The Pedro Problem

“For all of us that have worked so long for change, this is no longer a joke,” Bill Samuels told a group of Democratic donors gathered in the living room of cardboard magnate and former candidate for lieutenant governor Dennis Mehiel last Wednesday evening.

Resting on plush couches and standing with glasses Read More

Attack Albany

Espada Says He’s Just Like Cuomo

Pedro Espada responds to the charges levied against by him Andrew Cuomo, saying it’s “political payback.”

Best line: “I find it disingenuous to demonize my family simply for working for a business I founded.  It is no more inappropriate than working for your dad if he happens to be governor of this great state.” Read More

Stabilization Now, Tomorrow and Forever?

In the world of tenant activists, 2009 was a year of tremendous optimism. And then it wasn’t.

Democratic control of the State Senate failed to provide any of the radical changes to rent laws that activists had long fought for—and that were expected once Republicans were booted from the majority. Deadlock dominated; the housing committee Read More