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Well, that victory was short-lived...dang it!

Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's ambitious dream to remake New York City streets with an elaborate plan for congestion pricing appeared to die Monday in a private conference room on the third floor of the State Capitol.

It was there that Democratic members of the State Assembly, who control the chamber, held one final meeting to debate the merits of Mr. Bloomberg's plan, ultimately conferring -- in secret -- before Sheldon Silver, the speaker, emerged to announce the outcome. The opposition was so overwhelming, he said, that he would not hold an open vote of the full Assembly, though many Republicans were supportive of Mr. Bloomberg.

It's pretty outrageous that the speaker, Sheldon Silver, wouldn't even hold an open vote on one of the biggest environmental issues this city has faced in the new century. Our representatives are supposed to be employed by us, but how can we decide if we want to keep someone in their job if they vote in secret? It's totally unacceptable and really is one of the "biggest cop-outs in New York's history," as Bloomberg's office remarked.

Silver's rationale for holding the secret meeting?

"The congestion pricing bill did not have anywhere near a majority of the Democratic conference, and will not be on the floor of the Assembly," Mr. Silver, who represents the Lower East Side of Manhattan, said after his meeting with fellow Democrats.

Bruno, the Republican majority leader, remarked, "We were prepared to bring it to the flooor if it served any meaningful purpose." Mr. Bruno continued: "It's 354 Million dollars that is there to help clean up the environment, the pollution in New York City, the congestion, the efficiency, the effectiveness and its, I think, kind of a lark, but, well, we're not taking it up today and the Assembly already indicated it's dead."

What a joke that it didn't even make it to the floor for a vote.

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