Programming note: We’ll be off this Monday but will be back in your inboxes on Tuesday.
DAYS THE BUDGET IS LATE: 52
ALBANY AUTOPSY ANGST: The Democratic Party has tasked a strategist with ties to a past political debacle in New York to lead their analysis of the 2024 election outcome. This strategist, Paul Rivera, was previously a key adviser to John Sampson, a figure in the Obama-era New York Senate known for its dysfunction. Sampson was later convicted of federal fraud charges.
Rivera joined the Senate with a notable background, having participated in campaigns for Al Gore and John Kerry. Despite his credentials, he was perceived as an enigmatic aide, offering advice quietly from behind the scenes. This mysterious presence was fitting for the opaque environment of the state Capitol.
Former press aide Travis Proulx described Rivera as a shadowy figure whose origins were unclear. “He stands out as the man behind the curtain,” Proulx stated. Rivera did not respond to multiple requests for comment, nor did Sampson.
Though Rivera lacks a national profile, Albany Democrats remember the turbulent period of New York politics he was associated with. His involvement in the criticized autopsy report has puzzled many, considering the report’s failure to address significant issues like the party’s stance on Israel and Gaza and President Joe Biden’s decision to step aside, factors seen as pivotal to their electoral defeat.
Ken Martin, Chair of the Democratic National Committee, apologized for the report, but calls for his resignation persist. Albany Democrats were astounded that such a crucial task was given to someone linked to a difficult era for New York Democrats.
Diane Savino, a former state senator, criticized Rivera’s political expertise, suggesting he overestimated his abilities during his time in Albany. Read more from POLITICO’s Nick Reisman.
From the Capitol
MICAH’S SUPERNATURAL VOTE: Assemblymember Micah Lasher, once a teen magician, seemed to perform a feat of his own, managing to vote in Albany and appear at a Manhattan candidate forum just hours later. Lasher, who is campaigning for a congressional seat, has not explained how he accomplished the journey.
Lasher reportedly cast his vote around 4:50 p.m. in Albany and appeared at an Upper West Side forum by 7 p.m. A drive of 150 miles from Albany to New York City in such a short time raises questions unless one assumes perfect traffic conditions.
Lasher’s campaign has not clarified his whereabouts during the vote, nor responded to subsequent inquiries. The vote involved a budget bill with measures protecting immigrants, aligning with Lasher’s advocacy against ICE enforcement. He has campaigned for ICE’s abolition and participated in protests in Minnesota earlier this year.
Lasher celebrated the bill’s passage on social media, stating, “I am incredibly proud to have authored this legislation to protect the dignity and safety of all.”
Assembly rules require members to be in the “bar of the House” to be counted as present, which is defined as the Assembly Chamber and adjacent areas. However, it’s unlikely this extends to the Catskill exit of the New York State Thruway, a plausible starting point for a journey to Manhattan in two hours.
Assemblymember Alex Bores, also running for the congressional seat, arrived late to the forum after voting and explaining his decision on the floor. He expressed disbelief at Lasher’s rapid transit, stating, “You got to tell me the route that gets me here in two hours. That’s remarkable.” Lasher confirmed his vote with a nod. — Jason Beeferman
BURSTING INTO TIERS: Changes to the Tier 6 pension plan have been finalized as budget discussions conclude, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.
“Tier 6 is done,” stated an anonymous source regarding the closed-door discussions.
The changes allow teachers to retire at 58 after 30 years of service, with public workers’ contribution rates dropping to 3 percent. These adjustments are expected to cost over $550 million annually, shared among state, municipal, and school district budgets.
The changes are anticipated to be included in the transportation and economic development budget bill.
This overhaul is seen as a victory for labor groups, which have long opposed the less favorable pension tier established in 2012.
Read more from POLITICO Pro’s Nick Reisman.
FROM CITY HALL
SIGNS OF LIFE: A charter revision commission initiated by former Mayor Eric Adams is set to release a report next week on proposed changes to the City Charter, despite legislative moves to disband the commission.
The report, obtained by Playbook, will be published in the City Record on Tuesday. It includes suggestions like open primaries, changes to land use processes, restrictions on pay raises for elected officials, and making term limit laws harder to amend. It also proposes making certain mayoral offices permanent and ensuring funding for future charter commissions.
Created on Adams’ last day in office, the commission is led by Randy Mastro, his first deputy mayor. The group is pushing for reforms that could challenge the reelection of Mayor Zohran Mamdani. Proposals like open primaries could benefit moderate candidates, complicating Mamdani’s political future.
The commission’s efforts have been criticized as a misuse of process by ethics organizations, even among those favoring open primaries. Mamdani has cut funding, while Albany passed a bill to dissolve the commission.
Mamdani has not confirmed his plans regarding the state legislation, though he requested the provision. The commission plans to challenge the legislation while continuing its work, with a public hearing scheduled for next week.
Kayla Mamelak Altus, a commission member, criticized state lawmakers for silencing public voices in shaping the commission’s ballot questions. “This attempt to retroactively dismantle a legally constituted Charter Revision Commission in the middle of its work flies in the face of municipal home rule,” she stated. — Joe Anuta
FROM THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL
BREWING SUPPORT: City Council member Gale Brewer has endorsed Stephanie Ruskay for an open state Assembly seat on the Upper West Side.
“We need leaders who are smart, compassionate, and deeply rooted in the communities they serve,” Brewer stated, expressing her support for Ruskay.
Ruskay, who could become the first female rabbi in the state Legislature, is seeking the seat vacated by Micah Lasher, who is pursuing a congressional role.
Alongside Brewer, Ruskay has the backing of several officials including City Comptroller Mark Levine, Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and City Council member Shaun Abreu.
She faces competition from Eli Northrup, a public defender endorsed by more left-leaning Democratic clubs, in what has become a proxy battle between different factions within the party. — Joe Anuta
IN OTHER NEWS
— PRESSURE FROM WITHIN: Hundreds of immigrants detained at a Newark immigration detention center have gone on a hunger and labor strike, demanding the facility’s closure, their release, and visits from elected officials. (Gothamist)
— PLAY NICE!: Kathy Wylde, former head of the Partnership for New York City and a key business broker, has resumed her role as a mediator between Mayor Mamdani and corporate leaders. (New York Post)
— FARE FIGHT: World Cup fans are choosing $20 buses over $98 train rides to MetLife Stadium, amid backlash against high transit costs. (The New York Times)
Missed this morning’s New York Playbook? We forgive you. Read it here.
