New York’s ethics watchdog is urging state leaders to fill three vacant commission seats after the Court of Appeals upheld its constitutionality. The ruling rejected former Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s challenge, allowing the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (COELIG) to resume its work.
Executive Director Sanford Berland stressed the need for new appointments to clear a backlog of cases. While Gov. Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have delayed nominations, some are now under review. The commission, handling 220 pending cases, is also requesting $844,000 in funding for additional staff.
Despite calls to reopen the probe into Cuomo’s $5 million book deal, Berland remained silent on the issue. Meanwhile, reform advocates push for stronger ethics enforcement, while Berland insists the agency’s structure is sound.
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