Assemblyman Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan). (Source: AP)
ALBANY – New York Assembly speaker Sheldon Silver will step down from his post Monday.
The Manhattan Democrat, who’s served as speaker for the past 21 years, is leaving the position while he battles corruption charges that were brought up against him last month. While he will no longer serve as speaker, Silver will continue to hold office representing his assembly district in Albany. Starting Tuesday, Democratic Majority Leader Joe Morelle of Rochester will serve as interim speaker.
The resignation by Silver creates a power vacuum in Albany, with a new speaker expected to be selected by Feb. 10. The front-runner to serve as the new speaker is Carl Heastie of the Bronx
A new assembly speaker could also lead to several changes in the way business is done in Albany, and the Albany Times is reporting that a group of democratic assembly members have declared their intention to call for several procedural reforms in the chamber that include a more equitable distribution of staff and resources.
While members work to get their house in order, there’s speculation that important work will be delayed, including committee assignments for the new session, which is needed prior to any action being taken on new legislation.
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