It’s About Time for Senator Jeff Klein and Mike Gianaris to Have a Serious Conversation

 

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz
32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

You should know that it is sad to see the way in which the Leaders of the New York State Senate Democratic Conferences are allowing their Conferences to be the laughing stock of Albany.

It’s time for Senator Jeff Klein and Senator Mike Gianaris to sit down and have a serious conversation before they destroy the Regular and Independent Democratic Conferences, taking everybody down with them.

I, for one, learned my lesson in 2009 when I was a part of the Four Amigos: former Senators Pedro Espada, Carl Kruger, Hiram Monserrate, and myself. Our search for power and equality almost destroyed the Senate Democratic Conference.

Now, in 2017, we are starting to see how both Democratic Conferences have become the target of the press and the topic of the day.

It is sad to see how workaholics and dedicated public servants, like Senator Diane Savino and others, are being thrown under the bus just because other people ambition for power.

I have to say that Senator Diane Savino never misses a Committee meeting, and is present at every event she can possibly attend. She works hard and is dedicated to her duties and like others, deserves not only the stipend she receives, but more.

I am afraid that the power struggle and the personal dislike that Senator Jeff Klein and Senator Mike Gianaris feel toward each other could be the destruction of both Senate Democratic Conferences, taking other Members with them, even including some from the Republican Conference.

Ladies and gentlemen, the press is loving this. Since 2009, the press has been saying that Albany is full of corruption and that we are all corrupt. I am afraid that with these personal animosities, calling for investigations, and trying to destroy the reputations of others, we are going down the wrong path to achieve unity within the Democratic Conference and control of the Senate.

 

I would like to offer my 2 cents, and give my humble opinion to these two good Democratcs and distinguished Senators Gianaris and Klein who have always shown their commitment, love and dedication to their community and party.

They should sit down and put aside any personal animosities they may have for each other, and have a serious conversation about the future of the Senate Democratic Conferences. Otherwise we will go back to 2009, and I know what I'm talking about.

I am Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz, and this is what you should know.