Politics on the Hudson

   The Senate approved a bill this evening that would make it easier for citizens and local officials to consolidate or dissolve local governments. The legislation passed 46-16 with bipartisan support and now goes to Gov. David Paterson for his consideration. The Assembly passed it overwhelmingly Monday.

   “For the most part, I think the legislation is quite admirable. I would be willing to take a look at some of the concerns of local governments,” the governor said today.

   New York has more than 10,500 local government districts, including 6,900 that are town special districts for water, fire and other services.

   Supporters have said that the legislation would improve government efficiency and save money, which would help control property taxes.

   Opponents said they are worried that fire and library districts could face elimination, and the process could lead to higher costs for taxpayers. Volunteer firefighters lobbied against it.

   Attorney General Andrew Cuomo proposed the bill. The lead sponsor in the Senate was Andrea Stewart-Cousins, D-Yonkers, and Assemblywoman Sandra Galef, D-Ossining, Westchester County, was a co-sponsor in her house.

   Sen. Thomas Morahan, R-New City, Rockland County, said the legislation may need to be tweaked, but “I believe this is the start of something good.”