FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
January
9, 2007
INDEPENDENT PANEL TO SCREEN COMPTROLLER CANDIDATES
Process Open and Transparent to the Public
The Governor and legislative leaders today announced formation of
a screening panel to help select a new State Comptroller.
The Comptroller Screening Panel, composed of people with longtime
experience in government and finance, will review the credentials of
those seeking the position and produce a short list of most-qualified
candidates for the Legislature to consider.
Governor Spitzer said, "I'm pleased that lawmakers have embraced a
new approach for selecting a replacement as Comptroller. My expectation
is that this approach will advance candidates with the appropriate
qualifications for the position."
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver said, "I am encouraged that we
have come together to endorse this overall plan, which will ensure a new
comptroller is chosen fairly, deliberately and in full view of the
public. This joint agreement demonstrates a renewed commitment to
cooperation, trust and openness on the part of the Governor and members
of the Legislature. I have no doubt that in the coming weeks, we will
choose an excellent comptroller candidate who will be qualified and
capable to perform this vitally important job."
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno said, "State Comptroller is a
critically important office and this panel will help ensure that the
most qualified candidates for the job are given thorough consideration
and that the public is aware of those candidates before one is selected,
not after."
Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco said, "This is a fair and
appropriate way to vet the growing list of Comptroller candidates.
Regardless of political affiliation, the next Comptroller should be one
of great experience, intelligence and unquestioned integrity and this
commission will help take us one step closer to finding that person."
Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith said, "The Governor should be
commended for the approach he has taken to address this situation. The
formation of this panel is a clear indication that the Governor and
legislature will cooperate and work together in order to select a new
Comptroller who will best serve the people of New York."
The special Comptroller Screening Panel will include individuals
with high level experience in government and finance. Names will be
released as soon as participants are contacted. The joint fiscal
committee of the Senate and Assembly will schedule an open and public
process next week at which the panel will join them in interviewing
comptroller candidates. At the conclusion of the process, up to five
comptroller candidates will be selected and these names will be made
publicly available. The legislature will select among the five
candidates.
The panel members understand that their input can help begin the
process of restoring the people's trust in government. Their
recommendation to the Legislature will help ensure that the person
chosen to serve for the next four years will do an outstanding job,"
Governor Spitzer said.
The vacancy in the Comptroller's Office occurred when Alan Hevesi
pleaded guilty to criminal charges in connection with misuse of public
funds and resigned from office on January 1.
The State Constitution gives the Legislature the power to fill the
vacancy.
The Comptroller manages the state's $145 billion pension fund and
oversees a staff of 2,400 responsible for auditing state municipal and
state government entities.
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