Started in 1897 to combat the corruption of Tammany Hall, Citizens Union helped elect the first reform mayor, Seth Low, in 1901. It has spearheaded many other efforts since then, ranging from improved voting procedures to campaign finance reform, and has been described by the New York Times as the “influential government watchdog group” that is responsive to the citizens of New York.

The Citizens Union of the City of New York held its 2007 Annual Awards Dinner on October 23rd at the Waldorf Astoria. Started in 1897 to combat the corruption of Tammany Hall, Citizens Union helped elect the first reform mayor, Seth Low, in 1901. It has spearheaded many other efforts since then, ranging from improved voting procedures to campaign finance reform, and has been described by the New York Times as the “influential government watchdog group” that is responsive to the citizens of New York.

Two of the three women recipients of the awards were from Wall Street. Alexandra Lebenthal, President and CEO of Alexandra & James, is the granddaughter of Louis and Sayra Lebenthal, the founders of Lebenthal & Co., a municipal bond specialist founded in 1925. She joined her father James Lebenthal to become President and CEO in 1995 before selling the business to Advest in 2001. Alexandra recited three jokes that her son wrote for her during her acceptance speech. 1) We are doing well. Almost as well as Leona Helmsley’s dog. 2) No, we are not ready to buy the Yankees. 3) I have made it to the top 50 most influential women list. Now I just need to get on the list of the top 50 most influential men. (She was named Crain’s 100 most influential women in 1999.) At fourteen, he still has a shot at being the next Jerry Seinfeld.

Diana Taylor, the other recipient, is Managing Director of Wolfensohn & Co., an investment bank that she joined in April of 2007 after positions as Superintendent of Banks for the State of New York and Deputy Secretary to the Governor for Housing and Finance. According to one of the presenters, Mayor Bloomberg was extremely lucky to have her on her staff so he showed his gratitude by seating himself next to her during dinner. One would think he would show it in other ways too.

Ann Lee

10/29/07