8 Quotes by Blair Horner

I think it gives him huge leverage because lawmakers want to have the programs they want funded actually get funded. If there is any possibility for a good faith negotiation, people will want to take it up, but I'm just not sure that there is.

(Pataki does) not view it as a way of discussing the issues of the state. It's about his image. He pounds away on themes: He's tough on crime. He's tough on taxes. He's tough on regulations. I would expect they stick to the formula.

This year was definitely more open than the bad old days, but the door was only open a crack. In the old days, I felt like I was outside of the Vatican waiting for the white smoke instead of waiting for the budget.

The governor was basically arguing that anything could be denied that could be considered part of any terrorist activity. One of the possible casualties of Sept. 11 could have been access to public information ... as the horror of Sept. 11 has receded, I think people are taking a more sober look at the need for public access.

Assuming these two members agree with the governor, they should lock in the far more restrictive interpretation than what is currently the practice.

This is the theatrical side of the budget process. The substance is still done behind closed doors.

In New York's 'anything goes' system of campaign finance, it fits right in. It shouldn't be allowed. It should be used for campaigns of the candidates.

I certainly think the timing is more than coincidence, but it really does show how badly the state monitors these activities.