Blankenbush Calls Regents Board Process A Sham

Statement from Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C-Black River) on his ‘No’ vote to elect Board of Regents candidates

March 8, 2011

The State Education building in Albany, NY.

“Today’s session to elect members to the 17-member State Education Board of Regents serves as a prime example of what’s wrong with Albany, and I refuse to rubber-stamp candidates I know nothing about. The board members are, essentially, single-handedly chosen by the downstate-controlled Assembly Majority and made public moments before legislators cast their votes on the nominees. Election of Board Members requires 107 votes cast by Assemblymen and Senators. The 99-member Assembly Majority only need a handful of accommodating downstate senators to ramrod in their chosen Board Members and take control of the sprawling agency. This differs from the leadership of almost every other state agency, which are managed by Governor appointees.

“Not one candidate is from the North Country, so how can I be confident they will serve the best interests of the students and families in my district. Additionally, we know very little about the qualifications of these candidates and are only informed just moments before the vote. I am sure, given the opportunity to review their credentials, I would understand and perhaps would agree to elect many of them to the board, but this is just not the reality. All this accumulates to a very flawed process, which I cannot support with my vote.

“As I clearly stated last fall, I believe these candidates, like any other candidate, should be scrutinized by the public and elected to their position by the voters. It’s time to place the future of our children’s education in the hands of concerned parents and voters.”

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