Governor and Legislature at Odds over Authority Reform

By Rachel Ward

Rochester, NY – (Rochester) -- Public authorities are routinely criticized by good government groups for their lack of transparency. But municipalities say they offer a flexible solution for borrowing and fast tracking local projects.

New York's senate and assembly have passed a bill that would enact changes in the state's public authorities law, to make authorities more accountable.

But the governor is looking for changes to the bill, according to spokesman Peter Kaufman.

"We're just looking to change the bill as written right now so that it doesn't stifle job growth, it doesn't stifle economic development."

The governor wants to be able to continue selling state land at below-market rates for affordable housing developments. And he objects to a provision in the bill that would have the state comptroller review authority contracts for more than a million dollars.

But Democratic assemblyman David Koon, a co-sponsor of the bill, says those provisions, and more, are necessary to create real reform.

"This is the first step in opening up the authorities and making them more transparent. I think we have a ways to go. This bill does not go far enough to make sure the authorities are not abusing taxpayer dollars."

The governor's office says he hopes to have changes negotiated so there's a bill he can sign by the November elections.