March 20, 2010 · www.gothamgazette.com

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Archive of Gotham Gazette Articles


Fewer Prisoners, Fewer Prisons?

March 17, 2010—Upstate prisons with full staffs but a dwindling number of inmates offer a tempting target for budget cutters. For years, political muscle has kept the jails open. Will the fiscal crunch change that?


Monserrate Fights for His Old Job -- and 'Traditional Values'

March 12, 2010—To win back his old job, the former state senator, expelled from office after a domestic violence dispute, is campaigning as a defender of family values.


State Budget Puts Spinal Cord Injury Research in Jeopardy

March 11, 2010—Advocates say the state's plan to eliminate a program on spinal cord injury started by a police officer shot on duty will threaten efforts to help victims lead independent lives.


How to Fix New York's State Police

March 5, 2010—First, Troopergate. And now, the scandal of Gov. Paterson and his top aide has again put the state police at the center of controversy. Can New York separate its police from politics?


Now Out of Race, Can Paterson Hold On and Govern?

March 1, 2010—David Paterson has pledged to stay in office until January, but many worry the state cannot afford to have a lame-duck, scandal-tainted, never-elected governor during a fiscal crisis.


Census Could Set Off Major Redistricting in State

February 25, 2010—The GOP managed to stave off a massive redistricting after the last census. This time around, they may have no choice but to accept the demographic realities -- and a loss of power.


Richard Ravitch's Latest, Greatest Challenge

February 24, 2010—Can Richard Ravitch save New York one more time -- and will Gov. David Paterson let him try?


MTA Tries to Catch Up With Its Finances

February 22, 2010—The Metropolitan Transportation Authority's service cuts are still full steam ahead. But advocates wonder whether there will ever be a permanent solution to its financial woes.


After Heated Closed-Door Debate, Senate Expels Monserrate

February 10, 2010—The State Senate last night voted to immediately oust Hiram Monserrate -- a move that left bitter feelings among Senate Democrats and cut their margin of control to a single seat.


Eminent Domain Changes Seek to Limit State's Power to Seize Property

February 4, 2010—Several politicians want to rein in New York's authority to seize a person's property to make way for private development. Can they succeed in a state where real estate rules?


Paterson's Plan for CUNY and SUNY Draws Criticism

January 29, 2010—The governor wants to give the city and state universities more autonomy. School officials like the idea, but some politicians say it could hurt low-income students.


Albany's Ethics Bill: First Step or Missed Opportunity?

January 14, 2010—With Albany under fire, some advocates say bills on lobbying and elections could help clean up the ethically challenged capitol. Others charge the legislation falls short.


'Culture of Violence' Plagues New York's Juvenile Prisons

January 11, 2010—Forcible restraint remains too common and therapy too rare in homes for juvenile offenders, according to several recent investigations. Is change finally on the way?


Senate Democrats Look to Repair the Damage -- Before It's Too Late

January 4, 2010—As the state legislature returns, its members confront a budget crisis, gloom at the MTA and last year's broken promises. And it's campaign season.


MTA Cuts Produce Deja Vu Along with Outrage

December 17, 2009—Seven months after a state rescue package supposedly staved off massive service reductions, the MTA's cuts to plug a $400 million deficit have sparked anger, suspicion and another round of the blame game.


Campaign Finance Laws Fill Coffers for Cars, Coffee and Court

December 7, 2009—In Albany, money doesn't talk -- it roars. State law lets politicians collect cash from virtually anyone and use it almost as they please. So, critics ask, is it any wonder the state has problems?


Death by Car

November 23, 2009—After several horrific accidents, the state has passed a law cracking down on intoxicated drivers. While hailing the move, many experts say we also must take steps to keep sober motorists from crashing and killing.


New Website Lets New Yorkers Talk Back to the Senate

November 19, 2009—A new website launched by the State Senate enables people not only to find out about legislation but also to comment on it.


Cutting the Deficit Gets Ugly

November 16, 2009—With the state running out of money and facing a $7 billion spending gap for next year, last week's special legislative session demonstrated that many legislators still oppose making serious budget cuts.


As Money Runs Out, Can Albany Avoid the 'Pain'?

November 2, 2009—With the state government about to run out of money, advocates and legislators continue to resist the governor's proposed budget cuts. Will a Wall Street rebound avert disaster?


Senate Ponders What to Do About Monserrate

October 23, 2009—After being convicted of misdemeanor assault Sen. Hiram Monserrate's future as a state senator is in the hands of his colleagues.


Is Anyone Willing to Cut the State Budget?

October 2, 2009—Months of tough talk from Gov. David Paterson about cutting the budget to reduce the state's escalating multi-billion dollar budget deficit has yet to lead to a concrete plan.


Mentally Ill Seek More Independence

September 21, 2009—Since it shut its large mental institutions, New York has put disabled adults in for-profit 'homes.' Recently a judge ruled that isolating people that way constitutes illegal discrimination. What happens now?


The 63rd Senator

August 24, 2009—The mayor won the school control battle and seems poised to scuttle a bill on public authorities. Has he finally figured out how to get his way in the state capitol?


Albany Aftershocks

August 3, 2009—Now that the state Senate has calmed, what can be done to prevent another stalemate from shaking Albany? Our David King finds out.


Dividing Albany's Pork Pie

July 27, 2009—However disorganized they might seem, State Senate Democrats have managed to hand out millions of dollars to pet projects in their home districts. We look at who got what.


Bringing Home the Pork

July 27, 2009


A Fractured Senate Takes on Mayoral Control of Schools

July 14, 2009—The fractured state Senate is unlikely to move on many controversial issues, but mayoral control of city schools seems to be the one they can't ignore.


Amid Fireworks, the Senate Stalemate Continues

July 2, 2009—Deadlines and the holiday fail to stop the senate stalemate. In response, the Bloomberg administration looks for lost revenues and assembles a Board of Education. Can anything break the deadlock?


After the Deadline...

July 1, 2009—As June 30 ended, the State Senate remained mired in chaos. The city did not get its sales tax hike, and mayoral control of schools has sunset. What happens now?


As Time Runs Out, Paterson Tries to End the Deadlock

June 22, 2009—With the chamber mired in acrimony and facing deadlines on key issues, the governor makes a move.


Band-Aid Budget

June 22, 2009—Contrary to expectations, the new city budget does not include massive spending cuts or huge tax cuts. Good news -- or did officials just postpone the inevitable until after the election?


Senate Turmoil Puts Everything in Doubt

June 15, 2009—With the State Senate mired in tragedy, soap opera and farce, reforms, budgets and more hang in the balance. We report from Albany and City Hall on the policies at stake.


City Left on the Sidelines as Senators Feud

June 22, 2009—With the State Senate mired in tragedy, soap opera and farce, reforms, budgets and more hang in the balance. We report from Albany and City Hall on the policies at stake.


Legal Ruling Puts a Cork on the Bottle Bill

June 4, 2009—The latest effort to expand the state's law on beverage deposits sputtered to a halt when bottled water companies filed suit to block it. Will the bill survive the challenges, legislative inaction -- and opposition from a prominent environmentalist?


Pedro Espada's New Clout

June 1, 2009—Rent control's fate could hinge on Sen. Pedro Espada -- although he's being investigated by the attorney general, hasn't paid campaign fines from 2001 and may not live in his district.


New York's Gun Battle

May 18, 2009—Despite police crackdowns, guns still wreak havoc in many New York neighborhoods. Will the killings in Binghamton prompt the state and federal governments to enact tighter controls?


Bills Seek to Help Women Prisoners Rebuild Lives

May 8, 2009—The number of women in jail in New York State has increased sharply, and the vast majority are mothers caring for children. Now, advocates hope the state legislature will enact a series of bills addressing the unique problems of women prisoners -- and their families.


On the MTA, Leaders Will Take What They Can Get

April 29, 2009—As negotiations for an MTA rescue plan wear on, everyone seems to be lowering their expectations, wondering if the Senate can pass even a weak, short-term plan.


The End of the Rockefeller Era

April 27, 2009—For years New York's harsh drug laws put all power in the hands of prosecutors and favored punishment over treatment. This month, that changed. A state Supreme Court judge examines the shift.


The Politics of Same-Sex Marriage

April 17, 2009—Whatever it does for civil rights, Gov. David Paterson's bill likely will cause headaches for state Democrats and give Republicans an issue in upstate districts where gay marriage remains unpopular.


The Legislature Takes on Election Reform

April 14, 2009—The state legislature has won few points for legislative activism these past few months, but one area where it might take action is election reform.


Even in Hard Times, Albany Offers a Feast of Pork

April 13, 2009—The state may face a budget crisis and talk of fiscal austerity may fill the air but Albany legislators still love those member items -- or pork -- that let them deliver goodies to the folks back home. What they do not like is making telling the public which legislator got what -- and how the money will be used.


What the State Budget Means for the City

April 1, 2009—Whatever the many criticisms of the new state budget for better or worse it does restore substantial amounts of aid to New York City and will stave off any teacher layoffs, at least for now.


In Albany, Budget Battles Behind Closed Doors

March 30, 2009—Despite new leaders, promises of openness and a dire financial situation, it was business as usual in Albany where leaders negotiated in secret to reach agreement on a new state budget.


With Clock Ticking, Senate Plan Does Little to End MTA Impasse

March 19, 2009—With only a week to go before the MTA has said it will have to begin raising fares and slashing service, the Senate has come up with a proposal critics assail for being slapdash, ridden with bad math and shortsighted.


The Tough Battle to Repeal Tough Drug Laws

March 11, 2009—The stars seemed perfectly aligned in Albany for repeal of New York's harsh Rockefeller drug laws. But the Assembly has passed a bill that would preserve several key aspects of the law, the Senate might not pass even that, and Gov. Paterson seems to be retreating from his previous position.


Stimulating a Cleaner Environment

March 9, 2009—The federal stimulus package provides billions of dollars to help New York State improve its environment and expand the use of alternative energy.


Plan to Toll Bridges Encounters More Roadblocks

March 5, 2009—Legislators raise a new round of objections to plans to charge a toll to cross New York City's bridges. Can this rescue plan be saved?


Budget Takes an Ax to Programs for Open Space

March 3, 2009—While just about every area of state spending will take a major hit in next year's budget, the fund that provides money for parks and open space is set to bear a particularly heavy burden.


Rural Legislator, City Issue: How Upstaters Decide

March 2, 2009—From Nesconset to Niagara, all legislators in the state get to rule on matters affecting only New York City. So what influences their votes? It's not as simple as you might think.


Taxing the Rich: An Idea Whose Time Has Come?

February 18, 2009—With Wall Street millionaires the people America loves to hate, and the state facing a huge budget deficit, it would seem the ideal time to up the income tax on the wealthiest New Yorkers. But Gov. Paterson and leaders of the State Senate have their doubts.


A Call for Tighter Ethics Laws

February 11, 2009—With Joseph Bruno under indictment, good government groups want a series of reform that they say would tighten the ethics rules governing the state's politicians while opening them up to increased scrutiny. Not surprisingly, it could be a tough sell.


Trying -- Again -- to Change the Drug Laws

February 5, 2009—For decades, activists have pressed the state's leaders to totally overhaul or repeal New York's harsh Rockefeller drug laws. Now Gov. Paterson and Assembly Speaker Silver have called for major changes, but Senate Democrats have yet to take a firm stand on the issue.


Paterson's Bitter Pill

February 2, 2009—Gov, David Paterson's proposed budget hits New York City harder than other localities in the state -- and Mayor Michael Bloomberg doesn't like that one bit.


How to Balance the State Budget

February 2, 2009—Tax and balance: Where can New York find the fist full of dollars it needs to fill its gaping budget gap?


The Senate Looks at How It Operates

January 20, 2009—With their majority finally solidified, the State Senate Democrats last week passed rules changes, which they say, are designed to create more legislative transparency and to balance the power rift between the majority and the minority. Even though the Democrats had moved on reform issues after years of pleading for the same courtesy from the Republican leadership, their actions were greeted with derision by some and a tempered optimism by others.


The Democrats Take Albany

January 12, 2009—The shifts in the capital should boost city issues, but following the governor's State of the State, many activists wonder whether the new Albany will look a lot like the old.


Advancing Rights

December 1, 2008—The changes in Albany – and the overall political climate – will dramatically alter the landscape in New York for civil rights issues, including same sex marriage and reproductive rights.


The Senate's Demographic Shift

November 24, 2008—If the Democrats can keep their edge in the State Senate in the 2010 elections, they stand to hold their grip on the legislature for years, if not decades, to come.


The Other Power Shift

November 10, 2008—Election Day brought change to Albany too as Democrats won the State Senate, solidifying their power in New York. A group of experts tell us what that could mean for spending, transit, health -- and more.


Longtime Incumbent Seeks Two More Years

November 4, 2008


Staten Island 61st Assembly District: Titone Tries for a Full Term

November 4, 2008


Staten Island 60th Assembly District: A Swing Seat

November 4, 2008


Bronx/Manhattan 28th Senate District: A Serrano in the Seat

November 4, 2008


Staten Island 24th Senate District: Seeking Re-election in a GOP Stronghold

November 4, 2008


Election Results 2008 - General

November 4, 2008


Bronx 84th Assembly District: Arroyo Seeks Another Term

November 3, 2008


Bronx 82nd Assembly District: A Three-peat in the Northeast

November 3, 2008


Staten Island 63rd Assembly District: Running on Four Lines

November 3, 2008


Staten Island 62nd Assembly District: Going for a Full Term on the South Shore

November 3, 2008


Bronx 32nd Senate District: Running from Both Sides of the Fence

November 3, 2008


Bronx/Manhattan 31st Senate District: Surviving in a Different District

November 3, 2008


Bronx/Manhattan 31st Senate District: Surviving in a Different District

November 3, 2008


Queens 30th Assembly District: Running from a Flower Shop

November 3, 2008


Queens 28th Assembly District: A Republican Tries Again

November 3, 2008


Queens 26th Assembly District: A Low-Budget Race in Bayside

November 3, 2008


Queens 23rd Assembly District: Running Against Albany

November 3, 2008


Queens 12th Senate District: 25 Years in Albany

November 3, 2008


Bronx 81st Assembly District: A Challenger Hangs On

November 1, 2008


Bronx 80th Assembly District: Rivera Faces Two Opponents

November 1, 2008


Bronx Assembly District 78: Rivera's Easier Contest

November 1, 2008


A Third Round in Highbridge

November 1, 2008


A 22-Year-Old Seeks to Topple a Veteran

November 1, 2008


Kavanagh Seeks to End the Turnover

November 1, 2008


GOP Hits Snags in the Silk Stocking District

November 1, 2008


Party Leader Runs Again

November 1, 2008


Jeffries Seeks a Second Term

November 1, 2008


Former Councilmember Seeks to Remain in Assembly

November 1, 2008


A Familiar Contest in Bushwick

November 1, 2008


Challenging the Party Chief

November 1, 2008


Schools, Environment Issues in Brownstone District

November 1, 2008


A Three-Way Race in Sunset Park

November 1, 2008


Party Activist Looks for Upset

November 1, 2008


Businesswoman Challenges Incumbent

November 1, 2008


More than $1 Million for an Easy Race

November 1, 2008


Veteran Challenges Former Teacher

November 1, 2008


Challenger's Campaign Fades

November 1, 2008


Brooklyn/Staten Island 24th Senate: Red Borough, Blue District

November 3, 2008


Guide for the Last Minute Voter

October 27, 2008—The presidential candidates will not be the only ones on the Nov. 4 ballot. Our guide zeros in on State Senate and Assembly races and other vital election information.


Brooklyn State Assembly District 46: Former Staffer Challenges an Incumbent

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn State Assembly District 46


Bronx Assembly District 76: A Frequent Candidate Tries Again

October 27, 2008—Bronx Assembly District 76


Manhattan Assembly District 68: Powell Faces Two Challengers

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Assembly District 68


Manhattan Assembly District 67: A Former Nadler Aide vs. a Former Nadler Opponent

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Assembly District 67


Manhattan Assembly District 65: New Incumbent Seeks a Full Term

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Assembly District 65


Manhattan Assembly District 44: Longtime Incumbent Faces a Party Activist

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Assembly District 44


Brooklyn Assembly District 43: Trying for a Full Term in Crown Heights

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Assembly District 43


Brooklyn Assembly District 41: Going for Three Decades in Office

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Assembly District 41


Brooklyn Senate District 17: A Second Round in Northern Brooklyn

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Senate District 17


Bronx Senate District 36: Rematch in the Bronx

October 27, 2008—Bronx Senate District 36


Bronx Senate District 34: Klein Goes for Three

October 27, 2008—Bronx Senate District 34


Bronx Senate District 33: Espada's New Clout

October 27, 2008—Bronx Senate District 33


Manhattan Senate District 32: Duane Faces Little Known Challenger

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Senate District 32


Brooklyn Senate District 27: Brighton Beach's $1.8 Million Man

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Senate District 27


Manhattan Senate District 25: A Republican Tries to Beat the Odds

October 27, 2008—Manhattan Senate District 25


Brooklyn Senate District 20: Adams Seeks Re-election

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Senate District 20


Brooklyn Senate District 19: Sampson Seeks Another Term

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Senate District 19


Brooklyn Senate District 18: Looking for a Landslide?

October 27, 2008—Brooklyn Senate District 18


Queens Senate District 11: A GOP Incumbent Seeks to Turn Back a Democratic Tide

October 27, 2008—Queens Senate District 11


Tackling Campaign Finance Reform

October 14, 2008—It's an election year -- and in New York State, candidates have a virtual license to raise as much as they can any way they can. Is there a better way?


Rights and Recognition for Same-Sex Marriage

September 26, 2008—New York's courts and governors have said, if you're married in another state you're married here, whatever your sex and that of your spouse.


Guide for the Last Minute Voter: The 2008 Primary

September 2, 2008


A Feud in Flushing

September 2, 2008


Filling a Last-Minute Vacancy

September 2, 2008


A Factional Split in the Southeast Bronx

September 2, 2008


Going Head to Head in Morrisania

September 2, 2008


The Organization Chases a Rainbow

September 2, 2008


A Second Chance in Canarsie

September 2, 2008


Taking on the Brownsville Dynasty

September 2, 2008


Running Under Indictment in the West Bronx

September 2, 2008


In East New York, Corruption Creates an Open Seat

August 11, 2008


In Queens, a Race to Control the Senate

August 11, 2008


A Battle Over Reform in Manhattan and Brooklyn

July 14, 2008


Running Against Albany on Manhattan's Lower East Side

June 30, 2008—First Eliot Spitzer resigned. Then Joe Bruno announced his retirement. Now two political novices hope to end the political career of the third man in Albany's room: Speaker Sheldon Silver.


State Assembly District 22 - Flushing, Queens

October 13, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


State Assembly District 62 - Staten Island (South Shore)

October 11, 2004


July 26, 2004


July 26, 2004


Assembly District 82 - Bronx

July 26, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


Assembly District 80 - Bronx

July 26, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


State Senate District 23 - Staten Island/Brooklyn

July 26, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


Assembly District 68 - Harlem

July 26, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


State Senate District 28 - East Harlem

October 11, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


State Assembly District 57 - Brooklyn (Fort Greene, Prospect Heights)

July 20, 2004—The New York State Legislature has been called the most dysfunctional legislative body in the country. A look at why the system is broken, how it hurts New York, and why it won't be fixed anytime soon.


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