The city is stepping up efforts to help struggling homeowners avoid foreclosure. Last week, the mayor announced plans to emulate a program developed in Philadelphia requiring mandatory settlement conferences between lenders and homeowners. This program has proven effective. It should be duplicated here.
Mayor Michael Bloomberg said the new campaign undertaken by the Center for NYC Neighborhoods “addresses fear, confusion and frustration that the threat of foreclosure can bring by promoting free, confidential, one-on-one assistance.”
Although some who fancy themselves conservatives argue the drive to head off foreclosures rewards irresponsibility at the expense of the taxpayer, the fact is keeping as many people as possible in their homes is good government. It is good for the struggling homeowner, banks, real estate business and communities.
We applaud City Hall for this effort and its Queens allies, including the Queens Neighborhood Office in Kew Gardens and City Councilman Thomas White.
A Question of Leadership
The shocking meltdown of state government last week has arguably exposed the ineffectiveness of state Senate Majority Leader Malcolm Smith.
In a surprise move, state Sens. Hiram Monserrate and Pedro Espada jumped ship, forming a coalition with the Senate Republicans, enabling the GOP to regain control of the Senate. They then voted to oust Smith as majority leader.
This would not have happened had the Democrats, who controlled the Senate by the narrowest of margins, found the courage in January to challenge the seating of Monserrate, who is facing trial for allegedly slashing the face of his girlfriend.
Sadly, even if the Democrats regain control of the Senate, Smith’s ability to lead will no doubt be questioned. Sadder yet, this backroom deal has made a mockery of the democratic process. The affairs of government should be done in the open where, the public can see what is going on.
