Heastie, who succeeds Sheldon Silver as one of the most powerful officials in state government, is the first African - American to serve in the post. (nystateofpolitics.com)
Silver enjoyed a reputation as one of the two most powerful officials in New York government and he was never reluctant to use his influence to punish detractors or anyone who asked too many questions. (courant.com)
A less powerful official like Assemblyman Alicia Hyndman charged only $ 100 per person at her fundraiser in March. (syracuse.com)