News

NEW YORK, NY April 16, 2008 — There's growing discontent among City Council members with their leader, Speaker Christine Quinn.

Members are still concerned with Quinn's proposal to basically give the mayor's office final say in how the council doles out its discretionary funds. That's money council members give out for projects or to non-profit groups in their districts.

Quinn encountered strong opposition to her proposal when she met with fellow council Democrats yesterday.

East Side Councilman Dan Garodnick says the mayor already has too much power.

GARODNICK: We need to make sure there is a balance between us and the executive. That's one of the concerns that members have been raising about a process which could potentially hand over some of that discretion to the mayor's side.

REPORTER: Outside City Hall, Brooklyn Councilman Charles Barron - no fan of the speaker - called for Quinn to step down.

Quinn happened to walk by the protest, causing the group to chant "Quinn must go."