New York Times: Scott Stringer for NYC Comptroller

[TomClash]

EDITORIAL
For New York City Comptroller
By THE EDITORIAL BOARD
Published: August 16, 2013

Scott Stringer has done an outstanding job as Manhattan borough president and would make a fine New York City comptroller. He is not a flashy candidate and he has no measurable notoriety. But in this turbulent election season, we don’t need another celebrity office seeker.

Comptroller is a powerful but obscure position that oversees the city’s finances and acts as guardian of its pension funds and watchdog over its day-to-day operations and contracts. The office keeps an eye on the city’s debt, finds ways to save money, and — a very important job in these difficult times — enforces its living-wage requirements connected to public contracts. The comptroller sits on many boards, committees and commissions. The ideal candidate is politically astute and ethically impeccable, and works well with others.

Mr. Stringer has shown all those qualities as a public servant. As a state assemblyman, he was committed to the principles of good government. In his nearly eight years as borough president he has improved the scope, effectiveness and reputation of that sometimes marginal office. He has been a strong voice for civil rights and marriage equality, a defender of immigrants and the poor.

Mr. Stringer’s opponent, Eliot Spitzer, has intellect and cunning, but he lacks the qualities critical for this job. Mr. Spitzer entered the race at the last minute, seemingly for no reason except to thrust himself back into the limelight and to offer his services again as sheriff of Wall Street. But that is a problem: it’s the same character, in a different play, on the wrong stage.

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/08/17/opinion/for-new-york-city-comptroller.html

Excellent editorial.

[Graybeard]

1. Stringer has WFP backing also.

.
With NYT endorsement and Stringer on two lines on
the ballot, could this race be closer than expected?
.

[TomClash]

2. Yes

Stringer's turnout should be better than expected.

[Smarmie Doofus]

3. So... Spitzer was a "good" "Sheriff of Wall Street" but the requirements of THIS job....

>>>Mr. Stringer’s opponent, Eliot Spitzer, has intellect and cunning, but he lacks the qualities critical for this job. Mr. Spitzer entered the race at the last minute, seemingly for no reason except to thrust himself back into the limelight and to offer his services again as sheriff of Wall Street. But that is a problem: it’s the same character, in a different play, on the wrong stage. >>>>

... require a different skill-set?


But the comptroller is... among other things....the


>>>>watchdog over its day-to-day operations and contracts.>>>>


So I'm not so sure. Some people here say "contracts" ... esp w. outside vendors.... is where the proverbial bodies are buried.


Perhaps this could be generating a sort of " Panic of '13" among the city's well-heeled and well-connected elite?

I like Stringer, but the establishment is just a little too comfy with him for my tastes.


BTW... NY Post endorsed Stringer today also.