Recent Streetsblog NYC posts about Albany Reform

Brennan Center: Albany’s “Still Broken”

By Aaron Naparstek | Jan 6, 2009 | 6 Comments

NYU’s Brennan Center for Justice just published an update of the famous 2004 report that described in excruciatingly precise detail just how deeply lousy New York State government has become. I haven’t had the chance to read it yet but the title of the 2008 edition pretty much sums it up: "Still Broken." The New […]

Why Is David Gantt Still Running the Assembly Transpo Committee?

By Ben Fried | Jul 24, 2008 | 9 Comments

The Times published a great reminder today about last month’s bus camera vote in the Assembly Transportation Committee, which weakened the city’s plans for Bus Rapid Transit. The editorial page wonders why David Gantt, who for years has obstructed life-saving, transit-enhancing traffic enforcement measures, is still in charge of the committee: Mr. Gantt is a […]

Auto Dealers, Parking Garages and, Well, Lots of Others Fund Shelly

By Aaron Naparstek | Jul 21, 2008 | 6 Comments

In case you missed it last week, New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver is raising bucket-loads of campaign cash — lots more than his two opponents, Paul Newell and Luke Henry. Groups that opposed congestion pricing are, no surprise, among some of the most enthusiastic contributors. The Times reported: Like Mr. Paterson and Mr. […]

How David Gantt Sent Bus Cameras to Defeat in Albany

By Ben Fried | Jun 27, 2008 | 25 Comments

After state lawmakers dealt a setback to the city's Bus Rapid Transit plans, Streetsblog looked into how Assembly transportation committee chairman David Gantt was able to bring down a bill that reportedly enjoyed majority support among his members and won approval in the New York City Council by a 40 to 7 vote.

Skelos Ascension Clouds Prospect of Pricing Revival

By Brad Aaron | Jun 25, 2008 | 19 Comments

Yesterday, retiring New York State Senate Majority Leader Joe Bruno handed the reins to Deputy Leader Dean Skelos, Republican from Nassau County. Though some see this unforeseen development as an opportunity to move on much-needed reforms in Albany, it’s not great news for advocates of congestion pricing. If Governor Paterson looks to revive pricing via […]

Shining a Light on Albany’s Bus Camera Vote

By Ben Fried | Jun 19, 2008 | 11 Comments

A source sends along this roll call of the State Assembly transportation committee’s vote on bus-mounted enforcement cameras. The names come from the official record; whether the record accurately reflects who raised a hand and who didn’t is not certain, for reasons explained below. Note that the vote was on whether to table the bill, […]

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