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SPITZER URGES LAWMAKERS TO HONOR COMPTROLLER SELECTION AGREEMENT

Governor Eliot Spitzer’s office today released the attached correspondence to state lawmakers. In the letter, the Governor urges lawmakers, who reportedly will vote to select a new Comptroller tomorrow, to abide by an earlier agreement to choose from a list of qualified candidates developed by an independent panel.

Spitzer says in letter that in the face of scandals that have rocked state government, it is imperative that lawmakers “set aside politics, partisanship and institutional concerns and act purely in the public interest.”

February 6, 2007

Dear :

You are about to select a new Comptroller for the State of New York. In making your decision, I ask that you consider both the context for this decision and its serious ramifications.

It may seem like a long time ago, but less than two months have passed since the incumbent resigned and we were confronted by a crisis.

Together, we responded. We developed a new process for choosing a successor that relied on the advice and counsel of independent experts who were asked to choose the best qualified individuals for this important constitutional position.

Let me be clear about the reasons for adopting this approach: It was not because the members of the Legislature aren’t honorable, dedicated or capable.

No, there was just one reason for the action: It was because we all recognized that in the face of scandals, we needed to act differently to restore people’s confidence in government. We were saying that we understood the serious nature of this challenge and that we were willing to set aside politics, partisanship and institutional concerns and act purely in the public interest.

We did the right thing. The process moved forward and produced a diverse and highly qualified pool of candidates from which to choose. But now, the process for which we were all commended is at risk of being undone.

That would be a huge mistake.

This is all about the message we send to the people of New York through our actions.

If you choose not to select one of the three designated candidates for Comptroller, you will be sending a clear message that the three individuals found most qualified for the position are being rejected for one reason only – because they are not sitting members of the Legislature. Stated differently, you are telling the public that only legislators are eligible to serve as Comptroller, and that merit, independence and qualifications do not matter.

I urge you to send the right message, one that says you understand the current crisis of ethics confronting state government and the need at this critical moment to rely on an independent, non-partisan process.

I realize, of course, that the power to decide this matter is vested in the Legislature and that I have no further recourse once you act. I am writing to you now as one who shares your goal of moving past the scandals and restoring the integrity of public service. We’ve already made significant progress in doing that this year. Do not undo that progress with an ill-advised action. Instead, I urge you to honor the agreement, complete the process of choosing a highly-qualified successor and move on with a non-partisan agenda of reform that places the people’s interests first. Everyone in government and the people we serve will benefit from this course.

Sincerely,



/s/ ELIOT SPITZER