Liu Says City Government Needs 'Real Reforms' Not 'Political Cover'
Christine Quinn angered some City Council members when she announced a package of reforms last Friday, but the reaction was reinforced by resentment that's been brewing for some time over her management of the council.
John Liu, speaking with reporters after the closed-door meeting at City Hall last night complained that the reforms Quinn announced are just "political cover."
Liu said, "No one, especially the legislative leader, is talking about the $5 million no-bid contracts, the $50 million no-bid contracts that the executive branch has full discretion over--and there’s absolutely no accountability whatsoever.”
At around the 1:30 mark, I ask Liu how this situation will affect negotiations over this year’s city budget.
“It’s really of no value to be united under a leader who is basically a rubber stamp for the other branch of government,” Liu said.
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We've heard from Liu, Fidler, & Dilan. Where is the 47th District Councilman Domenic Recchia on this major scandel? I know he can't verbalize his thoughts very well, but come on Domenic. Say something. Just because you are Quinn's friend & puppet (Pro Congestion Taxing) etc. Say something! And if you can't, have your new Communication Director from Staten Island talk for you. Let's get with the program.
If this scandal ends with a new speaker and a resuscitated city council, the city will benefit, just as the state benefitted by the scandal that removed Spitzer.
Why elect and spend $51 million to fund offices of council members when nothing gets through the council without the speaker's expressed approval. The way things are now, council members are window dressing, not functioning legislators. And it's not their fault.
Christine Quinn must step down. She has no credibility. Every penny of the fake orgs money must be accounted for. An indictment on felony fraud, bribery, and larceny charges is in order.
They should just get rid of the whole damn thing. What has the City Council ever accomplished? They have no power, they're corrupt as all hell, many have other jobs, it's just such a waste of time.
Chris Quinn knew very well what she was doing. And now the Council Member's are upset, not so much about what she did, but upset that the Mayor will now review their pork spending.
John Liu is a joke, he's just trying to get traction for whatever his next campaign will be. All the members with half a brain are staying quiet, which is sort of pathetic. They're waiting to see which way the wind blows which is so typical.
What does Jessica Lappin or Danny Garadonick have to say? Does Gioia think Quinn should be driven out of town in a hybrid car? Do prison stripes flatter Maura, Chuck and Wayne?
Time shall tell.
Hey Gifford Miller,
Thats a good question. Where is Jessica Lappin and Dan Garodnick on this? Ohh, did you say hiding under the desk as far out of sight as possible on this one because Chris Quinn just killed whatever small chance they ever had of being Speaker by having them line up her? Since they both think they should lead the Council next term, shouldn't they be standing up for the institution now against Quinn?
Dan, Jessica, you can add your names to the people thrown under the bus by Chris Quinn. If its any consolation, at least there are plenty of others down there to keep you company.
John Liu is right... The Speaker can't handle the pressure so shes just covering her red bottom. Shes also nothing else but a puppet for the administration--- she cannot stand on her own--- Quinns gotta go!!!!! shes doing nothing but bringing down the institution-- The City Council
Hiding money behind fake organizations in the City budget is a crime. It's probably wiser for the Council to push Quinn out before the federal indictment comes down and embarrasses everyone again.
You get the government you deserve, New York.
Idiots.