Opinion

Lhota’s battle against slush

The Issue: Joe Lhota’s call to end discretionary funds for city councilmembers or to offset them with cuts.

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Joe Lhota is right on the mark (“Freeze That Slush,” Editorial, June 15).

He understands that the City Council fund is a corruption-prone hazard that needs to be eliminated. It is a virtual candy bag for politicians seeking loyalty from their constituents. The governor should also take note, because similar hazards exist at the state level.

Even if Lhota is not the next mayor, the idea has got to go forward and be supported by a recognized watchdog group concerned with government integrity. I’m curious to see which of the mayoral candidates support this suggestion.

Phil Serpico

Queens

Lhota will need some friends in the City Council to “freeze the slush.”

Under Mayor Giuliani, Republicans held a record seven council seats. In 1991 and 1995, Queens residents elected three: Mike Abel, Alfonse Stabile and Thomas Ognibene. They were joined by Charles Millard and Andrew Eristoff of Manhattan, Martin Golden of Brooklyn and Fred Cerillo of Staten Island.

Now, almost every Democratic councilmember is in the pocket of labor unions and various liberal special-interest groups. The best Republicans can hope for is to win these districts plus Staten Island GOP Councilmember Vincent Ignizio’s district.

Larry Penner

Great Neck