WXXI: Spitzer Pursues Reform, Overhaul of Upstate Economy (2007-01-02)

Governor Eliot Spitzer promised reforms in his Inaugural address, and Spitzer says he'll detail those plans when he gives his State of the State message Wednesday. The new Governor also released plans for fixing the upstate economy.

Spitzer, who campaigned on a reform platform, in recent days has been given even more reasons to pursue his agenda. Just two days before Christmas, Comptroller Alan Hevesi, a Democrat, resigned in disgrace and pleaded guilty to a felony for using a state worker to drive around his wife. At the same time Hevesi was deciding to turn himself in to the authorities, the Senate Majority Leader, a Republican, was admitting that the FBI was investigating his business practices. Another State Senator, Democrat Efrain Gonzalez, was indicted for allegedly using member item money from the state budget to pay rent on vacation properties and to further his private cigar company.

Good government groups say the new governor has an historic opportunity to make changes quickly.

Blair Horner, with the New York Public Interest Research Group, says Spitzer needs to use the "bully pulpit" to create a public debate.

Horner says given the current climate, it will be difficult for lawmakers to oppose Spitzer's reform agenda.

"How can you publicly argue against some of these reforms, given what's happened," he asked.

NYPIRG, along with Common Cause and NYU's Brennan Center, released a list of ten top reforms they'd like to see implemented. They include an end to the pay to play culture, a ban on the use of campaign funds for personal expenses, and creation of an independent state ethics commission.

Spitzer has already delivered on some of his reform promises. Within hours of taking office Monday, he issued five executive orders. They restrict gifts and campaign donations from top state officials, and forbid the governor and other top elected leaders from appearing in any state sponsored TV ads.

One day before his State of the State address, the new governor released a fifteen-point plan for reviving the upstate economy. It includes a three year, $6 billion dollar plan for property tax cuts, the creation of an upstate economic development czar, to be based in Buffalo, and reforms to the worker's compensation laws.

Matt Maguire, with the state's Business Council, called the plan "heartening".

Spitzer also proposes giving more state aid to struggling cities and towns, but they would have to earn the money by first cutting costs and putting their financial affairs in order. The governor also wants to provide affordable high speed Internet access to financially troubled cities and remote rural areas.