Pataki Returns a Lame Duck
Governor Pataki made his first appearance at the Capitol in Albany on Tuesday since his appendectomy in February. A perfect time for a triumphant and bold return, right? Well...not so much.
Pataki, who in past years at least spoke forcefully on the need to hold down spending, appeared to be too busy daydreaming about the race for President in 2008.
"We will obviously be spending somewhat above what I proposed in the budget; I hope it is not significantly," Pataki told reporters.
Bold words, indeed.
The Albany Times-Union reported that Pataki did not threaten vetoes or criticized the legislative budget in the media, as he usually does at this point in budget negotiations. Instead, Pataki ceded the field to the Legislature with few words.
"Fiscal restraint, looking beyond this year, should be an important part of this budget," he said.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-64th Assembly District) was quick to take the weak Pataki declaration as an endorsement of this year's budget process.
"He understands we're doing the right and responsible thing," Silver said.
Although Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-43rd Senate District) said that budget negotiations can be finished this week and passed by Monday, he took a shot at the governor's budget division. The division said that the Legislature's plans would widen budget deficits for the next two years to a total of $8 billion.
"They ought to go back to kindergarten and learn how to count," Bruno said.
Bruno mentioned that the state has $4.1 billion in surplus to spend on things such as a ten-fold increase in the Environmental Protection Fund.
The Legislature gives a fine display of bipartisanship when it comes to spending. There might be a surplus now, but it would be wise to heed the words of the governor's budget division, whether they can count or not. Even if Bruno is right that the division's predictions would not come to fruition, such a dismissal could lead to increased spending, not all of it wise. If Bruno said there was nothing to worry about, why not tack on one extra project?
Spending is essential in many areas around the state. But wise spending is also key. Environmental protection is a worthy cause. But what else is in that budget? And do we know that all of it is needed for the welfare of the state?
And should those deficits come, either because of today's decisions or tomorrow's carefree choices, it will hurt the state. And it will likely put New York City's burden of carrying the state even higher.
Pataki is a lame duck far too early. Even if it were for selfish reasons alone, as he looks to 2008 and daydreams, he should be more forceful to get his point across on spending. And to also have some kind of standard that the next governor would need to adhere to, even if it is just words, as it has been for these years.
Pataki still has a job to do as Governor until the end of the year.
Pataki, who in past years at least spoke forcefully on the need to hold down spending, appeared to be too busy daydreaming about the race for President in 2008.
"We will obviously be spending somewhat above what I proposed in the budget; I hope it is not significantly," Pataki told reporters.
Bold words, indeed.
The Albany Times-Union reported that Pataki did not threaten vetoes or criticized the legislative budget in the media, as he usually does at this point in budget negotiations. Instead, Pataki ceded the field to the Legislature with few words.
"Fiscal restraint, looking beyond this year, should be an important part of this budget," he said.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-64th Assembly District) was quick to take the weak Pataki declaration as an endorsement of this year's budget process.
"He understands we're doing the right and responsible thing," Silver said.
Although Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-43rd Senate District) said that budget negotiations can be finished this week and passed by Monday, he took a shot at the governor's budget division. The division said that the Legislature's plans would widen budget deficits for the next two years to a total of $8 billion.
"They ought to go back to kindergarten and learn how to count," Bruno said.
Bruno mentioned that the state has $4.1 billion in surplus to spend on things such as a ten-fold increase in the Environmental Protection Fund.
The Legislature gives a fine display of bipartisanship when it comes to spending. There might be a surplus now, but it would be wise to heed the words of the governor's budget division, whether they can count or not. Even if Bruno is right that the division's predictions would not come to fruition, such a dismissal could lead to increased spending, not all of it wise. If Bruno said there was nothing to worry about, why not tack on one extra project?
Spending is essential in many areas around the state. But wise spending is also key. Environmental protection is a worthy cause. But what else is in that budget? And do we know that all of it is needed for the welfare of the state?
And should those deficits come, either because of today's decisions or tomorrow's carefree choices, it will hurt the state. And it will likely put New York City's burden of carrying the state even higher.
Pataki is a lame duck far too early. Even if it were for selfish reasons alone, as he looks to 2008 and daydreams, he should be more forceful to get his point across on spending. And to also have some kind of standard that the next governor would need to adhere to, even if it is just words, as it has been for these years.
Pataki still has a job to do as Governor until the end of the year.
posted by Will at 12:28 AM
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