Bronx Boss to Select Election Boss

Here is an article by former Bronx Assemblyman Michael Benjamin in the New York Post about the convoluted way that the head of the Board of Elections is selected. In this instance, a deal was made to allow the Bronx Boss, Assemblyman Carl Heastie, to select the person. However, that deal fell apart when the Staten Island Election Commissioner, who was going to provide the needed vote, resigned to run for DA. Now there could be a vacancy for a while in this important position. This quote from Mr. Benjamin says it all, "our modern elections are far too important to remain a vestige of a bygone political era. It's time to free our election process from patronage control by the two major political parties. "

As Stringer Calls for Elimination of Pork, Diaz Hands Out $13 Million

Here is an article from the Daily News pointing out that just one day after Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer called for the elimination of member items or pork, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz, Jr. announced that he was handing out $13 million to Bronx organizations. Diaz's office said they are in the process of examining Stringer's report. My bet is that Stringer will be the only major politician in this City to take this position.

Engel Talks Tough on Budget

Here is Congressman Eliot Engel talking tough to Nancy Pelosi regarding the proposed budget deal that could cost NY a billion dollars in Medicare funds. Engel is quoted in the Daily News as saying, "We served notice on Pelosi that we are not going to support this," Engel said. "This would mean tremendous cuts in health care services in New York and massive losses of jobs . . . I'm determined to beat it back." Tough words from a guy primarily known for getting to the State of the Union address hours early to snag an aisle seat.

Council Members Rack up Debt -- Koppell Near Top of List

Despite a salary of over $112,000 for a part-time job, many members of the City Council seem to still rack up a good amount of credit card debt. The categories are so ridiculously broad that it can be hard to determine what they really owe, but one Councilman from Brooklyn (Jumane Williams) has debt of between $35,000 to $308,000. Bronx Councilman Oliver Koppell lists $160,000 on 3 credit cards. His comment was "I get offers for zero percent interest," he said. "It's sort of too good to pass up."

Manhattan BP Stringer Calls for Elimination of Member Items

Here is a first among any major elected official -- Manhattan BP Scott Stringer has called for the elimination of member items (worth nearly $50 million) in the City Council. While certainly the timing of his proposal is suspect given his intention of running for Mayor, it still makes him the first elected official to go on record in saying that slush funds should be eliminated. The race for 2013 is already getting interesting.

City Attempts to Investigate Illegal Apt. at Engel Building

Congressman Eliot Engel is answering questions about a building he owns in the Bronx that might contain an illegal apartment. The problem is that the City has been denied access to the building six times since 2009 to inspect the claims. Engel owns a portion of the building with a realty company in the Bronx.

NY Post Calls on City Council to Stop Slush Funds

A recent NY Post editorial calls on the City Council to eliminate member items or discretionary funding to individual members of the Council. The editorial discusses how these funds are used to ensure loyalty to the leadership, and it details some of the recent major abuses by members of the Council.