Fine craftsmanship

by: simonstl

Sat Jan 03, 2009 at 20:39:28 PM EST

The Dryden Courier's editorial for this week, "Thank God It's Over", celebrates the end of a year they clearly didn't enjoy. In the midst of all that, I found this gem:

[Governor Paterson] inherited a financial mess that took many, many State administrations to perfect.

There was a lot of getting here, but I had no idea that New York State actually set out to perfect its financial mess.

That explains a few things, though!

Another Possible Senate Appointee Meets With Paterson-- Elizabeth Holtzman

by: robinia

Thu Dec 11, 2008 at 20:05:39 PM EST

Judging by the reaction every post about the soon-to-be vacant U.S. Senate has gotten, I believe it would be fair to say that the TAP community wants someone who is a progressive Democrat with experience as an elected official and someone who can help Governor David Paterson (and other Democrats) in 2010 and beyond.

I'd add to that a strong preference being expressed for somebody with some statewide name recognition, maybe even somebody who has campaigned for statewide office.

Well, folks, today Paterson met with somebody who fits all that to a "t."

WHO WILL BE the Junior Senator from the State of New York

by: Senor Wylie

Tue Nov 18, 2008 at 01:57:58 AM EST

WHO WILL BE THE Junior Senator from the State of New York???


We've heard of the push for RFK, Jr. and the thought towards Congresswoman Velazquez, and there's always the possibility that Gov. Paterson could become Sen. Paterson???

The NY Times has quoted numerous Dem. strategists as the common thinking being that there are three factors the Gov. is considering in making his selection,

Independent political strategists and leading Democrats theorized that Mr. Paterson's choice would come down to three factors: geography, diversity and whether the replacement senator could help Mr. Paterson politically.

Geographically, the popular Upstater is the 2nd Term Congressman out of the 27th District, Brian Higgins.  

Diversity could mean my very own Congresswoman Velazquez
(please select me from your list for inauguration tix?).

The popular CoverYA choice is A.G. Andrew Cuomo,

What about the timely team of enemies move of Rudolph Giuliani??

The downstate suburban popular choice pushed by the media is the NY-2nd Rep., Congressman Steve Israel.  

A source told the Daily News that Congresswoman Velazquez is seen as satisfying at least two of the three factors, being both Latina and Female and could be a way to reign in the Gang of Three who are demanding more Hispanic representation.

They think she's a twofer," said the source close to Paterson, who would get to pick Clinton's replacement. "She's a woman and a Latina and therefore a home run. He's feeling tremendous pressure in western New York, which he has to win to win the general election. But the closer pressure he's feeling right now is from the Hispanic community."

"What I said was it would be a great thing for New York if we had a New York City or New York statewide leader who was of Hispanic decent. I thought that would be tremendous. And they took that to mean that I'm supporting one of them for majority leader."

BUT really, the question may have already become two-fold, WHO WILL IT be and WHEN WILL IT be announced.  

So the early eyes open question out now is has Gov. Paterson already decided who he would name, and would he stop a potentially damaging NYS Democratic divisive political hot potato by quickly naming the individual and putting to rest any discussion and arguments that may be bantered about the liberally speaking bars and progressive think tanks?

Gov. Paterson has shown a fondness for the blogs complimenting The Albany Project on Daily Kos

I also held my first "Virtual Town Hall" at the Albany Project and you can see that conversation HERE. I was pleased with the questions.  They showed how policy aware the community at The Albany Project is.

I have high hopes for this selection.  I would like the candidate to be our generation's Ted Kennedy.  The progressive senator with the invincible seat unafraid to take the heat for positions.  The huge name that can bring the cameras to every press conference.  But all this with the pragmatic sense and political savvy to actually pass legislation.

Pick someone strong.  

Pick someone who can easily retain the Seat.

Pick someone who would honor the Senate Seat held by Daniel Patrick Moynihan and Robert Kennedy, the progressive with the backbone and secure Senate seat to take the tough positions and keep the progressive plank of the Democratic Party strong.  

(wonder if this will hurt my chances at an inauguration tix?)

Governor Paterson Wowing Them on Daily Kos

by: robinia

Thu Nov 13, 2008 at 21:58:31 PM EST

Makes you remember you could have Ahnold or Sarah Palin for a Governor, instead of that smart, funny guy from Harlem.

Budget News Flash: In Which I Agree With New Yorkers For Fiscal Fairness, Again

by: robinia

Tue Nov 11, 2008 at 17:19:13 PM EST

Well, right on target, so correct, my compadres over at New Yorkers for Fiscal Fairness have organized the working people's response.  There is an excellent radio ad and a press release.

Yes, there is a better choice.  No less than Josepgh Stiglitz, Nobel Laureate in Economics, encourages states to maintain employment during downturns, so as not to worsen the recession.  And, the New York Council of Mayors have taken this opportunity to remind us that NYS tax cuts are, most typically, actually more like tax shifts--- devolving taxes down to the local level, where the non-progressive property tax takes on the additional burden.  They have started a new web site of their own, Stop the Tax Shift.  It has no simplistic calculator function-- but it does have a Joe Taxpayer Blog.  No comments, but the "Joe" sounds like a nice enough guy.  Although, why are they always named Joe?

Anyway, no surprise that Ron Deutsch, Frank Mauro and crew are out there swinging away for the common folk once again.  And, once again, as I do year after year, I thank them for it, and heartily agree.

A NYS Budget Calculator: Whole Categories Only, and No Plus Sign Available

by: robinia

Fri Nov 07, 2008 at 15:59:42 PM EST

But, go ahead, play with it and let us know what answers to our dilemma you may find.  

What's Up With AMD Deal for NYS?

by: robinia

Thu Oct 09, 2008 at 17:10:00 PM EDT

Yesterday Advanced Micro Devices and Advanced Technology Investment Co combined to provide $2.1 billion to build a nanotech research facility in Malta, in Saratoga county.  

Previously, there was much speculation that AMD, "hemorrhaging money", would prove unable to accomplish the expansion that they indicated they would if NYS put up substantial assistance.  How, in these times of credit crisis, did AMD find investors?  Easy one, that.  They went to the Abu Dhabi sovereign wealth fund.  Explanation on the flip.

AIG burning through loans

by: simonstl

Sat Oct 04, 2008 at 00:19:03 AM EDT

AIG seems to have used up $61 billion of its $85 billion federal loan already, raising new issues:

The emergency loan was supposed to buy the company time to sell its troubled assets in an orderly manner. But the sell-off has not yet begun, and now the insurer faces the additional pressure of trying to sell the businesses at a time when potential buyers are having trouble borrowing money.

I'm wondering what this means for the $20 billion Paterson let them borrow from their subsidiaries, effectively insured by the State of New York. Anyone know? I'm not finding much recent news on that front.

What'll happen to AIG

by: simonstl

Tue Sep 30, 2008 at 13:33:46 PM EDT

The Times has a short piece on what's actually going to happen to AIG as the Feds take it over.

I have two questions, neither of which the article particularly answers:

• What happens to the $20 billion Governor Paterson let them borrow from subsidiaries? (Maybe it was never actually borrowed? Or just addressed elsewhere?)

• Is this a model worth considering for the future bailouts it seems likely we're going to need? Or was it just a one-off we should avoid from here on out?

I also see that New York is going to regulate credit default swaps - or at least around a fifth of them.

Gov's gamble pays off?

by: simonstl

Tue Sep 16, 2008 at 21:19:55 PM EDT

I've been worrying on the one hand that the demise of AIG would wreck markets and the economy for years to come and on the other hand that Governor Paterson's letting them borrow from subsidiaries was a bold but way too risky way to avoid that.

It seems that the Governor's gamble may have paid off. The State of New York doesn't have any way to hand AIG $85 billion, but the Federal Reserve does. (Or do I hear printing presses?)

Hopefully - it's still not clear to me how this will work - the Governor's move bought some time to sort this out, and the results will avoid calamitous problems for AIG's customers or the State's finances.

We'll see...

Paterson-- Yo! Bro! Say It Ain't So! AIG Gets Sweet Deal From NYS?

by: robinia

Mon Sep 15, 2008 at 13:32:59 PM EDT

From Norris

1:15 p.m.
AIG shares have bounced from their lows on news that New York State wants to help. The governor says the state insurance department is going to let AIG take $20 billion from insurance subsidiaries and lend it to the parent.

AIG always was said to be a politically connected company, and this seems to confirm that. The announcement, you will note, did not come from the insurance regulator.

Governor David Patterson says this is "not a government bailout," and he will be right . . . if AIG can meet its obligations. If not, the insurance subsidiaries will have that much less cash to meet their obligations, and then a state insurance fund could be hit to pay claims.

But don't worry. Governor Patterson says AIG is "extraordinarily solvent." If he explained why a company that is not only solvent, but extraordinarily solvent, can't borrow money elsewhere, I did not see it in the wire accounts.

In any case, AIG is back to $6.90, almost double the low of $2.50 hit this morning.

UPDATE: If you would like to know a bit more about the insurance company you may have just bought (to go with your Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, Bear, IndyMac series), check this out. Sure hope that turns out to be a positive equity stake in the "ownership society" and not involuntary servitutude for some picky Dubai slavedriver. Am concerned.

Why are Conservatives and Republicans Praising Governor Paterson

by: TruBlu

Sat Aug 02, 2008 at 13:14:55 PM EDT

I'm not saying we don't have to tighten our belt. I'm not saying times aren't tough. But I am saying we are not in a depression, it's a recession. And the sky isn't falling in today. So roll up your sleeves and get to work, what's with the bull horn and joining with the other side? The Governor isn't putting everything on the table, plain and simple he's protecting millionaires. So if you earn $40,000 a year in NY you will still pay the same percent of your income in taxes as a millionaire. Seem fair? Do you feel like a millionaire earning just $40,000? That's right, 6.85%, one rate for everyone -- we used to have a higher rate for millionaires but Pataki did away with it.

His idea of tax reform for NY is to cut property taxes. Great. So who get's the largest reduction? Millionaires in mansions. He has no circuit breaker provision. His idea of reforming our taxing system in NY doesn't touch millionaire income taxes. It's not comprehensive and is no plan at all I say. It's a knee jerk sound bite for headlines.

Spending cuts, tax breaks for the wealthy, no controversial social agenda in their face - just some of the reason's the proverbial 'right' is singing Paterson's praise. Even that gasbag Jim Tedisco the minority leader in the Assembly fired off a statement this week commending Paterson. They have taken notice.

Wake up Democrats in New York. The Governor is out for himself. It's not like he's hiding it or anything, you'd have to be in denial not to notice. He out and out said to Azi he doesn't want to jeopardize his work as governor and become the focus of the campaign - flipping the Senate is a fight that'll have to be done without him. Talk about a cold shoulder.

He's not kidding, Senate Democrats got nothing from the $3.3 Million the Governor recently took in.

And lest we forget how he recently accused freshman Democrat Senator Darrel Aubertine of lying about being offered a top job in the administration, only to later admit one of his aides broached the subject.

Hello? He tried to steal Aubertine away, that's what he did and that seat would have gone right back into GOP hands. What is the Governor up to? Total chaos in the Democratic ranks I'd say. He's the best thing that ever happened to the Republican and Conservative parties in New York. Prove me wrong.

Money, Honey....That's What We Want.

by: robinia

Thu Jul 31, 2008 at 15:17:33 PM EDT

Mostly, the serious and important news is about the big picture: David Paterson, a governor way smarter than one NYers would have been likely to elect on their own, went to DC to tell truth.  He preceeded his visit with a letter to congressional leaders outlining quite clearly a very reasonable list of items that should be included in a second national stimulus package.  They closely resemble the suggestions of economists for a stimulus package back before Congress hit on the clever idea of mailing voters checks during election season.  Paterson praises that first effort.... but, the results on GDP are in, and the NYT headline calls it thus: G.D.P. Grows at Tepid 1.9% Pace Despite Stimulus http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/01/business/01econ.html. Which is why we must not dither about any more.

Paterson was joined in DC by Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, and they met with many NY congresscritters.  NY has been devastated by Bush's utterly criminal economic policies, and we have leaders in Paterson and Smith who understand how that effects the lower-income citizens, as well as understanding the big picture.  Capitol Confidential reports that Paterson also had meetings with Max Baucus, Chris Dodd, and Hank Paulson, too.

The big event of the day was Governor Paterson's lunchtime address to the National Press Club.  Both C-Span and the Governor's website http://www.ny.gov/governor/ind... have video... have not yet found a transcript anywhere.

Showing his trademark humor despite all, Paterson cracked the room up referring to Herbert Hoover, who did not face up to the Depression when it was bearing down on him, wanting to "keep checking the numbers" and all instead.... Paterson asked the room "how well that worked out for him?"

So, how is the private sector and their apologists (like the Manhattan Institute) reacting to this remarkable show of responsibility and courage on the part of our Governor, facing up to the dire situation he inherited through no fault of his own?

Well, if the Empire Center for NYS Policy is an example, by trying as hard as possible to stage distractions.  In perfect time with Paterson's speech, they unveiled a new website, SeeThroughNY http://seethroughnydev.winxweb...  It is a sort of strip-tease site on government workers' personal salary info-- which is all on the public record, but, you know, a bit sensitive when easily linked to the employee by name.  So, it worked as a distraction-- Capital Confidential reports News Flash: state government grinds to halt! http://blogs.timesunion.com/ca... as many, many state workers log on to look up their coworkers' salaries.  Way to contribute to the grown-ups' conversation about what to do about the mess you and your buddies have made of our economy, McMahon.  Sheesh.  Don't suppose you'd do one of those sites for corporate and banking CEOs, would you?

Paterson Signs Gas-drilling Bill -- Barber (SD-51) Lauds Decision to Require GEIS

by: robinia

Thu Jul 24, 2008 at 16:40:55 PM EDT

In effect, this does exactly what SD-51 candidate Don Barber has suggested: puts a moratorium on drilling until we have studied the environmental impacts of the new techniques being used.  His campaigns' analysis is just so good (Mike, you are incomparable!), I'm just going to put the whole thing here, after the flip.  Read it-- this is important stuff!

Don's campaign is calling their approach-- which the Governor took-- "conservative" and challenging Seward (who called it "irresponsible") to debate the issue.  Interesting!

The end of Joe Bruno = the end of Shelly Silver?

by: Amherst Guy

Mon Jun 23, 2008 at 22:45:19 PM EDT

Silver has found himself faced with rapidly decreasing support from his own membership over the last decade. As the number of Democratic Assemblypersons has increased, particularly upstate, the new Assemblymen have often run as anti-Silver candidates, and the percentage of Assemblypersons who truly support Silver has decreased. Once in the Assembly, they fall in line out of necessity, but every once in a while you see the cracks.

The most recent exposure was in 2007 when Tom DiNapoli was appointed Comptroller. Behind closed doors Spitzer almost got enough Assemblymen to flip to join the Senate Democrats and Assembly Republicans in opposing DiNapoli.

Silver has through all of this kept his job through the political cover of George Pataki and Joe Bruno. If an Assemblyman opposed Silver, Bruno and Pataki would block any state appointment for any friend of that Assemblymember or even any fellow county Assemblymember's friend, thereby putting the pressure on the Assemblymember to fall in line. Jobs at the state level that went to Democrats went through the Assembly, and therefore through Silver, Bruno, and Pataki. Play nice, and we'll throw jobs your way.

Now Silver has lost all of his political cover; he has to go through Gov. Paterson and Sen. Smith, fellow Democrats who he treated like opposition party members (as did his strongest supporters, SEIU and NYSUT) during their respective terms as Senate Minority Leader. They will not be jumping out of their chairs to support Mr. Silver. They may very well work to undermine him as punishment for his treatment of them over the past decade-plus.

They will not find it hard to find Assemblymen who will privately speak for change; if they can find 53, not as difficult a task as it may seem, Mr. Speaker may find himself Mr. Assemblyman sooner than you think.

Reform Legislation: "Goo-goo Smackdown" or Brennan Center "Landmark Legislation"?

by: robinia

Thu Jun 05, 2008 at 17:47:32 PM EDT

Here are some quotes from these sources, after the flip,  to help you decide what you think.

Paterson Offers Campaign Finance Legislation

by: robinia

Wed Jun 04, 2008 at 15:19:54 PM EDT

Update: It looks like this was a surprise to some reform advocates.  The release happened during a press conference of goo goo groups decrying the slow advance of reform measures...

Horner remarked "it would have been a good sign a month ago," explaining that the last month of this year's regular legislative session is a bit late to bring out a major initiative.

Horner and the others noted that Paterson's office knew they were planning their press conference and Horner said, "they were unhappy," about the prospect.

A Times-Union reporter let Horner and the other speakers know that he had just picked up the Governor's press release on his Blackberry... Hat tip on this to Capcon.

Letterhead cancels fundraiser - but still some good news

by: simonstl

Sun Jun 01, 2008 at 08:34:54 AM EDT

This one is kind of a sad one, but reminds us that the division between governing and politics is complicated:

First Lady Michelle Paige Paterson stumbled in her first foray into the fight for the Senate majority, mixing politics and governance by putting a fundraiser invitation on state letterhead.

Paige Paterson was scheduled to headline a June 24 Manhattan fundraiser for Democratic Senate candidate and family friend Don Barber, who is running against Sen. James Seward in the 51st Senate District. Barber is currently Caroline Town Supervisor in Tompkins County, a businessman, and a farmer.

In the invitation, Paige Paterson said, in part: "This is the kind of leadership we need in New York. I know you will agree with me that our 'blue' state should be led by a Democratic Senate, and Don's campaign will help us achieve that goal."

Printing the invitation on state letterhead was "absolutely something that should not have happened. And the event has been canceled," said Erin Duggan, a spokeswoman for Gov. David Paterson.

"It was an honest mistake," she added.

The good news: the fund-raiser will be rescheduled, and its very existence shows that maybe the truce is limited to recruiting, and not to campaigning. The story also points out some positive implications for the race in the 51st:

The Barber event, had it gone forward, would have included on its attendee list state Democratic Chair June O'Neill, Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith, and a number of Democratic senators.

While the Barber race is not currently considered in the top tier of competitive Senate races, the attendee list indicates there is high-level party interest in it.

We definitely need change here in the 51st, and it's good to hear that the party is aware of that.

Moving the Progressive Agenda through Executive Action-- Marriage Equality

by: robinia

Wed May 28, 2008 at 22:23:43 PM EDT

Check here for the breaking news about how the Governor has instructed all administrative agencies in NYS to fully recognize lesbian and gay marriages performed in states and countries where they are legal.

This is partly due to a recent court case in Monroe County.  But, it is mostly due to David Paterson being a decent, progressive, reform-minded Governor.  And I really do like him, that's the truth.

It may not be quite the time to break out the Champaigne ("If you're going to treat us as equals, why don't you just give us the marriage license?" said Alan Van Capelle, executive director of Empire State Pride Agenda. "So this is a temporary but necessary fix for a longer-term problem, which is marriage equality in New York State.").  But this will make a huge difference in a lot of peoples' lives.  Worth celebrating.

Truce?

by: simonstl

Mon May 26, 2008 at 13:33:50 PM EDT

It's been a busy few days, but I figured someone else would get to this piece on the 'detente' between Bruno and Paterson:

It is a shift that is turning Albany upside down and making some of Mr. Paterson's fellow Democrats privately uneasy. Mr. Paterson has quietly declared a political truce with Mr. Bruno and his party, and though he is committed to raising money for the state's Democrats, he has been reluctant to recruit candidates to run against incumbent Republicans at a time when the Democrats appear tantalizingly close to taking over the Senate for the first time in more than 40 years....

Still, despite their affection, the two men are politicians, and making peace has potential political benefits as they pursue their respective agendas. Mr. Paterson, who admits that he was unprepared to be thrust suddenly into the role of governor, is trying to define himself to the public as someone who can get things done, so he can buttress his chances of being elected in 2010 on his own merits. An amenable Legislature will help, though he may need to reassure some Democrats.

I've liked Paterson pretty well thus far, but this sounds to me like we're heading back to the world in which there are (at least) three Democratic Parties operating at the state level in New York:

1. A Democratic Party pushing to retain and expand its control of the Assembly, but with little fondness for anything that might diminish the party's power within the body, whether redistricting, rules or any of those other annoying "goo-goo reforms".

2. A Democratic Party pushing to finally take the State Senate back, whose members have suffered for decades under the thumb of an autocratic Republican majority, and who are - at least for now - very fond of those "goo-goo reforms".

3. A Democratic Party that's all about keeping the Governor's mansion. Reform? Well, if it helps us win...

One of the things I liked about Spitzer was that he let at least #2 and #3 come together, and deprived #1 of the "but there's an evil Republican Governor..." excuse.

Perhaps that, like many things, is now over.