To many observers, New York State government is in crisis, battered by a succession of scandals. A full-day conference at NYU Wagner asks, What can be done?
To many observers, New York State government is in crisis. A succession of scandals has led to a loss of public confidence in our elected officials, and many feel that the structures and institutions of State government prevent politicians from responding to citizens’ needs.
Join a panel of experts on Thursday, April 30 at the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University (Puck Building, 295 Lafayette St., 2nd Fl., at the corner of Houston Street, New York, N.Y.) as they explore these breakdowns and propose how governance in New York State can be improved.
This civic conversation – “Improving Albany: A Path to Greater Effectiveness”— is hosted by former state Assemblyman Richard Brodsky (1983-2010) and a senior fellow at NYU Wagner; Sherry Glied, dean and professor of public service at Wagner; and Richard Ravitch, former lieutenant governor of New York (2009-10).
The morning discussion panel, entitled “Political, Unethical, and Illegal Behaviors—Where are the Lines?” will run from 10 a.m. until noon. It will feature Richard Briffault, chair, New York City Conflicts of Interest Board; Peter Goldmark, former chairman and CEO of The International Herald Tribune (1998-2003), former president of the Rockefeller Foundation (1988-1997), and former executive director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (1977-1985); Susan Lerner, executive director, Common Cause; and Cy Vance Jr., New York County district attorney.
The afternoon discussion, “How Can Albany Work Better?,” will run from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. and will include Abe Lackman, senior officer, civic affairs, The Simons Foundation; Stephanie Miner, mayor of Syracuse, N.Y.; Bill Thompson, chief administrative officer and senior managing director at Siebert Brandford Shank & Company, LLC, and former New York City comptroller (2002-2009).
Media coverage is invited. Reporters are asked to RSVP or contact the press officer listed with this release.