Spitzer Making Changes

For Better or For Worse

Despite the fact that he makes a Whitman quote as exciting as watching actual leaves of grass grow, Governor Eliot Spitzer's 75% approval rating indicates the voters of New York are pleased with what they have seen in his very busy first month in office. Spitzer has championed accountability, reform and transparency but is this really a new political era or simply rephrased political speak?

The release of the Governor's budget was highlighted by increases in school funding accompanied by harsh penalties for districts that under perform. While accountability sounds good we've seen the efforts of throwing money at the education problem - Campaign for Fiscal Equity - and efforts for increased accountability - No Child Left Behind - fall short of politicians' promises. I also find it discouraging that the individual Spitzer chose as his education leader has made more turns in his career than William Shatner; and as for accountability, this same individual who has overseen one of the worst graduation rates in the country, one of the highest dropout rates and claims of rampant prejudice and racism has been rewarded with one of the most powerful positions in the state - where's the accountability? As if to drive home the point that money does not fix education an examination of funding levels for the district overseen by the aforementioned individual (read:Manny) reveal failings when compared with neighboring Buffalo whose rates of success are much higher despite receiving half the funding.

Spitzer has said that he will increase education funding while slashing property taxes and increasing the STAR rebates, the two main sources of education monies in the state; it will take some fancy math to increase education spending while damming its primary revenue streams but my guess is that it will all add up to increased borrowing and debt for future New Yorkers.

The new Governor has certainly been a reformer in one regard: Spitzer has been very active in the races for open state positions, he was probably the largest reason why no one from the Assembly made the final list of comptroller candidates, and the Governor has been very active in the battle over a Long Island Senate seat. This is the bulldog on attack that we all voted for but slapping the hands of those on Wall Street is much different than battling the legislative bodies who must approve the legislation you want passed as governor. You're alright with us Eliot but, unfortunately, Shelly and Hollywood Joe Bruno are the ones who will make or break you and neither one seems to be in your corner.