NYS Senate - Conclusion

So the fiasco in the New York State Senate concluded itself, at least for now. What was the solution? Well, for those of you who were not paying attention to this, the person who left the Democrats to help the Republicans become the majority, came back to the Democrats as Majority Leader. Now, that title is apparently different than it is in the US Senate, as the state senate has someone different who is the conference leader and a different president of the senate. So Espada's title may be symbolic. But it is not a very good symbol. Espada is accused of ethics violations and may not actually live in his district.

I am more appalled at the way this situation was wrapped up than I was when it was ongoing. Beyond the injustice inherent in rewarding someone who tried to leave the party simply to get a better position, it is just bad politics. This makes the Democrats look bad in the short term for rewarding him. But it will make them look horrible if and when his ethical transgressions cause his downfall (the same goes for Senator Monserate, who has been given his committee chairmanship back despite facing assault charges).

There is a question about whether voters will remember all this a year from now. But if Espada's troubles come to light later on, they may not have to remember. However, this poll in the Daily News suggests that voters believe they will remember this. (By the way, the blog I linked to is now my favorite blog for up to date NYS news.)

If you think this is the end of the Senate's appalling behavior, you are wrong. After the Senate spent a month doing nothing but arguing over who really holds power, they passed the bare minimum of bills. So of course they did nothing on rent regulation reform or marriage equality. Worse though, they did nothing on Mayoral control of the NYC schools, which expired June 30. Now, I can understand people wanting to negotiate and take some power away from the Mayor (although I don't agree). But doing nothing while the bill expired, then walking away until September because you did not get what you wanted at the last minute is ridiculous.

It is just enraging that these people are adults but yet have not learned the shame that others were taught as kids. You have a responsibility to do your work in a timely manner. If you passed up on the opportunity to participate in a debate until it was too late, you lose the chance to give your input. They should feel ashamed to hold up the process because now, after having months and years to make changes, they want to make changes.

Since my senator is one of the ones now fighting for changes to the NYC school control bill (and one of the ones who welcomed back Espada), I am completely resolved not to vote for him next year. I really hope that survey was right and that everyone else does the same. Otherwise I will lose all hope in state government.