Union blogs (0.00 / 0)

seem to have a small army of Legislature supporters commenting. See this, for example.

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by: simonstl @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:00:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Yup... (0.00 / 0)

...that's certainly true.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:13:20 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thanks for being here (4.00 / 1)

I'm just curious what the relationship between Democratic Senators and Democratic Assemblymen is like.

Democratic Assembly members seem perpetually lined up behind the system as it is, while Democratic Senators are some of the clearest calling for reform.  (Republicans reverse that situation.)

What kinds of cooperation can there be given those circumstances?

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by: simonstl @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:27:07 PM CST

Thanks for being here ( (4.00 / 1)

DEmocratic senators who are currently in the New York State Senate have long called for reform of the basic structure to make it a more democratic system.

The Assembly Democrats are in the majority.  In fact the speaker has more votes than are needed to override more than the 2/3 of votes necessary to override the governor's veto.

With some exceptions most of them believe in the status quo or in peripheral reform but not permanent structural reform.  This is similar to the position of the Republicans who currently comprise the Senate majority. 

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:30:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

So...from what you're saying... (0.00 / 0)

...it's not enough to simply change the Senate, we have to look ato change the Assembly as well?


We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:32:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

change (4.00 / 2)

Yes.  In reviewing my book, Three Men in a Room, the Wall STreet Journal called it Three Emperors in a Room because of the absolute power possessed by the leadership.  No bill can be passed without their approval.  Committees are a farce without the power of mark-up ammendments or being allowed to send bills to the floor.  Their chairs and key staff people are all selected by the leadership.

In a recent op-ed piece I wrote for the New York Times, the headline read, Break the Power Brokers.  In order for the system to change and democratic reform to take place, the almost absolute power of the leadership must be changed and defused so that the members are actually legislating the way they should be.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:36:52 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I guess my deeper question (4.00 / 1)

is what role the political parties might have in fixing Albany. Both parties seem split between reformers and defenders of the status quo.  It seems to me like neither party organization really wants to acknowledge that fight.

A lot of Democrats seem just to hope that a Democratic Senate would fix everything, for instance.  I find that pretty hard to believe, except to the extent it would remove excuses.

Republicans seem to have a harder future ahead of them, given registration, but it almost seems like Republicans should have been getting out ahead of this issue to ensure they have some life remaining when the Senate's gerrymandering finally collapses under the reality of voter registration.

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by: simonstl @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:36:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Two questions (4.00 / 2)

Given the situation, is it just as important to change the Democrats in the Assembly (i.e., primary them to replace with progressive Democrats) as it is to elect progressives to the State Senate or do you believe that a Democratic majority in the State Senate would force the Assembly Dems to move to a reform agenda?

Is a constitutional convention the only way to make a structural change that will stick - if so, what is the best strategy to make that a reality?

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by: Bernesebernese @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:38:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"legislative" assistants (4.00 / 1)

hi, professor (i feel, given the circumstances of your talk, it's perhaps appropriate not to pretend it honors you more to address you as "senator") -- i'm new to this site, as i am new to local/state politics, thanks to my recently having started work for a new york state legislator who shall here go unnamed.  anyways, i'm interested in bringing him, and the whole rotten system he enthusiastically supports, down.  (sorry if that makes me sound too radical; i'm actually quite mild mannered in person.)  at the end of chapter 5, "Lobbyists (and Legislators) Gone Wild,"  pp 121-22, you mention comp time and the issue of legislators using their paid "legislative" staffs as campaign "volunteers."  i have unpleasantly been informed that this is the official unofficial policy in my office.  how best, if at all possible, to employ this information to good effect?

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:33:09 PM CST

Great question, staff... (0.00 / 0)

Now we'll all be guessing which legislator. A hint?

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:34:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

bri - not fair (4.00 / 2)

let's hope he keeps his job so we can keep up on what's going on from the "inside"

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by: am @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:36:41 PM CST

[ Parent ]

k... (0.00 / 0)

....I won't even guess. Hello, am.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:37:59 PM CST

[ Parent ]

of course i can't say (4.00 / 2)

but as i get increasingly involved in the reform movement, i hope i can meet my allies and discuss how to smash the system.  i am learning that what they say of DC is true of albany: "if you want a friend [in politics], get a dog".

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:38:47 PM CST

[ Parent ]

great question n/t (0.00 / 0)

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:35:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

legislative assistants (4.00 / 2)

First, you must refuse to participate under any circumstances.  Secondly you should realize that about 113, 14 years ago several legislators and their key staff people were actually indicted for doing this, believe it or not some unknowingly.

It's a process that I thought ended in Albany.  If it still exists, it's incumbant upon you and others like you to end it.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:40:37 PM CST

[ Parent ]

love to see that case (4.00 / 2)

please provide citation if you can. 

what's more, i find that there is hardly anything i do that can honestly be described as "legislative" work.  you mentioned in the book without disapproval the practice of providing direct constituent services, and mentioned it's importance to your electoral survival in your district.  while to a certain extent i understand how such constituent contact can be innocent, in my office, i feel, the practices have evolved in such a way that it resembles a year-round campaign.  where can a person even find a discussion of what sorts of activities are properly characterized as "legislative" and which activities are taking advantage of incumbency and the resources provided by the leadership in order to raise a legislator's public profile?

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:49:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

laws, culture.... and persons? (4.00 / 2)

I liked that first question, and wanted to return to it.  Some procedures of the legislature surely need to change, as do some habits.  But, I wonder if you think the structure of legislative staffing-- with most substantive committee staffers and so on picked by the leadership, also need to change?  In the half-year I worked in the assembly, I thought that some of the staff positions had attracted people who were a little too well-disciplined....

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by: robinia @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:36:45 PM CST

law, culture (4.00 / 2)

A little too well disciplined is a mild way of saying it.  This must change because all lit does is solidify and increase the power of the leadership.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:41:58 PM CST

[ Parent ]

...and discourage honest folk from serving? (4.00 / 2)

I posted my question as "staffer" was commenting, too-- I did not take an offered job at the time, because I could not stomach it.... presumably, the person who took that staff job was not as squeamish.  Will we need to reorganize legislative staff positions AND get new staffers with higher ethical standards?

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by: robinia @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:47:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Tall order, Robinia... (0.00 / 0)

Difficult, when the system is so ethically challenged, to attract good people who want to serve.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:50:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Constitutional Convention (4.00 / 1)

You call for a Constitutional Convention many times in your book. Could you briefly explain the process of bringing about such a convention?

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:36:58 PM CST

"Constitutional Convention (4.00 / 2)

Absolutely, Article 19 of the New York State Constitution provides two methods for amending the Constitution.

The first is a three step approach whereby amendments can be approved by the legislature in two separate sessions after a legislative election and then submitted to the voters for approval.

The governor is not necessarily involved in this process. 

The second method can occur every 20 years.  Proposals for a Constitutional Convention can be made and then submitted to the voters.  The last time there was a Constitutional Convention in New York State was 1967. 

The voters in 1977 voted against the Constitutional Convention.  The next time this process will be up for a vote is 2017.  New YOrk is one of 14 states wtih the mechanism for the people to call for a Constitutional Convention. 

The 1846 Constitutional Convention proposed and voters approved a section providing that every 20 years the statewide ballot would automatically include a question, should there be a convention to revise the Constitution."  If the majority of the voters are in favor, three delegates are to be elected from each state senate district and 15 delegates elected statewide.

Then in April after the election, the members of the Constitutional Convention convene, "and shall continue their session until the business of such convention shall have been completed."

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:49:42 PM CST

[ Parent ]

My Math Head isn't working... (0.00 / 0)

...You said...

The second method can occur every 20 years.  Proposals for a Constitutional Convention can be made and then submitted to the voters.  The last time there was a Constitutional Convention in New York State was 1967.

The voters in 1977 voted against the Constitutional Convention.  The next time this process will be up for a vote is 2017.

20 years...1977+20=1997 So, we blew it in 1997? Yes?

And the next opportunity will be in 2017. Any way we can get a conventtion before that?

I don't know if I can put up with this until 2017.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:55:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Senator... (0.00 / 0)

...what do you feel are the two or three most improtant changes we can make in Albany to insure a more repsonsive, transparent and accountable government in Albany?

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 17:48:51 PM CST

Transparent and Accountable Government (4.00 / 2)

That is an excellent question.  The Citizens for Better Government in New York www.cbgny.org which is based in Rochester calls for three R's of real reform.  1.  Rule changes, 2. Redistricting, 3. Referendum and initiative.

I personally feel that the committee structure must be totally revised.  The budget should be written not to obfuscate and confuse but should be written in such a way that would educate and make crystal clear to voters what is in the budget, what purpose it serves and where the money goes.

There should be total accountability and there should be total transparency of the budget.  This does not exist today.  Redistricting is also a major change that is required.

New York State's districts are drawn up in such a way as to preserve the power of the majority powers in each house.  Republicans in the Senate and Democrats in the Assembly who have an unwritten agreement not to interfere with the redistricting in the other chamber.

The power of lobbyists who represent 18 to every legislator should be curtailed.  Powerful assistance of the leadership should be prevented from becoming a lobbyist the day after they leave the leadership.

Soft money that is distributed should be curtailed.  Member items that are given to legislators to distribute to their district without accountability should altered.  It, if retained, so that we know exactly who is giving what money to which districts and for what purpose.  There is no evaluation and no accountability of these items.

Recently on the court order the speaker was found to give $6 million in member items to organizations in his district.  Whereas other members of the assembly were given from $100,000 to $230,000.

In the Senate the majority leader distributes over $7 million, whereas other members distribute $2, $3, $4, $5, and $6 million.

Another issue of great concern to me is the issue of authorities.  No one knows exactly how many exist.  We do know that they are brought upon New York $227 billion in debt as against last year's budget of $112 million for the entire state. 

By issuing long term bonds, legislators are spared the visibility of voting on higher taxes for these different programs.  Only 1/4 of the monies that authorities spend will be redeemed by tolls and other such items.  And the debt is continually increasing. 

The governor should call for a Moreland Act Commission to find out how many of these authorities really exist, how much they spend and for what purposes they're spent and to hold them accountable.

When the controller was recently asked why his office did not look into more than six of over 800 authorities, his response was he only received enough money from the state for six people to look into six authorities.

Very few people, if any, know exactly how many authorities exist.  Authorities can also create sub-authorities which can accumulate more debt.  It is one of the most serious problems in the state of New York and one that very few people are aware of. 

Another issue that should be looked into is the Medicaid program and not the money that needy recipients receive but rather the money that is wasted in mismanagement, waste, and more serious problems of who uses these funds and for what purpopse.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:03:25 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Are Eliot's people a bunch of smarty pants? (4.00 / 2)

I have heard that the Comptroler issue was a defeat for the Gov. but boxing Silver in seems like as much as win as the getting the independent choice for Comptroller. It seems that in order to change Albany you need Dems that will stand up to Silver whether its the Gov. or Assembly Dems. Given the leadership system how do we get non Silver Dems elected and what will happen to them if they don't tow the line once elected? Will the Gov. eventually back no Silver Dems for the Assembly?

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by: glevine @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:00:16 PM CST

Wonder why you ask...n/t (0.00 / 0)

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:01:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Elliot's people (4.00 / 1)

That is a difficult question to answer because I believe the Governor and the speaker are attempting to work out some type of arrangement in their relationship which might not materialize into the embroglio over the selection of a comptroller.

I am not sure that can be done.  It will initially be difficult to elect pro Spitzer Assembly dems who believe in permanent reform.  One of the reasons is that once they are elected under the redistricting system that now exists, many of them think that these are permanent life-time seats that are primarily non-competitive and will redown to their benefit in many ways if they support their leadership, the speak and his top people.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:07:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

These are supposed to be part time jobs (4.00 / 1)

As my good friend NYBri stated we need candidates who support laws makeing it easier for their own political demise. Thanks for the insight.

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by: glevine @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:11:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Senator, what can i do? (4.00 / 3)

Senator -- I'm a simple college student... but what is your advice about what i can be doing to help reform?

Other then voting and maybe calling up my legislators -- maybe you can tell me how i can best help?

-- MrMacMan

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by: MrMacMan @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:01:16 PM CST

Wow. (0.00 / 0)

The simplest questions are always the best. Kudos, MrMacMan.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:03:01 PM CST

[ Parent ]

College Student (4.00 / 1)

You can let us know who you are and where you're located.  We are in the process of establishing a Gov. U.L. Carey Center for reforming state government at Wagner College. 

We would like to know who you are and would eventually be in communication with you.  You can also affiliate with other groups such as the Citizens for Better Government in New York primarily in Rochester, the Public Interest Research Group, the Empire Center for New York State Policy, the Citizens Budget Committee, the League of Women Voters, The Women's Citi Club of New York, and of course the New York University School of Law Brennan Center, among many others.

Those of us who want reform can be Democrats and REpublicans, upstaters and downstaters.  We are totally nonpartison and just want to bring New York State back to the days when it was truly considered to be the Empire State and not the most disfunctional state government in the country as the Brennan Center recently declared.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:11:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I'll connect you two... (0.00 / 0)

...Senator Lachman, MrMacMan worked on my campaign last fall and you would do well to know him.


We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:18:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

agreed. (0.00 / 0)

MrMacMan is a very sharp young man and one that has a keen interest in both government and reform. he would be an asset to any organization or academic program that he chooses to associate with.


TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:21:03 PM CST

[ Parent ]

thank guys (0.00 / 0)

and thanks for the response Senator.

-- MrMacMan

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by: MrMacMan @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:39:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]

er I forgot to answer his question, haha (0.00 / 0)

I'm located at Marist College in Poughkeepsie.

Contact info will be given if TAP staff doesn't have it already, haha.

-- MrMacMan

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by: MrMacMan @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:49:50 PM CST

[ Parent ]

robbing Peter to save Paul? (4.00 / 2)

Dear Senator Lachman,
Thanks very much for your book and your great insight.  What I don't understand is, why should we be praising Eliot Spitzer when he seems to be giving high-level NY state appointments to Republicans whose views could rarely if ever be supported by progressive Democrats?  Is it really worth it just to free up senate seats with the hope of replacing them with Dems?

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by: exlurker @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:04:13 PM CST

Robbing... (4.00 / 2)

That is a very insightful question.  It also gives me time to think for an answer. 

I believe that the governor who I've known for a generation is truly a reformer and that he would not attempt to appoint key republicans or democrats within his administration unless they truly believe in reforming a systemically disfunctional state government.  This will not be easy.  It will be very difficult.

And it is a relatively new path for Albany. 

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:13:43 PM CST

[ Parent ]

how do your former colleagues treat you? (4.00 / 1)

was it well known while you were in office, that you held the beliefs you express in the book?  or did you only really come to the conclusions in retrospect?  now that the book has come out, and especially at this critical juncture, what with some reforms going through albany now, how are your relations with the powers that remain?

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:05:59 PM CST

Former Colleagues (4.00 / 2)

I began writing the draft for the book the year before I left Albany, but after I had decided to leave.  I also decided that under the circumstances it might not be wise to continue cultivating certain members to continue certain relationships with major figures in the legislature.

I did not want to embarrass them and I did not want to have them impede my thoughts on this issue which were well known when I left the state legislature.  However, I do have several good friends in the state legislature and am in touch with them.  And there are many legislators who want to bring about change and are good people and who attempt to service their constituants as best they can within a broken system.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:17:27 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Senator, thank you for coming here (4.00 / 2)

I was wondering if you could speak as to why Sheldon Silver and Joe Bruno were ever chosen to lead their respective houses in the first place?

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by: Roatti @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:10:06 PM CST

Sheldon Silver and Joe Bruno (0.00 / 0)

You will have to ask the majority republicans in the Senate (I am part of the Senate Democratic minority) and the majority democrats in the Assembly to get the answer to that question.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:18:35 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thanks, and (0.00 / 0)

I definitely plan on asking my assemblyman that question, sometime before his next primary election.

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by: Roatti @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:20:18 PM CST

[ Parent ]

That is so directly fabulous... (0.00 / 0)

Why did you support Shelly Silver or Joe Bruno?

Simple. Direct.

Great.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:23:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

If your rep is anything like my Assemblywoman, (4.00 / 1)

You'll get to hear about the many virtues of Sheldon Silver, and how he helps New York State, and how he really listens, and how he battled bravely against the Republicans, and how every press release must thank the Speaker for his gracious assistance...

At least that's what it sounded like a couple of years ago.  I'm waiting for her explanation of her comptroller vote to find out what the updated version is.

(Will she mention the decision-making and applause in a closed caucus?  Probably not.)

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by: simonstl @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:24:44 PM CST

[ Parent ]

I can predict his answer... he's a bit of a dick (4.00 / 2)

I diaried a correspondence with him here:

http://www.thealbany...

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by: Roatti @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:38:24 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Redistricting (4.00 / 2)

The redistricting process you described is one of the most scandalous things in the book, and that's saying something.

Is there any hope for changing to a nonpartisan redistricting board?

(It doesn't seem that these legislators can be shamed into anything since they have no shame...)

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by: greenheron @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:12:25 PM CST

Redistricting (4.00 / 2)

In answer to the first part of your question, it's going to be very difficult to change the system into a nonpartisen redistricting process, but it can be done with people like you band together and raise your voices in protest of what exists today.

It will not be easy.  It cannot be done in 100 days or probably not even in one year.  THere has to be concerted unified pressure brought to bear upon the power system for this to occur and that might take several years at the very least. But don't give up hope.

In a recent Quinnapiak pole, 75% of voters in New York wanted to have changes in redistricting, creation of a referendum, term limits and an examination of Medicaid fraud.

Again, as I mentioned before, many of these individuals do not realize that the vast majority of New York voters think the way they do but have given up in making major change.  We cannot do this.  Again, we have to come together as one united force in New York State and bring as much needed attention upon these problems as the problems that exist in Washington and say, "we're not going to take it any longer."

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:23:05 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thank you and good night. (4.00 / 1)

Thank you very much for this hour of questions and answers.  I truly enjoyed it and I hope that you did also. 

I learned a great deal from you in the process and I hope that this will not be the last time that we enter into this communication.

Those of you who have not as yet read my book, please do.  It is called Three Men in a Room and it is published by the New Press.  I can also be reached at Wagner College in New York where as I mentioned before I am setting up the Carey Center for Reforming State Government.

Good luck on our mutual endeavors in permananetly reforming and restructuring state government.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:26:07 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Once again, (0.00 / 0)

many kind thanks for discussing your book and the issues that most concern us with the albany project community. I also want to applaud your embrace of an idea (this very discussion) that is new and very much a "making this up as we go along" kind of thing.

I also want to wish you the best of luck with the new program you are starting at Wagner College as well and I want to extend our invitation to drop by here anytime.

We look forward to speaking with you again. Perhaps when you release the updated paperback version, we can speak again.

Best wishes, Senator.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:32:39 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Senator, thanks for coming, (4.00 / 1)

With regards to Malcolm Smith, likely future Senate Majority Leader, do you have reason to believe that his current commitment to procedural reform/transparency will last once he becomes the Majority Leader? Or is this simply a meaningless gesture to associate himself with the popular Spitzer?
Thanks for answering!

Peter King writes me Nasty Letters.

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by: tzfoley @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:15:55 PM CST

Thank you TAP (4.00 / 1)

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by: glevine @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:30:44 PM CST

It's been a little over an hour... (0.00 / 0)

...and I want to thank Senator Lachman for being with us tonight.

Senator, this had been a great evening. We appreciate your dedication and good luck with the Cary Center.

My Best, Brian

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:31:01 PM CST

Good Night (4.00 / 1)

Brian, thank you for your good wishes.  You are doing an outstanding job with the Albany Project and I hope that it will develop into a major voice for reform in the State of New York.

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by: Sen. Lachman @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:32:53 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Albany already has publically financed campaigns... (4.00 / 3)

... but the public resources are overwhelmingly going only to incumbent majority conference members in both Houses.  For example, look at all of the slick personalized pamphlets, brochures, posters, photography, radio, TV, websites, PR staff, etc., that the  majority conference members have at their disposal.  Meanwhile, the minority conference resources are diddly by comparison. 

What would you suggest as the most effective way of blowing the whistle/pulling the plug on these taxpayer funded majority propaganda operations?

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by: teaparty2 @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:33:10 PM CST

i'm afraid that question for the senator (0.00 / 0)

will have to wait for another day. too bad though, as it is a fantastic question...

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:35:08 PM CST

[ Parent ]

you had an announcement? (4.00 / 1)

the pretty cool one?

i also have a pretty cool announcement to make at the end of the discussion this evening.

you'll want to be around for this.

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:11:23 PM CST

[ Parent ]

He says it is coming... (4.00 / 2)

I emailed lipris, staff, and he assured me that the announcement is coming.... he is no doubt getting a bit of rest after handling a lot of the technical aspects of the event just past (with some difficulties cropping up, I guess...)

I was really glad that you participated, hope you will stick around.  Despite NYBri's thought that it is too tall an order, I really think that if some serious, motivated new legislative staffers started doing real policy work, it would at least get the ball rolling, or the stage set, or some such. We should support folks like you-- and maybe provide a meet-up function.

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by: robinia @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:18:28 PM CST

[ Parent ]

thanks (0.00 / 0)

... to tap for alerting me to the existence of senator lachman's book.  it was a therapeutic read -- was so refreshing to recognize parallels to my own experience realizing the nature of the beast.

i'm skeptical of the utility of "serious, motivated new legislative staffers," because i don't think the existing structure allows for any "real policy work" ... except perhaps if one were pretty high-ranking on either shelley or bruno's staffs.  color me cynical.  if individual staff members who have their members' ears are able to, through hypnotic suggestion perhaps, convince somebody to commit to reform, great.  but i think change comes through electoral defeat.  that happens by hammering the members.  one by one.  humiliate them.  individually.  make the case.  call them out.  more opportunities will be provided for members to concede.  if they don't, target them.  hard.

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 21:12:02 PM CST

[ Parent ]

ok, then, Cynical Staff (0.00 / 0)

Keep collecting your paycheck, getting more cynical, and believing you are powerless.  The way I remember it, that is the first step to becoming a part of the culture-- and, for your sake, I hope you are able to stop focusing on hammering and humiliating others to gain power before you reach the depths that some staffers do... anybody remember Shelly's old dog Boxer?  Now, there was a guy who knew cynicism and how to hammer and humiliate his opponents.  Bad stuff. 

Defeating hopelessness and cynicism about what our government could be is the real task, IMHO. The most reforming action is for those of us who are told we are powerless to stand up and  act in our own mutual interest, anyway.

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by: robinia @ Tue Feb 13, 2007 at 08:06:30 AM CST

[ Parent ]

was it something i said? (0.00 / 0)

sorry to have apparently drawn your ire. 

i don't believe i am powerless.  i believe that i am empowered to vote.  if i register with the appropriate party, i can vote in the primaries.  if i support the right candidate, i can help defeat a corrupt incumbent.  if i direct my negative energies appropriately, i can turn my cynicism into action and expose the truth about an incumbent, making a primary challenge more likely, and quickening the incumbent's defeat. 

but do i believe that i, or others similarly situated, can, say, draft noble legislation and introduce it to my "boss", and convince him to undercut his own ability to get himself re-elected?  can i get an entrenched incumbent to un-rig the system?  i don't think so.  i understand that there are pro-reform people currently in office, so, technically, they, too are "incumbents," whom i seek to demonize in a rather blanket fashion, but i guess i would trust the heretofore demoralized voting public, whom i'm supposing can be prompted to action by a sufficiently inspirational anti-incumbent campaign, to be able to tell the difference. 

but i don't think that's your beef with me.  you say you fear that i will prove susceptible to the lure of power, and will cling to that power that my position affords me, as a way of dealing with my hopelessness ... is that right?  well, eff that.  i'm not interested in keeping this job.  if there were an insurgent reformist primary challenge campaign being mounted against my boss, i'd jump ship for no pay faster than you'd believe.  i took this job because i "like politics" and "want to help the community" ... it's not like i was given the run down of how top-to-bottom rotten-to-its-core this legislative body is during the interview.  it's been a big surprise to me actually how thoroughly despicable i find my boss's politics (preferring lieberman to lamont, for example), and i'd love to see him taken down.

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by: staff @ Tue Feb 13, 2007 at 17:09:21 PM CST

[ Parent ]

COOL. (0.00 / 0)

Naw, no ire.  I am trying to challenge and engage you, 'cuz I started working at the leg. and had the same demoralizing experience you are having.  And, I am convinced that the system does, indeed, make people cynical and sniping if they work there for long...and either powerless or bullying and domineering, too.  Or, maybe the rest of us good folk just cut and run-- I did, so I am no example.  Although, TAP is sort of coming back for me.

I understand that you can't work through your boss-- I don't mean to imply you can.  However, we need good legislative staffers available as we implement reforms (in this scenario, you get a much better boss).  In my reform playbook, the leg staffers quietly start building the infrastructure for a real deliberative body that will be seated when we can get them there.  Your boss probably won't notice if you do some of the work you were hoping to do when you took the job, as long as you don't show him...

You see, it has been 3 men in a room so long, there is not a "policy-making community" like other states have.  YOU are positioned to help start building one. We need you-- to vote, and be politically active, for sure, but, if you really want to be a policy wonk.... well, you probably noticed how light NYS is in that category, no?  We can't operate a reformed legislature without it.

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by: robinia @ Wed Feb 14, 2007 at 00:10:52 AM CST

[ Parent ]

indeed! (0.00 / 0)

sorry, i was finally able to eat the sandwich i bought hours ago. i've been dealing with major youtube headaches all flippin' day, since like 6:30 this morning.

here ya go.

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:19:32 PM CST

[ Parent ]

my point (4.00 / 2)

exactly.  i am interested in catalyzing and organizing an anti-incumbent furor that could sweep my and many other bosses out of office.  i've got to say though that the incumbents are just as protected by the apathy and disaffection they foster in the general public as the loyalty they demand from their cronies.  without anything any more headline-worthy than the comptroller race, we're unlikely to penetrate those blissfully unengaged with the state's dysfunctional politics.  that's why the focus should be on organizing those sympathetic to reform and directing their energies in a way that is delivers maximum impact.

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by: staff @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:53:10 PM CST

[ Parent ]

Thanks, Brian and TAP (4.00 / 4)

This has been excellent. And anyone who hasn't read the book yet, definitely read it -- scarier than Stephen King.

now how do we get those 75% of people who want change out there demanding change?

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by: greenheron @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:38:43 PM CST

excellent question (0.00 / 0)

and one we spend much time thinking about.

any ideas you want to share?

TODAY is day one. It always is.

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by: phillip anderson @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:41:36 PM CST

[ Parent ]

The one idea that comes to mind is (4.00 / 1)

to wage a primary war. The people that vote in primaries are in general politicly active. If we waged an effective primary war aginst a couple of assemblymen we could send a warning shot across the bow of the entrenched intersts. I don't think that we should go after Silver quite yet, but wait as we primary a few loyalists and errode his support in the caucus. Then if still change doesn't come we attack him. But that is just my idea.

Reality has a well known liberal Bias-Stephen Colbert

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by: pierredude @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 18:50:21 PM CST

[ Parent ]

"Process" issues are difficult (4.00 / 1)

Hard to understand/explain, and connect with people.

If there were one obvious point of leverage that would interrupt the negative feedback loop that is state government, what would that be? I'm working with Citizen Action on Clean Money, Clean Elections but is that it, or would, for example, term limits or redistricting reform be more effective?

Or (as I fear) does it all have to be worked at once?

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by: greenheron @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:07:19 PM CST

[ Parent ]

This was a great discussion... (4.00 / 2)

...thanks to all who stopped by.

We've got some work ahead of us.

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by: NYBri @ Mon Feb 12, 2007 at 19:32:46 PM CST