The New York State Worker's Compensation Board is still without a chief executive since Republican Gov. George Pataki moved the former CEO, Richard Bell, into a different slot on the board.

Mr. Pataki had sought to make Mr. Bell board chairman, but the nomination was blocked and the governor successfully resubmitted Mr. Bell's name for the lesser post of commissioner.

Despite its lack of a chairman and CEO, the commission is "moving forward just as...always," and the "inventory of open cases is at an all time low," said WCB spokesman Jon Sullivan. He added, "This is not the first time" that system has been "in a state of flux."

The two positions are statutory and necessary, according to Mr. Sullivan. The chairman's position pays $120,000 per year, while commissioners make $90,800 per year.

Art Wilcox, president of AFL-CIO, said the union group does not want the lame-duck governor, whose term ends this year, to rush through any new appointment.

"The next governor takes office in January and should have the power to appoint whomever he sees fit in order to further his new agenda," declared Mr. Wilcox.

Early polls have made Democratic candidate Eliot Spitzer a favorite to win the governor's post.

Special Reports /

N.Y. Comp Unit Still Lacks Chair, CEO

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