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To the Editor, 6-1-2000 Kudos to the Troy Record's editorial writer who recognized what we lost when Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver snuffed out Assemblyman Mike Bragman's coup attempt. What a relief it would have been to have some balance in the State Assembly. What a shame it is that Upstate New Yorkers have no hope of having real representation in the Assembly. I never knew anything about Mr. Bragman until he stuck his neck out. I now have a great deal of respect for him. I hope he stays the course and ultimately knocks the Assembly Speaker down a peg or two. Our State Constitution is being undermined by the way the Assembly Speaker lords over Upstate members. As I see it, one key to making the Assembly work as it was intended, lies in the manner in which the Chairmen of the various committees are selected. As it is now, the Speaker, Sheldon Silver, appoints whomever he pleases to these lucrative positions. It's only natural that those who scratch Mr.Silver's back will get appointed. Conversely look what has happened to the Assembly members who supported Mr. Bragman. The real tragedy is that their constituents had representation that was taken away by the whim of the speaker. We need assurance that when we vote for our Assembly Representative, we will get someone who will serve the people and not abandon us for his or her own political and monetary gain. I have heard of a number of possible solutions. One would be where coveted Chairmanships would be based on seniority. Another would create co-chairs, one from each major Party. Personally, I like the idea of "no-chairs" and no extra pay. I thank Assemblyman Bragman for speaking up for us. I hope he continues to shine some light into the shadows of the State Assembly. DRC
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