Senator Diaz's Letter to Attorney General Andrew Cuomo

Honorable Andrew Cuomo
Office of the Attorney General
The Capitol
Albany, NY 12224-0341

Dear Mr. Cuomo:

In response to the recent attention directed at the hiring and resignation as the Director of the New York State Intergovernmental Relations of Senator Pedro Espada’s son, Pedro G. Espada, I am respectfully calling for an investigation by the Office of the New York State Attorney General to determine the number of family members of state legislators, commissioners and department heads currently on the New York State Legislature’s payroll.

Although the State Public Officers Law forbids nepotism and forbids officials from participating in “any decision to hire, promote, discipline or discharge a relative,” countless family members and friends of State officials have been and are routinely hired.  Thus, I am asking your office to determine whether Senator Espada’s son is the only family member of an elected representative of the New York State Legislature to obtain a job with the State.  Also, investigate whether any family member of the previous Republican Majority in the New York State Senate obtained employment with the State.

If there a history of nepotism exist in New York State, the focus should not be solely on Senator Espada.  If he must abide by the rules, then every New York State  official must do the same.

I look forward to your reply and  findings.

Sincerely,
Senator Reverend Ruben Diaz