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Friday, May 30, 2008

Governor Getting Wired

- Governor Paterson clarified the remarks from his radio interview with Fred Dicker in which he said that he'd change the NYRA franchise deal if he could. Though he asserted that he wouldn't have picked NYRA, he conceded "that deal is basically done." But he of course gave no clue as to when we can expect a final settlement. When does that latest temporary extension expire?

The governor also indicated that he expects to have a decision on the Aqueduct racino by the end of the legislative session on June 23. That's in contradiction to the report in the AP that specifically named the racino decision as one likely to be put off until after the November elections. I'd really like to believe Paterson on this, but considering that the racino has been put off for one reason or another for years, I can't say that I'm very confident.

What I found particularly discouraging was that, in criticizing NYRA, Paterson spouted the usual script about NYRA's history of corruption and failure, as if straight out of a Capital Play TV ad. Without absolving NYRA of their fair share of the blame, it seemed to me like the kind of talk which indicates that, like his predecessor, the current governor has not shown any interest whatsoever in exploring the underlying problems that have plagued the industry in the state. Meet the new boss....

Many Republicans are now expressing feelings of deja vu as well, that in reaction to Paterson's unilateral directive to state agencies to provide the same rights to gay couples legally married in other venues as they do for heterosexual married couples. And three cheers from this corner for the governor in this case. Opponents are comparing the order to ex-Governor Spitzer's move to issue driver's licenses to illegal aliens in the way in which Paterson bypassed the legislative branch. Senator Bruno, an opponent of gay marriage, displayed restraint in the recent spirit of cooperation in Albany; but still said that the Senate will review the implications of Paterson's order and "if necessary, we will test it" legally. [NY Daily News]

A lawyer for the anti-gay marriage Alliance Defense Fund told the Times: “He’s trampling on the democratic process.” Don't you just love when people invoke democracy in the course of telling others how to live their lives? I could go on, but.....

....It's Friday! And it's like summer in the city this evening, with clear skies, balmy temperatures, and the summer-long River to River Festival, the most prominent of the annual downtown cultural series that have sprung from the ashes of 9/11, swinging into full gear. Tonight, at the South Street Seaport, it's the venerable British band Wire, who have only been around, on and off, for around 30 years now. And, it's free! So I'm off to meet the Head Chef for some outdoor rock and roll. Have yourself a great night!

12 Comments:

Anonymous said...

The authority of NYRA to operate was extended to July 13th.

Watching the video replay of the last Oversight Board meeting (available off the Division of Budget web site), their attorney stated the NYRA deal is not done. Apparently it requires a variety of documents and agreements to be reached, executed and filed.

Problem is, if not NYRA then who?

Anonymous said...

Maybe NYRA should invite the Gov out to Belmont for Stakes day. Just a thought.

Anonymous said...

I hope the Gov.will allow me to Marry my Dog.
I love my Dog!

Alan Mann said...

jk - Seems to me that the Belmont is something that should automatically be on the sitting governor's schedule. The govs of Ky and Md were at their races.

Anonymous said...

NYRA dies on the vine if the NYC OTB debacle is not resolved in at least as favorable terms as it is right now to the NYRA, or if the gaming operator determination is not made by the end of this legislative session.

Anonymous said...

I'll bet Joe Bruno would be available to stand in for the Gov in the winner's circle at Belmont next Saturday!Joe loves racing, racing people, everything about it, is a schmoozer non-pareil, he even has that distinguished gubernatorial look. He could get in a plug on national TV urging the legislature and Gov's office to act now if they want to keep NY racing # 1. What better occasion and venue to get the plug in, NY's biggest racing day! Nah, never happen, I know, makes too much sense. Then Sheldon Silver would demand equal time, yadda, yadda, yadda. /S/Green Mtn Punter

steve in nc said...

Anon 1020:

Don't be fooled. Your dog is just using you for your kibble.

You can take solace, though, in knowing you share a moral and intellectual kinship with the opponents of interracial marriage. And in knowing that your grandkids, like theirs, will understand that you are a very decent person, just blinded by the common prejudices of your day.

Anonymous said...

Steve in NC don't be a Hater.

If that person want's to Marry there dog let them.

Anonymous said...

The Gov presents the Travers trophy so expect to see him at the Spa.

Anonymous said...

Rumors that the Tx polygamist cult is moving to upstate NY.

This is the gov's plan to rejunvinate the upstate economy.

Anonymous said...

Wayne Catalano at Arlington has 28 starts/////// 19-wins 4-2nds 2-3rds

this is absolutely unheard of/////// might I say MILKSHAKES at its best

Anonymous said...

The governor is going to the Belmont Stakes.

While I don't agree with the NYRA deal -- it smells like old socks -- I don't have an issue with Gay marriage.