New York Times report: Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office tried to thwart work done by Moreland Commission

A New York Times report alleges that Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office attempted to thwart the work of a commission set up by the governor to investigate corruption. The Moreland Commission was created by

News 12 Staff

Jul 25, 2014, 2:07 AM

Updated 3,986 days ago

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A New York Times report alleges that Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office attempted to thwart the work of a commission set up by the governor to investigate corruption.
The Moreland Commission was created by the governor last year to declare war on corruption in Albany, but quickly disbanded this spring.
The New York Times report cites private emails and dozens of interviews with members of the commission who claim Cuomo's staff, including Secretary Larry Schwartz, pushed the commission to cancel subpoenas to groups with ties to the governor. This included a media-buying firm Cuomo used, and the Real Estate Board of New York, whose members financially supported the governor's campaign.
Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, who is running for governor, said that Cuomo needs to immediately hold a press conference to explain what he did and didn't know.
"In my opinion, he's the most corrupt governor in history," said Astorino.
Astorino said he thinks Cuomo may be facing obstruction of justice charges, but stopped short of calling for the governor's resignation.
Legal experts say federal prosecutors are now trying to figure out if Cuomo could have been hiding anything when he suddenly disbanded the commission.
Cuomo's office responded to the New York Times saying it would be "a pure conflict of interest" for a commission appointed by the governor to investigate the governor.