To the editor:
I have been reading with interest your articles about the resignation of Lt. Governor Benjamin. I also have been reading reports of the lack of influence most of the former lieutenant governors of the state have had with the governors they have served with.
The question I have is this: Is the job of lieutenant governor really necessary? Not every state has a lieutenant governor — and no one in the states that have no lieutenant governor is petitioning the legislature to change their state constitutions to create the job. My understanding is that in Arizona, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Oregon, West Virginia and Wyoming there are no lieutenant governors. The president of the state Senate succeeds the governor in some states that have no lieutenant governor. The Senate majority leader could succeed the governor in New York if we eliminate the position.
The three quarters of a million dollars we spend on the lieutenant governor would be better spent on repaving roads.
PAUL FEINER
Greenburgh Town Supervisor
