I hate to say it, but the more infuriated the Governor gets, the more entertaining this whole debacle becomes. I can't even be angry about it anymore because it's just too ridiculous. These senators are a joke, and I'm definitely laughing.

What's more is the Governor is talking about docking pay and forcing lawmakers to sit in their chamber seats, but these are things that should have happened after week one. I don't blame Governor Paterson. I think he's trying to do his best with the tools he has. But, asking the state comptroller to look into withholding pay NOW is a little too late in my opinion.

Today's second special session in Albany proved less effective than the first. Several lawmakers didn't bother to show up, and many Democrats left Albany altogether. Meantime, Republicans proposed binding arbitration as the answer. They want three arbitrators to determine whether the June 8th leadership vote was legal.

Mayor Bloomberg and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani also weighed in today. Bloomberg said he supports binding arbitration to end the power struggle in Albany. Giuliani called for a constitutional convention to overhaul antiquated rules, including adding term limits for State lawmakers. What do you say?

Should the power struggle in Albany be handed over to a panel of arbitrators? Were Democrats right in leaving the Capitol instead of sitting through another session? Do you agree with former Mayor Giuliani that State lawmakers should face term limits?

Send us your thoughts using the link above.

I believe the senators are mature enough and seasoned enough to resolve their issues. At a time when the state is in dire need of money, I hate to have some arbitrator or arbitrators paid money we don't have to resolve matters these legislators ought to resolve themselves. Unless those willing to help can do so out of their own volition and for free.

Meanwhile, lets not continue to make any more mockery of our cherished democratic process.

George
LeFrak City, Queens

I think that all the NYS Senators (can you picture this?) should go with S.C Governor Mark Sanford on a Nude Hiking trip on the Appalachian Trail and never come back.

From ANONYMOUS

Bloomberg couldn't talk about term limits now could he? They should all be thrown out.

Rich
Midtown East

There should be a way that they not get paid at all. Nothing good comes to people like you greedy people.

maxxiee
mp

Governor Paterson is mad as hell and he won't take it anymore and so are us voters. He is right to threaten stopping their pay checks to get this senators to get down to work. Kudos to the Governor but he should have done this sooner,

Freddy- Glen Oaks Village

Senators that don't want to, refuse to and/or otherwise refuse to work need to look IN the refuse for cans to get nickels for if they don't start behaving and going back to work NOW. The Senators behavior is really very shocking to me. They are the laughing stock of the country now behaving like this. What the heck do they think they're doing? They need to get off their high horses and get down to business immediately................no excuses accepted. I applaud Patterson, Cuomo and others for putting the pressure on to get these ridiculous Senators back to work already. This behavior really is shocking & shameful to me. I expect more mature behavior, with all due respect.

Victoria
Queensbridge

I don't get Paterson on this at all. He's supposed to be the head of the Dem party but he's silent on this probably illegal coup and attacks his own folks. Then instead of extending the session he calls a special, new session which invalidates all the Assembly bills so nothing can get done anyway, and he carries on like it's somebody else's fault. Is he really betting that stupid beats slick, cause that's the only choice about how to look at him. Does he really think this will lift those poll numbers? The problems start at the top!

Paul from Park Slope

Congrats to our Governor for telling our "fine" state Senators to get back to work and do something. I think we all have to tell our government that they serve the people because I believe they feel we the people serve the government.

I truly feel that we need term limits for all levels of government.

Finally, kudos to the fine governor of South Carolina for bringing outsourcing to the next level. Outsourcing his mistress overseas -- brilliant.

John
Bronx, NY

Yes bravo for the Governor! These irresponsible, spoiled, negligent and unworthy of their posts arrogant fools need to stop! and the Governor did the right thing! We are all tired of these stupid fools and they should all be fired!

Anonymous

CAN THE GOV. GET THESE "FREE LOADERS SENATORS" OUT OF OFFICE WITH THE HELP FROM US NEW YORKERS? WE CAN HAVE A SPECIAL ELECTION AND VOTE NEW LEADERS IN OFFICE TO BETTER SERVE US. TOO MANY COMPLAINTS AND IN-YO-WINDOWS FROM THESE FREE LOADERS IN ALBANY.

CURTIS,
CHELSEA, NEW YORK

Whoever controls the senator's paychecks, they should stop their paychecks, because the Governor doesn't have control in that way. Maybe the children have to be taught to play fair and daddy can settle it. (the arbitrators are the daddies).

Anonymous

Hi, I think that 1- Rudy should mind his own business. We DON'T need his input.

2- Gov. Paterson showed some great leadership today and I think he should fire those who DON'T want to respect the office they hold.
WE THE PEOPLE are sick of it and them!

Addie
Staten Island

The Democrats must be taking lessons from the communists. Shutting the lights and cameras off in the Senate chamber is shameful. What do they have to hide? A vote is a vote. Let the Republicans lead and let's get on with business.

Chris, Bay Ridge

Espada and Monserate are both traitors for the havoc they have wreaked on the state senate. They should be thrown out, and replaced by real Democrats immediately. I want the Democrats every where to grow a pair! The people have voted for the Democrats to be the majority party in Albany, and that is what I expect to happen. NOW! I expect them to reverse the draconian laws that we in NYC, NY have had to deal with, and the ridiculously low unemployment payments. Lower than any place in this part of the country! And we are expected to live in the most expensive city in the country on this!

Olivia NYC

Mayor Bloomberg is supporting binding arbitration:wasnt he the one to criticize the P.B.A. and PAT LYNCH for utilizing that method when the union reached an impass in negotiations.PAT LYNCH FOR MAYOR!

victoria from tottenville

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Look Mr Smith was nerver removed or depossed!! So how can the GOP say there in control??!!.

Ray
Bklyn N,Y.

Add them to the list with the SC Governor, Mckreevy,Spitzer,Larry Craig, They should all be impeached and not get paid for not doing anything. does any voter in their right mind plan to vote for any of them in the next election? It's an embarrassment just like the Bush administration was. They could have their own reality show called I'm a ny state senator, get me out of here! Oh yea and make the republicans march in the pride parade on sunday.

Rich/Chelsea

What would happen if you didn't show up for work? You certainly wouldn't be paid and you'd likely loose your job. Fire them!!! They are not passing any legislation as it is, take the next 3 months to get new Senators in position, folks who actually want to do something good for this state.

Tami
Staten Island

Espada should be voted out of office for blaming Gov. Paterson today for the political mess that Espada and the other turncoat MonserRATcreated. In fact all of the Senate Republicans should be voted out of office for disrespecting and embarrassing the citizens of New York State. We deserve a government that puts the interests of the people ahead of selfish political gain. And Guiliani should shut up too!

HK