Schoharie County has had no representation in the state assembly since Pete Lopez was tapped for a federal post nearly three months ago.
And the non-representation for the county and the rest of the 102nd Assembly District won’t end soon.
Mr. Lopez’ position as the 102nd’s assemblyman, which he held for 10 years, officially ended October 7 after he was appointed an administrator in the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The process to fill the vacant seat begins when Governor Andrew Cuomo proclaims a special election. Then, the election occurs 70 to 80 days later, giving candidates a chance to campaign.
But there’s been no Cuomo proclamation yet.
Todd Valentine, co-executive director of the state Board of Elections, said it’s likely the Governor is waiting till the end of the year, when several other seats become vacant.
Mr. Valentine estimated there would be about 11 vacancies in assembly and senate, some of them because of appointments like Mr. Lopez’, some for other reasons.
It makes sense to have the special elections on the same day, and Mr. Valentine believes Governor Cuomo will make the proclamation the first week of January.
“So we wait,” Mr. Valentine said. “It’s up to the Governor’s discretion.”
Having no representation now isn’t too much of a problem because the legislature isn’t in session.
But the lag time for an election means the 102nd won’t have representation during budget talks in late winter, a serious negative.
“There’s less impact now,” Mr. Lopez said on Thursday. “But by mid-February, the legislature is heavily engaged.”
He’s sensitive about the lack of representation and believes Governor Cuomo should have called a special election in the fall.
“If the Governor’s truly concerned about protecting the public interest, he could have done so after the general election,” Mr. Lopez said.
He’s heard that Governor Cuomo resists special elections to save money, “but the cost of a special election is far outweighed by assuring representation,” Mr. Lopez said.
“I strongly urge him to do it now.”
On a directly local level, constituents can still reach out to Mr. Lopez’ assembly offices in Schoharie and Catskill. . .but for just a few days.
As he was leaving office, Mr. Lopez contacted Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and asked that funds to maintain the offices be continued.
That was done, but the offices will close at the end of the year.
So where can people go for help in the next few months?
Other assembly offices will offer assistance, according to Betsy Graham.
She’s the director of Assembly Minority Public Affairs and said her office and the Office of Constituent and Member Services can be resources.
“The staff of the Assembly Minority is here to help,” Ms. Graham said.
The number for Assembly Minority Public Affairs is 455-5073; for Constituent and Member Services, call 455-5981.