Hochul Acts to Open Up a Government Long Defined by Back-Room Deals
The New York Times
Gov. Kathy Hochul’s broad transparency effort included details of her recusal plans for her husband’s business dealings with the state.
Gov. Kathy Hochul, under pressure from government watchdog groups, on Thursday released details of a plan to recuse herself from all matters involving Delaware North, the casino and concessions company where her husband is a top executive.
The move came as part of a broader initiative by Ms. Hochul that includes plans to improve accountability across state agencies and to reduce a backlog of public records requests. It is the most tangible step yet in her pledge to improve transparency in a state government that has long been marred by back-room deals, cronyism and corruption.
The plan announced on Thursday also included recusal arrangements for Lt. Gov. Brian Benjamin and Karen Persichilli Keogh, Ms. Hochul’s top aide.
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