Few have breached the New York State Governors' "Inner Circle" -- those select few advising Governors on policy decisions and participating in the deliberative process.

In an historic first, WMHT, in partnership with the Government Law Center at Albany Law School, presents a roundtable discussion, hosted by attorney and moderator Lawrence Malone, to introduce viewers to the process of state policy making.

Former members of the inner circles of New York State's last five governors will participate in a discussion, utilizing hypothetical situations, to shed light on how the Executive Chamber develops and implements policy initiatives.

This 90-minute production, Inside the Inner Circle, premiered on WMHT Monday, June 21, 2003.

"WMHT is always looking for opportunities to present our viewers with topics of local interest as well as topics that expand our ability to understand our world," said Deborah Onslow, president and general manager of WMHT.

The roundtable insider participants, all of whom are former high-ranking members of the Executive Branch, include:

• Michael Whiteman, former Counsel to Governors Nelson Rockefeller and Malcolm Wilson
• Howard Shapiro, former First Assistant Counsel to Governor Nelson Rockefeller
• Paul Gioia, former assistant Counsel to Governor Nelson Rockefeller, first assistant Counsel to Governor Hugh Carey and head of the Public Service Commission under Governor Mario Cuomo
• Judah Gribetz, former Counsel to Governor Hugh Carey
• Gerald Crotty, former Secretary and Counsel to Governor Mario Cuomo
• Mary Ann Crotty, former Director of State Operations for Governor Mario Cuomo
• Ethan Riegelhaupt, former policy and speech advisor for Governor Mario Cuomo
• James McGuire, former Counsel to Governor George Pataki
• Robert Bellafiore, former Press Secretary to Governor George Pataki
• Kathy Bennett, former Counsel to the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles
• Stephen Morgan, former Executive Director of the New York State Thruway Authority

"Democracies flourish with an informed citizenry," said Thomas Guernsey, dean of Albany Law School. "This program advances that end."

The discussion centers on an administration's deliberative process, the dynamic between a governor and his inner circle and how that inner circle recommends action to the Governor. It also explores the interplay between the inner circle and interested parties during the rule-making process as well as interactions between a governor's advisors and agency heads. Additionally, the program explores the considerations that go into how a policy initiative is presented to the public.

"Inside the Inner Circle uses a hypothetical proposal that would discourage purchases of SUVs to illustrate the legal, policy and political nuances that are part and parcel of most policy initiatives," said Malone. "We hope viewers find it both informative and entertaining."

Inside the Inner Circle was funded by Verizon. It was produced by Marianne Potter.