My Letter to Governor Cuomo Calling for a Manhattan Resident to Fill the Vacant Commissioner Position on the State Liquor Authority

December 2, 2016

The Honorable Andrew M. Cuomo
Governor of New York State
NYS State Capitol Building
Albany, NY 12224

Dear Governor Cuomo:

I am writing to request that you use your appointing authority to nominate a resident of New York City to fill the vacant Commissioner position at the State Liquor Authority (SLA), at the earliest possible opportunity, including in time for any extraordinary session that may be considered this year.

The SLA has an extremely large workload, approving 3,147 on-premises license applications in 2015, more than half of which were in New York City. Currently, only two commissioners vote on these applications since Kevin Kim stepped down in August. 

Moreover, since Mr. Kim was the only New York City resident on the SLA, the agency has been deprived the perspective of a city resident. New York City faces unique challenges in the distribution of SLA licenses because of its high population density and the proximity of bars and restaurants to residential areas.

Because of the large number of applications received by the SLA and the unique perspective of a New York City resident, it is crucial that a replacement for Mr. Kim from New York City be named as soon as possible.

I appreciate your consideration of my request. Please do not hesitate to call me at 212-633-8052 if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Brad Hoylman

New York State Senate

27th District