New York State Assemblywoman Amy Paulin says she is looking forward to receiving a request made by the three Republican New Rochelle City Council members for a home bill concerning the New Rochelle IDA.
“The request is a little preliminary,” said Paulin. “Except for emergency measures, the State Assembly is not resuming session until January but I am always interested in reform.”
The home rule request comes in the wake of a scathing audit by the New York State comptroller that found a complete lack of process and accountability at the controversial city agency.
“I think IDA’s across the state need reform,” said Paulin, a consistent advocate for greater accountability and transparency in government.
Richard St. Paul, Louis Trangucci and Albert Tarantino — the three Republican members of the New Rochelle City Council — have made a home rule request of New Rochelle’s four Albany lawmakers. State Senators Jeff Klein, State Assembly Representatives Amy Paulin and George Latimer have all issued statements expressing their willingness to act on the request. Suzi Openheimer has not responded to our request for comment.
The three New Rochelle Council members have requested assistance in drafting and filing of State legislation under Home Rule provisions to allow the City of New Rochelle to have full power to approve the New Rochelle Industrial Development Agency (IDA) decisions as it relates to granting benefits to IDA applicants
The request mirrors a similar request made by Mayor Noam Bramson in June regarding the New Rochelle Armory.