How do state employees get hired? An overlooked section of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s budget bills includes proposals to ease hiring and promotion rules for state employees, The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports this morning. The rules, designed in the 19th century to prevent political patronage, require most applicants to compete for openings and promotions through an examination […]
What is Attorney General Schneiderman’s record on the foreclosure crisis? Today, New York Attorney General Eric T. Schneiderman, along with U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder, announced the formation of a working group of federal and state officials that will investigate institutions involved in the pooling and sale of residential mortgage-backed securities. President Obama first aired […]
How does the city calculate property tax bills? Yesterday, the city’s Department of Finance made its annual announcement of assessed property values for all taxable real estate in New York City. These property taxes are a critical source of revenue. But the process is admittedly “complex,” said Finance Commissioner David M. Frankel. So much so, that even […]
Contract calls on Parks Department to step in if contaminants are found
What are the leading reasons for 911 calls? The Bloomberg administration announced yesterday that 911 dispatchers handling calls for police, fire, and emergency medical services have be integrated into a single force – using the same technology and working on the same building floor – for the first time in history. The upgraded system, which is costing […]
Williamsburg’s Broadway Triangle project improperly discouraged black applicants, ruling finds
Which members of the state legislature won their seats in special elections? Minutes before State Senator Carl Kruger pleaded guilty to federal corruption charges yesterday, he resigned from the seat he held after winning a special election in 1994. Now, Gov. Cuomo is expected to announce another special election to choose a new senator for […]
Bushwick Inlet Park stalls as cost of acquiring land soars beyond projections, with $200 million already spent or committed
Plan to close budget gap projects $13 million a year in funds from private sponsors
WNYC listeners and New York World readers report back on plazas and lobbies improperly blocked off from public access
