Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith (D-Albans) took a swipe this afternoon at his GOP colleagues, particularly Majority Leader Joseph Bruno of Brunswick.
"I was extremely disappointed when Senator Bruno declared that he spoke for his entire conference," Smith said, referring to yesterday’s leaders meeting in the Capitol. "I recognize the members of my conference as individuals who bring important perspectives to the governing process and believe it is irresponsible to assume that members of the Senate Republican Conference would be unable to provide equally valid input."
No Senate Republicans besides Bruno attended the 90-minute session in the Red Room because he said such gatherings normally were reserved for leaders.
Smith, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) and Assembly GOP leader James Tedisco (R-Schenectady) each brought rank-and-file members. In fact, Assemb. Fred Thiele (R-Sag Harbor) participated in the debate about healthier food in schools.
Throughout the meeting, Bruno complained that little was getting accomplished besides grandstanding and self-congratulations by the rank-and-filers.
Later, Bruno said he wasn’t sure he would attend future sessions. Gov. Eliot Spitzer is expected to convene the next meeting on Monday.
James T. Madore