Assemb. Tom DiNapoli, who is vying to replace former State Comptroller Alan Hevesi, couldn’t have taken too much encouragement in that regard from Gov. Eliot Spitzer’s kind words at a news conference in Manhasset this morning.
Spitzer: “I don’t think we mentioned the environment, which is an issue on which Tom has really staked out such an important position, and will continue to do it, and I thank you for that...”
Spitzer had expressed interest in possibly naming DiNapoli (D-Great Neck) as his environmental commissioner, but has said privately that others are more qualified to be comtproller. Still, at the event, where Spitzer, a Democrat, endorsed Nassau Legis. Craig Johnson (D-Port Washington) in the 7th State Senate district, the governor said he was open to anyone as long as they pass muster with a recently-formed screening panel.
“Whoever wants to apply should — members of the legislature, not members of the legislature ... We now have a process that mirrors what we’ve stated a need for ... where we have a merit-based system ...”
Michael Rothfeld
Comments (6)
Well I think Tom DiNapoli would be a great DEC commissioner. He has done a hell of a job over the past couple of years in protecting the environment.
Suozzi is being a good boy so that Spitzer will give him a big job in 6 months to a year and then Spitzer will appoint DiNapoli the County Exec, which is the job DiNapoli really covets. No way DiNapoli takes a boring administrative job. It's not what he's good at or likes to do.
Spitzer is making a huge mistake by trying to take ou O'Connell who is a well like moderate and will push reform harder and more expertly than the inexperienced Johnson. Let's see Spitzer get Shelly Silver to embrace his reforms before turning the whole state over to one party.
Spitzer has already reneged on a promise for more school aid to LI by senting the money to Buffalo. He seems to think Long Islanders are only here to pay the freight for the rest of the state. When Spitzer agrres to give LI it's fair share of school tax dollars then we should support Johnson. Until then O'Connell is the best bet to protect LI.
The GOV does NOT appoint a CE vacancy. The County Legislature does,,,
O'Connel voted to inprison doctors who did abortions....THATS a MODERATE!?!??!
Spitzer is trying to tease DiNapoli away from a competitive Comptroller's process by offering him DEC on a platter. DiNapoli is too smart for that: he could have had DEC back in December. Stick to your guns Tom and Shelly will make you the next Comptroller!
I have been posting as Nassau Nell for quite some time and I did not write the "imprison doctors" post at 3:10 am. Whoever did it, I am flattered that "Nassau Nell" is a posting that you think people read, but please use another. Thank you.