The state senator who represents much of eastern St. Lawrence County wants to change the role of the lieutenant governor and how that person is selected.

The lieutenant governor position has drawn increased attention and scrutiny in the past month in light of an upcoming change in personnel in November.

State Sen. Joseph A. Griffo is asking the Legislature to reconsider how the lieutenant governor is chosen and his or her role in the governing of New York.

Griffo, (R-Rome) and Assemblyman Robin Schimminger (D-Kenmore) are sponsoring three bills:

S2231/A2707: This bill would remove the constitutional provision that the lieutenant governor shall act as governor whenever the governor is absent from the state.

S2234/A2713: This bill would provide a method for filling a vacancy in the office of lieutenant governor. The governor would nominate a new lieutenant governor within 30 days of the vacancy, and the Senate and Assembly would confirm or reject that individual through independent votes in each house. This would make state law identical to the federal Constitution.

S2403/A2052: This bill would change Election Law to require that candidates for governor and lieutenant governor run together as a slate in a primary election, as is currently required in a general election.

“Our present statute allows for the prospect of incompatible candidates being forced to run together and serving together in office,” a news release from Griffo’s office said.

“This is pretty simple: If you’re running for governor, you ought to be able to pick your running mate and run as a team,” said Griffo, who represents the 47th Senate District, including the towns of Massena, Brasher, Norfolk, Stockholm, Potsdam, Pierrepont, Russell, Clifton, Fine, and Pitcairn in St. Lawrence County, plus Lewis and Oneida counties.

“The governor needs a second-in-command he knows he can trust, and who can play a key role as a policy advisor, manager, and diplomatic liaison to those outside the Capitol. This is move toward preserving good governance, and avoiding chaos which could lead to dysfunction,” Griffo said.

The legislators said that the stipulation that the governor can’t leave the state without ceding control is hopelessly outdated.

“With various technological advancements, it’s easier than ever for a governor to remain connected to the important business unfolding in Albany,” said Griffo. “His lieutenant governor will remain an important part of keeping government moving in the governor’s absence. But there’s no reason to believe the system will collapse just because the governor may be visiting another state or another country.”