Paterson set to veto public authority reform bill

Toward the end of July, I reported on a bill that would give Albany more oversight over public authorities. Specifically, a State Senate-created commission would review all MTA contracts at $1 million or more. Today, we learn that Gov. David Paterson, with some prodding by Mayor Bloomberg, is primed to veto the bill. As it applies to the MTA, Paterson feels that the $1 million cut-off for review is too onerous, and Bloomberg is of the belief that the independent commission would step on the toes of the city’s oversight procedures. I’m sure Assemblyman Richard Brodsky, this bill’s main sponsor, will continue his push for authority reform one way or another.