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Governor’s Veto Is Not the End for RIOC Reform

August 31, 2010


In June, I reported that my legislation to reform the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation (RIOC) had passed the Assembly. I am incredibly disappointed that Governor Paterson has now vetoed this legislation — and I vehemently disagree with the reasons he has given for his veto. By passing the reform bill with overwhelming margins, the legislature clearly communicated its intent that RIOC should be more open and accessible, and that Island residents should have a greater say in the Island’s decision-making process. RIOC’s decisions have a vastly bigger impact on Island residents than on anyone else, and the needs of those who live on the Island should outweigh the abstract concerns expressed by the Governor in his veto message.

By rejecting these common-sense measures, the Governor has set back the cause of open government and public authorities reform. Nonetheless, I will not stop fighting to open up RIOC and make it more accountable to the Island residents it serves. I will bring these reforms back as many times as it takes to make them a reality.

A copy of the Governor’s veto message is below.

Governor’s Veto of RIOC Reform Bill

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Written by Micah · Filed Under Albany Report, Blogroll, Community, Legislative Updates, Roosevelt Island 

Comments

One Response to “Governor’s Veto Is Not the End for RIOC Reform”

  1. Matthew Katz on September 2nd, 2010 3:49 pm

    The Governor’s veto of A10392, empowering the RIOC Board of Directors to interview candidates for RIOC President and presenting the candidates to this community, is very unfortunate. We have struggled for thirteen years to enfranchise a community entirely in the control of the Governor in Albany. He mentions the dangers of a Board composed entirely of residents (other than the two ex officio members) without noting that the Board is currently composed entirely of resident members, has been for some time, and without chaos ensuing. It is ironic that the most significant step towards democratic governance here was provided by Republican Governor, George Pataki, when he signed the Open Spaces statute into law that, among other requirements, authorized a majority of the nine-member RIOC Board of Directors to be composed of Roosevelt Islanders. Some times, you don’t know who your friends truly are.

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