Albany
Kathy Hochul Campaign Contributions Appointees Under Scrutiny
The governor has kept more than $85,000 in donations from at least 19 appointees, despite an anti-patronage ethics rule.
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Key points
- Campaign filings show Governor Kathy Hochul kept over $85,000 from 19 state appointees.
- The administration interprets its 2021 ethics order to permit donations from appointees holding fixed statutory terms.
- Good-government groups like Reinvent Albany call for full statutory bans on campaign cash from gubernatorial appointees.
NewsWK — New York Governor Kathy Hochul faces growing questions over thousands of dollars in political donations from at least 19 state appointees. Meanwhile, local Residents Across Rensselaer County and Washington County watch these state decisions closely.
What do Kathy Hochul campaign contributions appointees mean for local border towns?
State appointments directly influence regulatory decisions, environmental policies, and economic grants across eastern New York. Residents in nearby border communities depend on transparent government oversight from Albany agencies. However, public trust in state regulation faces renewed pressure when state board members make large campaign donations.
Furthermore, state oversight affects everyday life in border towns near Bennington. For example, decisions by the Department of Environmental Conservation touch local water and land use. Public construction projects funded through state authorities also shape regional infrastructure.
Therefore, local residents benefit when Albany operates with clear ethical boundaries. Conversely, questions about campaign cash can undermine public confidence in those regulatory decisions.
How do Kathy Hochul ethics rules apply to gubernatorial appointees?
Governor Hochul signed an executive order in 2021 to restrict campaign donations from state appointees. The order aimed to prevent political pressure on appointees to fund gubernatorial campaigns. However, administration officials now interpret the rule narrowly. Specifically, they permit donations from officials who hold fixed statutory terms.
The executive order explicitly targets officials serving at the pleasure of the governor. Still, ethics advocates argue the order should cover all gubernatorial appointees.
Administration officials claim fixed-term appointees, like board members with multi-year mandates, fall outside the restriction. Yet, critics note that many fixed-term appointees still rely on the governor for reappointment. Consequently, watchdogs argue this loophole allows significant political fundraising from state leaders.
Which political donors are involved in New York state appointee donations?
Campaign filings reveal contributions from several high-profile board members and cabinet officials. Donors include appointees on elevator safety boards, public construction entities, and regional park commissions. While the campaign issued partial refunds to some individuals, it kept thousands of dollars from other appointees.
What do campaign records show about New York state appointee donations and refunds?
Detailed disclosures highlight multiple contributions from appointees across New York state agencies. Some officials requested refunds after public inquiries. Meanwhile, others maintained their contributions met existing legal guidelines. Overall, campaign finance reports show a complex pattern of donations, partial refunds, and ongoing legal interpretations.
For example, Mark Gregorio serves on the state Elevator Safety and Standards Advisory Board. He donated $27,500 to Hochul’s campaign after his 2022 appointment. The campaign later refunded $18,500. However, it kept $9,000, which equals the legal individual limit.
Similarly, Walter Borisenok owns a horse farm in Saratoga County. He also serves on the Thoroughbred Breeding and Development Fund Corporation board. Borisenok gave $11,000 to the governor’s campaign. Records indicate the campaign refunded $7,000 while retaining $4,000.
Additionally, Lisa Gomez leads the state Dormitory Authority, which handles major public construction projects. She contributed $10,000 through three separate payments. Following public inquiries, campaign representatives confirmed plans to refund those contributions.
Even cabinet members appear in the filings. For instance, Secretary of State Walter Mosley donated $3,000 to the campaign recently. State officials maintain his role is exempt from the donation prohibition under their current interpretation.
Meanwhile, Environmental Conservation Commissioner Amanda Lefton gave $100 for a virtual event. Subsequently, a DEC spokesperson said she requested a refund. She did not realize the event had ties to the campaign.
What background surrounds Kathy Hochul campaign cash ethics debate?
Ethics organizations have long criticized fundraising loopholes in Albany politics. In fact, former governors used similar legal interpretations to collect money from appointees. Watchdogs now urge the legislature to enact strict statutory bans. Ultimately, they believe voluntary executive orders fail to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
John Kaehny, executive director of Reinvent Albany, spoke out against the practice.
“Until then, we urge the governor to publicly ask those she has hired, nominated or appointed not to contribute to her campaign or political committees supporting her and pledge to refund contributions from them,” Kaehny said.
Moreover, this issue is not entirely new for the administration. Previous media reports revealed similar fundraising patterns among state appointees. The campaign promised to review and refund improper donations. Even so, watchdogs argue that enforcement remains inconsistent.
Furthermore, state records show campaign activities extending into political action committees. State Liquor Authority Chair Lily Fan received a $1,378 refund from the campaign. However, she also donated $40,000 to a pro-Hochul super PAC. Albany lobbyists currently run that political committee.
As election deadlines approach, campaign finance practices remain a major point of debate. Therefore, local voters in regional border communities continue to monitor ethical standards in state government. In the end, clearer fundraising laws may require legislative action in Albany.
This article was produced with the assistance of AI and reviewed by our editorial team.
Sources
Related: Kathy Hochul Campaign Donations Shift to State Party After Refund
Related: SLA Chair Under Scrutiny Over Lily Fan Kathy Hochul Super PAC Donation
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