Contact: Xavier San Miguel (718)357-3094/(917)952-0157 Wednesday, September 19, 2012

AVELLA CALLS FOR SPEAKER SILVER TO STEP DOWN

(BAYSIDE, Queens) State Senator Tony Avella, a long standing good government advocate, today called on Assembly Member Sheldon Silver to step down as Speaker of the New York State Assembly. The culture in Albany of What happens in Albany stays in Albany has to stop, stated Avella. Assembly Member Silver has had a great career serving our State; but he is now seen as the classic example of the dysfunction and back room deals that has plagued Albany for decades. If ever that was a time for change it is now! Avella added, We will never make any real progress in cleaning up Albany if the same old school politicians are allowed to maintain control by secrecy and intimidation. I hope that Speaker Silver will realize that for the good of the State, which he has devoted his life to serving, he should voluntarily step down. We must also once and for all begin to address the inherent, almost omnipotent, power that a Speaker can exert on a legislative body. Whether it is the Speaker of the Assembly, the Temporary President of the Senate or even the Speaker of the City Council, despite being chosen by their memberships to serve in those positions, they are elected by and represent the same number of people as their counterparts. Limiting their power and empowering individual legislators with more independence and autonomy would dramatically improve Albany (and the City Council).