Assembly, at this point, refuses to make any changes in the rent-control law. So I think they both have to give and we're going to work to try and find common ground."
Pataki has endorsed lifting rent protections from vacant apartments and phasing out at least some other protections. But he had refused to take a stand on the issue, insisting he is trying to bring both sides together.
Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno (R-Rensselaer) has vowed to end rent regulations for all but the poor, the elderly, and the handicapped when the law authorizing the system expires June 15.
Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan) has repeatedly demanded that the current system of rent protections covering over one million apartments be continued.
Top political insiders here expect the rent-control battle to go down to the wire and not be resolved until the final hours just before or just after the law expires.
Vallone issued a statement to reporters at the Capitol saying that "Sen. Bruno and, by his lack of action, the governor, are playing games with the homes and emotions of New Yorkers.
"Let's cut out the games. They're not fair to either landlords or tenants."
Pataki, asked about Vallone's statement, shot back, "I agree, let's cut out the games.
"It's obvious that this is a political statement from someone who has indicated he may be a candidate," Pataki said.
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