Cuomo: At what point does "undue influence" become, you know, a *crime*?

[Smarmie Doofus]

>>>The moment proved to be a turning point, laying the groundwork for a deal reached last weekend that gave New York City charter schools some of the most sweeping protections in the nation, including a right to space inside public buildings. And interviews with state and city officials as well as education leaders make it clear that far from being a mere cheerleader, the governor was a potent force at every turn, seizing on missteps by the mayor, a fellow Democrat, and driving legislation from start to finish.

Mr. Cuomo’s office declined on Wednesday to comment on his role.

As the governor worked to solidify support in Albany, his efforts were amplified by an aggressive public relations and lobbying effort financed by a group of charter school backers from the worlds of hedge funds and Wall Street, some of whom have also poured substantial sums into Mr. Cuomo’s campaign (he is up for re-election this fall). The push included a campaign-style advertising blitz that cost more than $5 million and attacked Mr. de Blasio for denying space to three charter schools.

Charter school leaders had built a formidable political operation over the course of a decade, hiring top-flight lobbyists and consultants. They had an ally in former Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, but Mr. de Blasio promised a sea change, saying that he would charge rent to charter schools that had large financial backing, and that he would temporarily forbid new schools from using public space.>>>>>

From today's NY Times. Cuomo's suspiciously proactive efforts to change the charter school law to the delight of his financial backers.

Maybe there should be a commission empaneled to investigate illegality and technically legal corruption in Albany.

What's that you say? We HAD one, but Quid Pro Cuomo pulled the plug on it this week?

Mmm.... INTERESTING.


The story in it's entirety:http://www.nytimes.com/2014/04/03/nyregion/cuomo-put-his-weight-behind-charter-school-protections.html?ref=todayspaper

[hrmjustin]

1. My God!

I hope he has a primary.

[dragonlady]

3. And he has been mentioned as a possible presidential candidate

Please, no.

[hrmjustin]

4. Never!

[Smarmie Doofus]

6. Some good commentary and analysis in the comments section.

Along with some idiotic stuff from what looks to be a 'rent-a-crowd' charter school contingent.

[hrmjustin]

7. I hope de Blasio takes a lesson from what the charter schools cr8wd did over the airwaves.

Looks like he will have to get on the air again with commercials.

[Smarmie Doofus]

8. One needs $$$ for that. Easier said than done. n/t

[hrmjustin]

9. True.

We need libersls with deep pockrts.

[Dawson Leery]

2. Cuomo looks erily likes Christies. Sad.

"Kenneth G. Langone, a founder of Home Depot who sits on a prominent charter school board, gave $50,000 to Mr. Cuomo’s campaign last year. ... “Every time I am with the governor, I talk to him about charter schools,” Mr. Langone said in an interview. “He gets it.”

Andy is corrupt.

[hrmjustin]

5. Sickening!

And now he got rid of the anti-corruption committee.