Governor Paterson, who has just a few more weeks until he leaves, was on the radio this morning and he discussed his successor, Governor-elect Andrew Cuomo, "He's doing all the right things. He's saying all the right things. But I don't think one person can change the way government works right now." He added, "Before everybody starts blaming him the way they blame me, I want everybody to stop before this governor comes into office and assess what is actually the capacity." more ›

The head of the NY Commission on Public Integrity is resigning and Michael Cherkasky broke the shocking news that the ethics panel doesn't do a very good job, because it's underfunded. Plus it's focused on the executive branch, while the legislative branch (hello, Shelly; hello, Pedro) has "virtually non-existent oversight." He says, "Starting with meaningful disclosure and conflict of interest rules, and closing with independent oversight, New York State needs a complete reform of Legislative ethics oversight." Cherasky, who was appointed by Paterson last year and even found the governor in the wrong over the World Series tickets, is leaving the job because his private risk management business is growing. more ›

Yesterday's "special" session for the State Senate resulted in nothing—a 15 minute session without a vote—as expected. And don't worry, there's more of that to come, because Governor Paterson says he'll pursue a court order to force lawmakers to Albany to finally pass a budget (which was due on April 1). Capital Confidential reports that Paterson said on the radio this morning, "I would suggest that this duck is quacking, and this duck is swimming." more ›

The state budget was due on April 1, so the State Senate is headed to Albany tonight for a special session. However, it's not expected that anything will actually, you know, pass, because the Democrats have a 32-seat majority (the number needed to pass items) and not all Democrats are expected to show up (Malcolm Smith is on vacation). And while the Republicans could help pass something by agreeing to a Dem-backed plan, that seems unlikely to Governor Paterson, "What the Republicans are doing now is voting no on everything, and then quietly behind the scenes going to all of the donors and special interests and telling them, ‘we’re not hurting you.’ Well they’re not hurting them because they’re not saying anything.’” more ›

Forget it, Jake, it's Albany. The NY Times reports, "No one knows for sure how big the state work force actually is," because "the state has not one but two public payrolls," one controlled by the governor for state agencies and another for employees of public authorities, like the MTA, SUNY and CUNY systems, and judiciary—all of which have increased its workforce as the state has reduced its payroll. Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (D-Westchester) wants the authorities to disclose what they doing, "The state borrows less and less and hires less and less, and state authorities borrow more and more and hire more and more," and referring to the infamous figure who helped create the public authority system, "I’m sure Robert Moses was a nice man, but these are Frankenstein monsters." more ›

PolitickerNY reports that when asked about defected Democrats Hiram Monserrate's and Pedro Espada Jr.'s ethical backgrounds (Monserrate is indicted for slashing his girlfriend; Epada is under investigation for campaign fund misuse and not living in the district he represents), the billionaire retorted with, "Don't talk to me about ethical background in Albany, New York. We have a governor that stood on a podium on national television and said he had extramarital affairs and used cocaine. So, you know, these guys have got some personal issues? I don't think I want--that's just part of the picture." more ›

All is well in Knicks camp. They're playing well on the court, fans love them, MSG is packed, all their players are completely sane, and their coach/GM is the talk of the town. Actually, that's how things are in Knicks-fantasy land. Back here on planet earth, the Knicks are a dismal 2-7, sitting at the bottom of the Atlantic Division, their star point guard is coming off the bench, and their coach/GM is throwing his... more ›