THE JEWISH PRESS ENDORSES SCOTT STRINGER FOR COMPTROLLER

The Jewish Press endorses Scott Stringer for comptroller. When one considers the responsibilities the job entails, it becomes readily apparent that the case for Mr. Stringer over his opponent, former New York governor Eliot Spitzer, is compelling. One of the comptroller's major responsibilities is the overall management of five municipal worker union pension funds with combined assets of approximately $141 billion. Each of the funds is ostensibly run independently by its own board of trustees, who determine investment strategies. The comptroller, however, coordinates the work of the five boards and has substantial input into their decision making. And as Manhattan borough president, Mr. Stringer has served as a trustee for the largest of those funds, thereby gaining important experience and insight. Clearly, being able to work collegially with the trustees is key. Mr. Stringer's background makes him ideally suited for the task. As a six term state assemblyman and eight year Manhattan borough president, he earned a reputation for effective and savvy management and for fostering cooperation with his colleagues in government. Another major responsibility of the comptroller's office is the auditing, vetting and investigating of virtually anything involving government spending. Here again, a cooperative spirit among the comptroller, the mayor, and other public officials is essential with clear understanding as to where the jurisdictional red lines lie. Otherwise, the potential for gridlock looms large. And Mr. Stringer's credentials readily commend themselves. On the other hand, given the reputation Mr. Spitzer earned as attorney general and governor he viewed his role and governor he viewed his role in both capacities as that of a "steamroller" - It is hard to imagine a more unlikely fit for the office of comptroller. Further, Mr. Spitzer told the New York Times that if elected comptroller he would look to become "the primary voice of urban policy what works and what doesn't work. It's understanding that the audit power of the office is not

just to figure out how many paper clips were brought and delivered, but to be the smartest and most thoughtful voice on a policy level." We are rather certain that Mr. Spitzer views the comptroller's office as a stepping stone to higher office. The temptation to reprise his role as steamroller would be irresistible. But New York cannot afford the luxury of more than one mayor at a time, or for that matter, constant battles with pension trustees. Scott Stringer is the clear choice for comptroller.