At the end of every December, we here at New York NOW will often go through the gobs of footage we accumulated during the year. One out-of-the-ordinary clip caught our eye from the legislative session.
Our camera operator Brian Flynn was getting some video of the historic senate chamber in the spring when something unusual happened: Brooklyn Senator Simcha Felder, in mid-call, walked out of the beautiful and apparently multifunctional grandfather clock located in the southwest corner of the room.
It led us to wonder: Is there a passageway behind this Henry Richardson creation that leads to a secret Batcave of some sort? Or perhaps to the majority conference room where senators can slip past the media waiting in a nearby Capitol hallway?
The answer to both questions is, sadly, no.
Senate spokeswoman Maureen Wren confirms there is an empty space behind the clock door that could fit a standing person, but there is no outlet. It appears perfect for privacy but hopes of some Bruce Wayne-like getaway for any of our 63 elected officials is just a fairy tale.
Notice how nonchalant Senator Felder looks after reappearing out of the darkness in front of a group of wide-eyed individuals. Cool, calm, collected and with a perfect sense of timing.
