Rochester Mayor Bob Duffy insisted he’s in the Capitol today merely to “advocate” for the “hybrid” mayoral control bill that passed the Assembly last week but is facing some roadblocks in the Senate.

Duffy said the bill took into consideration some of the more controversial elements of NYC’s mayoral control bill and created a “shared governance” system with the City Council, eliminating the school board but also giving parents a “whole lot more opportunity to get involved.”

But since he’s also AG Andrew Cuomo’s hand-picked LG running mate, Duffy also did double-duty, reiterating the gubernatorial contender’s opposition to new taxes and support for spending cuts.

Duffy took a pass on wading too far into the budget battle out of “respect” for Gov. David Paterson, saying:

“I’m running for office, I’m not in his office. I think that everyone is trying to do everything they can to move this along and get it done. There are areas of disagreement. Again, I don’t want to speak to the future. I’m running for office, as is Andrew Cuomo – for a different office.

“Certainly, we hope to be elected. And we undertsand the changes and challenges ahead that we will not shrink from. I’m hoping they can reach an accord on the budget. I’m hoping that budget does not add more burden on the backs of our taxpayers. Clearly, what we don’t want to see is government shut down.”

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