Speaker Christine Quinn (right) succeeded yesterday at her effort to reduce the number of pedicabs on city streets by nearly 40%. She overrode the Mayor's veto by a vote of 37-6, with two abstentions, five members absent and one vacancy. As the pro-override votes took place, the boos and hisses from the Council chambers - from pedicab drivers set to lose their jobs because of the bill - did not go unnoticed by the Speaker. She, along with Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum, threatened repeatedly to have the chambers cleared.When Staten Island Council Member Mike McMahon stood up to defend the speaker against editorials (by the Daily News and others) that the ban was a favor to a political ally, the Speaker went over to him and gave him a kiss. Other members had the courage to stand up for the pedicabs, most notably Council Members Barron, Monserrate, Avella and Gerson. Some members said privately that unless they voted with the Speaker, they were in danger of losing so-called "member items" - funds that go directly to their district - and other "perks," including the ability to move legislation.
Here's a breakdown of the votes:
No: Avella, Barron, Foster, Gerson, Mealy, Monserrate, Vann
Abstain: Brewer, Mealy
Maternity Leave: Lappin
Absent: Baez, Katz, Mendez, Palma
(Plus one vacancy in the 40th Council District.)
Notable changes: Council Member Sanders, who abstained on Feb 28th, sided with Quinn this time and voted for the bill. Council Member James, who voted against the bill on Feb. 28th, changed her tune and voted for the bill yesterday. Council Member Foster, who originally voted for the bill, voted against it and for the pedicabs yesterday.