Two state boards created to resolve disputes involving labor unions have been hindered by vacancies that have prevented valid votes from taking place -- and therefore backlogged their caseloads. Before departing, Spitzer nominated for the Public Employment Relations Board Rosemary Queenan, but her past professional ties could conflict with participating in a pending case involving the state troopers' PBA.
The Times union describes the situation here. There also has been coverage in the Chief-Leader (subscription only).
Given new Gov. David Paterson's more extensive direct and indirect union ties than his predecessor, unsexy but important PERB doings might draw more attention than usual from the news media in general, at least for a little while.
Dan Janison