[NYAPRS Enews] Daily News: Senate Democrats Hire Kink as New Policy Director

[Harvey Rosenthal]

NYAPRS Note: NYAPRS members will remember Michael Kink from his great
leadership and collaboration with us on several past priorities, most
notably the state's adoption of the Medicaid Buy In work incentive and
the legislature's rejection of Pataki Administration proposals to cut
SSI benefits.

 

Senate Dems Get Kink

by Daily News Capitol Bureau Chief Joe Mahoney   February 18, 2008

 

Michael Kink, the long-time lobbyist for Housing Works, the NYC-based
based advocacy group for HIV+ homeless and poor people, has been hired
by Senate Minority Leader Malcolm Smith as the new policy director and
special counsel for the Senate Democrats.

 

"He brings the kind of energy and professional that the conference is
searching for," said Smith spokeman Curtis Taylor.

 

Taylor said he had no information immediately available on Kink's
salary.

 

Housing Works champions a variety of causes, including extending full
civil rights protections to transgendered New Yorkers.

 

Kink could not be reached for comment. But one of his fans, Harvy
Rosenthal, executive director of the state Association of Psychiatric
and Rehabilitation Services, said Kink will be an instant asset to Smith
and the Senate Democratic conference.

 

"Michael has long been one of the strongest and smartest advocates in
the health care and disability community," Rosenthal said. "He is very
connected to state and national policy trends."

 

Kink will move into his new spot next week - a crucial time for the
Senate Democrats, when they are hoping to make inroads in the 48th SD
special election on the Senate Republicans by capturing the North
Country Senate seat held until early last month by ex-senator
(now-lobbyist) James Wright. 

 

(Liz adds): Kink, seen above briefing a Bono impersonator at a
Washington, D.C. rally last year, is a catch for the Senate Dems, who
are trying to beef up their staff in anticipation of a potential
takeover of the majority. 

 

He is a seasoned veteran of both the state Capitol and Washington, and
is viewed as an astute observer on both policy and politics who
understands grassroots organizing and how to bring pressure on elected
officials.

 

http://www.nydailynews.com/blogs/dailypolitics/2008/02/senate-dems-get-k
ink.html 

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