New York Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver announced his resignation as two lawmakers jockeyed for his position Friday following federal charges that the longtime leader took nearly $4 million in kickbacks.
The Manhattan Democrat filed a letter with the clerk of the Assembly making his resignation effective as of 11:59 p.m. Monday, spokesman Michael Whyland said. Silver, who has said he expects to be exonerated, intends to keep his Assembly seat.
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“Joe and I, along with our very talented colleagues in the Democratic conference, will work hard every day to build consensus, enact meaningful new reforms, and create opportunity for all New Yorkers,” Heastie said in a prepared statement. He has declined requests for interviews about his prospects and plans.
Reformers among the Assembly Democrats, who have a two-thirds majority, have proposed more transparency and rank-and-file input in decisions including leadership selection, staffing and money in a chamber better known for backroom decisions and top-down control. They proposed starting with a more open vetting process and have candidates answer questions about those and other possible reforms.
