It’s a tale of two City Councils.
A new analysis of how the City Council allocated more than $2 billion in discretionary funds between 2009 and 2012 has found a wide gulf between the haves and have-nots.
Dominic Recchia (D-Brooklyn), chairman of the powerful Finance Committee, was the biggest winner in the Citizens Union study, collecting $66.7 million to spend on capital projects and nonprofits of his choosing. Erik Dilan (D-Brooklyn), an ally of Brooklyn Democratic leader Vito Lopez, came in second with $37 million.
Dead last in 51st place were Dan Halloran (R-Queens) and his predecessor Tony Avella, now a state senator. Over the four-year period, they pulled in just $9.5 million for their constituents.
Avella, an outspoken critic of Council Speaker Christine Quinn, said the results should come as no surprise to anyone.
“Nothing is done by merit,” he said. “I was independent and took on the speaker.”
Recchia said his big numbers are somewhat misleading because he allocates funds to organizations around the city.
“This year I had 485 requests for funding,” he said. “I don’t have 485 nonprofits in my district.”
Mike Nelson (D-Brooklyn) was surprised to learn he was fifth worst with $13.5 million.
“I’m not glad to hear that,” he said. “I always thought I was in the top half.”