With rent-control talks breaking down, Gov. Pataki plans to sign an executive order today giving state Attorney General Dennis Vacco a key role in stopping landlord harassment if the laws expire tomorrow, officials said.
Rent laws run out at midnight tomorrow if there is no deal.
Pataki refused to outline what specific actions he will take in his executive order and would not comment on Vacco's role, but a source confirmed Vacco will be enlisted to crack down on unscrupulous landlords. Vacco spokesman Chris McKenna would not comment. For those who take advantage of an attempt to create chaos, we would support the strength of the law being thrown at them. Talks between Pataki, state Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver made no progress yesterday. Silver cannot hold talks today because of his observance of the Jewish Sabbath.