The Roosevelt Island Residents Association (RIRA) Common Council gave a fresh endorsement to self-governance Thursday night. There was near-unanimity in passing a resolution to put forth RIRA's best efforts to secure passage of legislation crafted by the Island's Maple Tree Group (MTG) and introduced by Assemblymember Pete Grannis.

Nineteen Council members voted yes; three, including RIRA President Patrick Stewart, abstained.

The vote set the stage for an MTG campaign to gather names and addresses of New York State residents whom Islanders can ask to contact their State legislators requesting support for the bill. (See editorial, page 2.)
If passed by both houses of the State Legislature and signed into law by Governor George Pataki, the legislation will replace the Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation with a new public benefit corporation, The Roosevelt Island Community. The RIOC Board of Directors will be replaced by a Board of Resident Directors, composed of residents and elected by residents. And the President of RIOC will be replaced by a professional municipal manager hired by the Board of Residents.

Under the legislation, RIOC assets would pass to the community. Further amendments to the bill are expected in legislative horse-trading that will preceed its consideration by the Senate and Assembly.