Trim the Fat

THE BOAR’S HEAD PLATTER Assemblywoman Sandy Galef continues to press her argument that “member items” be cut from state government spending in 2010-11. She says that the spending is not done equitably, or subject to standards, and that it is often used to propel campaigns or save endangered members of the majority.

“This spending is not distributed equitably in each district throughout the state,” said Galef. “It could save us up to 200 million.”

“At least if we did it equitably, the leaders couldn’t dangle anything in front of you. We see this on the national level with health care,” said Galef.

Galef has not sought out or obtained member items for her Assembly district, which includes constituents in Kent, Putnam Valley, Phillipstown, Cortlandt, Peekskill, and Ossining.”

“We’ve done polls, and most people say the money should be spent on education instead of member items.” Said Galef.

Other Putnam County pols have noted Galef’s call. “She’s absolutely right that if there is no money, there is no money,” said State Senator Vincent Leibell.

Leibell, who had been adept at obtaining member items as a member of the majority, defended the practice. “They are lined out in the budget so anyone can read them,” said Leibell. “Sometimes these items are used for education for specific programs. We have used them to fill gaps at Pines Bridge in Yorktown and the Westchester Exceptional school, and I hope I’d be able to do it again in the future. If you asked them, they would say the programs we’ve funded in the past have helped them dramatically.”

Leibell also noted, “It’s a very small fraction of the budget, even in a good year.”

Galef says that member items are given to members who face tough elections, or who hold out on certain pieces of legislation. “This isn’t a fair way to spend. People should not be depending on discretionary spending for their salaries,” said Galef.

But Leibell counters that “The spending can be uneven because one legislator works harder than another. There can be a work ethic involved. If somebody calls me, whether it is PARC and they have a particular crisis now, I’ll try to fill that gap. I don’t think there is anything wrong with that, or political about that.” Leibell said that member items allow legislators some flexibility. “Equity is an issue, of course. But Putnam County doesn’t have the same needs as Buffalo, or Brooklyn.”

“There is a fiscal issue, and a good government issue,” said Galef. “We have to have ethics training almost every year. If we can cut the discretionary spending this year, we may be able to save education dollars, and I plan to follow up with legislation demanding more transparency, so we can be held