When the Syracuse Post-Standard last looked at the garbage truck question, the conclusion was:
Lifton said after the meeting that she is not going to back down and needs to do this the right way. When asked if she would take the suggestion of a meeting attendee and discuss DeFrancisco's bill with Gov. David Paterson to see if he has a problem with it, she said, "That's not the way it's done."
As it turns out, well, that's definitely a key part of the way it's done, if you're a different Democrat, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer. The Post-Standard's latest doesn't even mention Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton, but there's some sharp contrast between this and her highly nuanced position of last week:
Garbage truck issue in Finger Lakes gets boost from governor
Central New York residents fighting tractor-trailers hauling New York City garbage through the Finger Lakes are getting some help from Gov. David Paterson.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y. called Paterson Thursday seeking his help on the issue.
Morgan Hook, speaking for Paterson, said the governor is turning to state agencies such as the Department of Transportation to do "a thorough review of state laws and regulations" to see what he can do on this problem.
He also has his staff, deputies and lawyers looking at the issue.
When asked if Paterson can order the state DOT to set routes for these garbage trucks to use, Hook said "he's looking into that."
"He wants to do everything in his power and the state's power" to solve this issue," Hook said.
"These trucks have created a problem that desperately needs a solution," Paterson said in a release. "I have already begun to work with the New York State Department of Transportation and other state agencies to conduct a thorough review and find a solution that will not only preserve quality of life, but also protect the rights of businesses in New York state."
Schumer's calling Thursday is interesting timing, especially as Lifton's meeting was that day.
The Upstate New York Safety Coalition Task Force chair sounds vastly happier with Paterson than she was with Lifton. Contrast:
"We're not going to spend our time with her. She obviously doesn't support us."
with:
"We're thrilled that he's working on this."
Paterson also talks about the need to figure out the best solution, but he puts in a way that suggests he's interested in immediate forward motion, not in "blue-ribbon commissions."
(Thanks to NYCO for pointing out the story!)
Update: I should have checked the Journal site - they have the story as well, and mention Lifton more specifically. And here's the press release from Senator Schumer.
Posted by simon at April 22, 2008 6:21 PM in politics (state)