We have a planned organization and leadership for our state Senate. Now what?
The Independent Democratic Conference added Malcolm Smith. Will it now seek to expand its membership, as do most political organizations? If it picks up more members, how will decisions be made? Democratically?
Will Jeff Klein be the leader, regardless of what independent Democrats who may become members want? Further, what qualifies one to be an "independent" Democrat?
After all, the announced five members are a really small minority of the state Senate. As more and more "dependent" Democrats announce their "independence," will Mr. Klein stay in power (not that he was ever chosen)?
As it stands, half the Senate's decisions will initiate from the 30 or so Republicans (and one Democrat turncoat) and half from the five "independent" Democrats. Doesn't sound very democratic to me.
If more join the IDC and exert their democratic rights, we might actually have a really bipartisan democratic operation.
William T. Tyrrell
Voorheesville