Ravitch keeping a low profile in Albany fiscal talks
Other Columnists
With lawmakers due in Albany today for a new round of fiscal posturing, some insiders are wondering about the precise role of Lt. Gov. Richard Ravitch. His controversial appointment - upheld in a surprise Court of Appeals decision Sept. 22 - was touted by backers as a potential boon to resolving the state's financial crisis.
Some legislative staffers said they hadn't much seen Ravitch in public talks on the current multibillion-dollar deficit. Gov. David A. Paterson told reporters last night that Ravitch is "working on an overall, four-year plan to bring New York's finances back to a manageable place." An aide said Ravitch "certainly speaks to the governor" about the immediate crisis.
WINDS OF CHANGE: In Washington the lobbyists still lobby, special interests still influence, and operators still operate. But Barack Obama's presidency has brought change in the form of rhetorical role reversal. Denouncing the U.S. "commander in chief" no longer prompts cries of treason from Republican shills, and Democratic shills now view anti-White House protests as subversive and destructive.
GOLISANO SOUTH:Billionaire Tom Golisano, a player in the Independence Party, announced in May he was changing his address to Florida after taxes here were hiked on upper-income residents. In June he backed the Republicans' state Senate coup in Albany. Now his philanthropy has raised the heat in Florida. He donated $4 million to Ave Maria University, founded under Catholic principles, for a new Golisano Field House, but the religiously orthodox Cardinal Newman Society questioned the gift, citing Golisano's past support for abortion rights.
FAMILY ENTERPRISE: While Republican George Maragos pulled off an apparent but still-unofficial Nov. 3 upset against Nassau Comptroller Howard Weitzman, his son Angelo Maragos was the GOP candidate for a Queens City Council seat. The senior Maragos and other family members reportedly campaigned for him up to and including Election Day. Democrat Jimmy Van Bramer (D-Sunnyside) won the post with 70 percent.
SUOZZI SURPLUS? The 27-day postelection campaign disclosures are due to be filed today just as the Nassau vote count resumes. To be seen: How much Democratic County Executive Thomas Suozzi spent of the $2.3 million that he had in October.
