The dust from the departure of Sheldon Silver had not yet settled when it was announced that Bronx Assemblyman Carl Heastie had been elected speaker, one of the most powerful positions in state government.
Heastie was elected in a largely ceremonial roll-call vote the day after the Democrat leaders chose him in a closed-door caucus. Even Silver voted for him.
The process is more like a coronation than an election.
Beastie has pledged that he will be a reformer who will make the Assembly “a place of pride.” The manner in which he came to office was not a good start.
The vote was supposed to take place on Feb. 10, leaving time for discussion and debate. Instead it was rushed forward.
We are uncomfortable with the notion that his election will be a shot in the arm for the Bronx which had felt that the Assembly ignored its concerns.
If he’s really a reformer, his election should be good news for every district from Long Island to Buffalo.
Heastie deserves a chance.
Nevertheless we urge our Assembly members to hold the speaker’s feet to the fire and work with him to create real and lasting reform.
