By Mark Scott
Albany, NY – Democrats in the State Senate have agreed on a leadership team. And a top post will go to a Buffalo area senator.
The Democrats gained control of the Senate from the Republicans in last month's election. Senator William Stachowski of Lakeview will become deputy majority leader. Stachowski is the ranking Democrat on the powerful Senate Finance Committee. He was passed over as chairman of the panel to appease Democratic dissidents who threatened to bolt the party. It's unclear what authority Stachowski will have as a deputy.
Senator Malcolm Smith of Queens will become president pro tem, the constitutional title for leader of the chamber. One of the three dissidents, Senator-elect Pedro Espada Jr. of the Bronx, will serve as majority leader.
Until now, the positions of president pro tem and majority leader were held by one person.