Andrew Stein American political figure Date of Birth: 04.04.1945

1. Early Life and Political Beginnings
2. Manhattan Borough Presidency
3. City Council Speaker and Budget Commission Influence
4. End of Budget Commission and City Council Presidency
5. Mayoral Bid and Departure from Politics
6. Controversies and Later Life

Andrew Stein: Former Manhattan Borough President and City Council Speaker

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Andrew Stein, born as Andrew Finkelstein, is the son of wealthy newspaper and magazine publisher Jerry Finkelstein. He shortened his surname at the start of his political career. Stein attended Southampton College and began his political journey in 1968 as a member of the New York State Assembly, where he served for nine years.

Manhattan Borough Presidency

In 1977, Stein became President of the Borough of Manhattan, defeating his rival David Dinkins. He won re-election in 1981 but declined to run for a third term in 1985, opting instead to seek the role of City Council Speaker.

City Council Speaker and Budget Commission Influence

As Speaker, Stein presided over City Council meetings, served as acting mayor in the absence of Mayor Edward Koch, and held a seat on the powerful New York City Board of Estimate. Stein's influence largely stemmed from his membership on the Budget Commission. He was re-elected as Speaker in 1989.

End of Budget Commission and City Council Presidency

In 1989, the Supreme Court ruled the Budget Commission unconstitutional due to its use of weighted votes. The Speaker's role was abolished, and a new office was created to succeed it. This change took effect on January 1, 1994, after the end of Stein's term.

Mayoral Bid and Departure from Politics

In 1993, Stein announced his intention to run for mayor against his former rival Dinkins. He attempted to appeal to conservative voters but ultimately dropped out before the primaries. Stein left City Council and politics altogether, joining the private consulting group Arapaho Partners, LLC.

Controversies and Later Life

In 2010, Stein was arrested and charged with perjury in a multi-million dollar Ponzi scheme case. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 500 hours of community service. Stein married twice, with a daughter from his first marriage and two sons from his second marriage to Lynn Forester, who he divorced in 1993. In 2007, rumors circulated about a relationship with author Ann Coulter, which Stein later confirmed but ended in January 2008.