Smith's Minority Chair
According to a Democratic source in the Senate, Smith is expected to name John Sampson of Brooklyn as Chair of the Senate minority conference, replacing the twice-indicted Efrain Gonzalez of the Bronx.
Sampson's ties to former Brooklyn boss Clarence Norman were a nagging problem for him during his race for Brooklyn District Attorney, but they shouldn't matter in his new leadership role. After all, Gonzalez held the position while dealing with legal troubles, as did previous chairAda Smith.
UPDATE: John Sampson just called to say that he was offered the leadership position, but that he turned it down and that it was subsequently accepted by Martin Dilan.
When I asked Sampson why he turned it down, he offered some vague answers.
"I just declined. I just turned it down," he said. "I'm a type of person that, I'm not looking for a leadership position, I'm just looking to serve my constituents."
When I asked what kind of salary perk or staff boost came with being the conference's secretary, Samspon said, "I don't know about that. All I know is that it comes with more work."
-- Azi Paybarah
any reason why it was offered only to brooklyn senators? is vito lopez actively trying to get more leadership positions for brooklyn?
the fact that the persons reportedly offered the position are from brooklyn is just a coincidence. however, if vito is trying to do more for brooklyn he is doing the right thing. every county leader should do the same. that is what they are there for.
The only believable part of this reply by Sampson is that he would turn down the additional work. Otherwise, if you believe he was offered it and turned it down, I have a bridge to sell you.
*now wonders what skeletons dilan has in his closet!*
John Sampson is a great senator. With him, the sky's the limit...Throw him semething bigger!
All Dilan has in his closet is scotch.
Let's see. Ada Smith and Gonzalez were the last conference chairs. Dilan should fit in the role perfectly.
Dilan is a smart legislator with over thirty years expericence in New York City politics. Smears like the above are uneccessary. He is obviously not like either of the above two pols. He'll do well in the new position.
lets stop disparaging people for small minded and petty reasons. if you have a legitimate beef with someone report it to the DA. If it does not warrant that type of complaint, then it is too petty to even mention. so lets grow up and stick to the issues.
dilan is the man. he knows government but is not consumed by the pettyness of people whose view of government and politics is framed by a blog. there is a world out there with real issues, real people, and pursuits that are not as trivial as who get what spoils in this game we call politics. sore losers show their true colors in defeat.
sounds like kruger, schneiderman, and company are at it again.