Here is how the NY Times puts it:
You see, I have been in the arts since day one for me in NYC. That's since the last century, hehehe. Everyone in non-profit knows that City Council members, Borough Presidents, State Legislators, etc. up and down the line have these discretionary funds to put towards projects. And many community groups, arts organizations and so on depend on them and lobby for them. It is and will always be a NYC way of getting money. Is it a bad thing? Well, not if you are getting the money! The part I just don't get is the phony organizations that they set up to hold the money for the real projects. I'm sure its some kind of system set up to get around some regulations for how un-earmarked money has to be accounted for. It's so NYC typical if you ask me.
There isn't a city agency that really takes responsibility in a direct and transparent way. This is why there are cranes falling down, NYC condoms that break and my all time "impressive government award" to the Mayor's stealth program of nickel and dimeing the small business and the middle class in the Big Apple to balance the budget. Congestion tax anyone? Gotten a stupid parking ticket lately? Noticed a slight increase in every license or fee that the city imposes? Have to admit Mister Mayor Man is a smart cookie.
The problem I'm having with Speaker Quinn and her transparency pledge she has always stood for is, OK, you found out about this. You say you stopped the phony organizations part. But where is the comprehensive plan to reform the process of these discretionary funds?
I'm waiting for the answer to that. But, being a bit jaded I admit, I know the city doesn't really go for reform and change very well. It's the old school back room mentality that makes the Big Apple what it is.
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