Great Neck’s own state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s recent critical report concerning New York State approaching its legal debt limit and its impact on funding capital projects is the height of hypocrisy.
In a previous life, as a loyal member of the state Assembly under Speaker Silver – then state Assemblymember DiNapoli voted in favor of each and every adopted state budget.
Year after year, by his vote, he concurred with both increasing spending above the rate of inflation along with allowing state debt to grow by billions upon billions of dollars. This included hiding billions more in spending and borrowing by various state authorities. Everyone knew that these agencies were not subject to real oversight by voters, the legislature or state comptroller.
In return, Assemblymember DiNapoli got to bring home his share of the bacon, known as member item pork barrel spending. Many of his constituents including myself don’t believe these treats were kosher.
As a result of his long-time faithful allegiance to Speaker Silver, in 2008 he was selected by a joint session of all 212 members of the state Legislature to fill the vacancy created by resignation of state Comptroller Alan Hevesi. Millions of registered voters were disenfranchised in the process by this back-door maneuver. It is interesting that after all these years, state Comptroller DiNapoli continues attempting to reinvent himself from the days of state Assemblymember DiNapoli.
Why would we expect any less from one of Albany’s insider bipartisan career politicians? Comptroller DiNapoli will never disagree with his mentor Speaker Silver or his other benefactors in the state Legislature. He will also never campaign against Speaker Silver or his other benefactors in the state Legislature. Party loyalty is more important than any allegiance to taxpayers who have to pick up the tab.
Fast forward to today. Only the federal government $16 trillion and California $96 billion carry more long-term debt than New York with $63 billion. Each New York resident is responsible for $3,253 of our state debt.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
