Bill Puts Council Pork Purveyors Under Spotlight

By HOWARD MEGDAL

Queens Councilman Hiram Monserrate said last week that he would introduce a bill July 19 requiring Council members to disclose their sponsorship of member items added to the city budget.

HIRAM MONSERRATE: Bill a key reform.

"We cannot in good conscience pursue an agenda of reform that does not address the most significant responsibility the Council holds: allocating funds in the annual budget process," Mr. Monserrate said in a July 10 statement. "This legislation is about transparency and accountability, the tools our residents need and deserve to ensure their tax dollars are used responsibly."

The measure would also require that the complete list of member add-ons be posted online "immediately following the budget's passage in the City Council," according to a form submitted to Speaker Christine C. Quinn requesting the drafting of the legislation.

Quinn Undecided

Ms. Quinn has not decided whether to support the bill. She said July 12, "We made major significant progress this year in reforming the budget process, culminating in a budget that is more responsive to New Yorker's needs as well as fiscally sound. In an effort to make the process more transparent and democratic, members were required to substantiate their budget recommendations and gain the support of a broad section of other members. I look forward to hearing from all New Yorkers on how we can continue to reform the process and to make sure the City's budget is more efficient and more effective."

A spokesman for Mayor Bloomberg said that the Mayor does not comment on legislation until it has been formally introduced.