<div><p>ALBANY—Of course Joel Klein can't come to Albany without getting asked about mayoral control, which is up for legislative reauthorization this year. </p><p>In a budget hearing this afternoon, Assemblyman Denny Farrell asked the question quite pointedly, saying Klein has done a good job representing the mayor but that he felt "tension" was needed in the schools leadership. </p><p>"I've never liked the term 'mayoral control,'" said Farrell, one of the ranking members of the chamber and chairman of the Ways & Means Committee. "Before, as the chancellor, they saw their job as being the voice of the people." </p><p>He was unspecific in his recommendation - the Assembly will be holding hearings on the subject, starting tomorrow in Queens - but thought maybe the creation of a "sub-chancellor, or super-chancellor, or uber-chancellor" would do the trick. </p><p>"I don't know who speaks for the parents...who speaks on behalf of them," Farrell said. </p><p>A few minutes earlier, Klein was asked by State Senator Suzy Oppenheimer about the debate over mayoral control. </p><p>"I think it will play out in a constructive way," Klein said. "We have to have further discussion about the details. But what I saw today was constructive engagement on something that matters, and I do believe and am reasonably confident that as this moves forward, we'll go forward with a system of mayoral control in the city, regardless of who the mayor is. It's been right for the city." </p><p>The Post has reported that Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver doesn't like Klein, and that Klein's continuance in the post might jeopardize legislative re-authorization of mayoral control. I asked Klein if he wanted to stay on, even in the event of a change of administration. </p><p>"I've never had a better job -- it's enormously rewarding to work for kids in a city like ours," he said. "I don't discuss my discussions with any candidates, any of them." </p><p>Klein was testifying at a budget hearing, and made the case that funding cuts would be more manageable - and would likely result in fewer layoffs - if state lawmakers would loosen restrictions on funding provided through contracts for excellence.</p><img src="http://admatch-syndication.mochila.com/images/ad.gif?aid=41452257&bid=informcom" /></div><div id="copyright"><div>

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