Democracy In Albany

The city’s financial situation has grown increasingly bleak since Jennings began his term as mayor. Jennings has relied increasingly on state aid and city surplus funds to balance his budgets. State PILOT payments made to Albany to support the proposed Albany Convention Center are scheduled to decrease in the next couple of years, and may eventually dry up.

Said Calsolaro, “Jerry started in 1994 with a $27 million surplus, and it was gone by 1999. He wiped it all out in six years to artificially keep taxes down and not cut anything. You don’t see cuts in the budgets he proposes. He is unwilling to make hard choices.”

Critics say Jennings has spoken out on the financial issue in an attempt to head off criticism during next year’s mayoral race, and to echo the financial concerns expressed by Gov. David Paterson.

Calsolaro insisted that Jennings was spoiled by the extra state aid delivered to him by former Gov. George Pataki, and that relying on such state aid to balance Albany’s budget is irresponsible. But it allowed Jennings to boost his popularity by not raising taxes.

“The mayor has done a very good job of bringing revenue in from the state,” said Nitido. “We do not get the same state aid other cities get, and we should try and right that, but that is not the whole answer.”

Calsolaro said that if Jennings does not run for reelection next year, or if he is defeated, that the person who replaces him will be left with unpopular choices to be made.

“He is not a financial manager,” said Calsolaro. “He has been a terrible financial manager of city funds. No matter how much money he gets, it’s gone.”