New York Governor Kathy Hochul is refunding thousands of dollars in donations from appointees to state boards and councils, following questions about her fund-raising methods after a Democratic primary rival challenged them.
According to public records, Hochul has received at least $72,500 from individuals who donated after she gave them positions steering state policy on issues like cannabis and elevator safety. Some donors had contributed before their appointments, while others were first appointed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. State employees and officers are prohibited from donating to a gubernatorial campaign under an executive order issued in 2008.
Hochul's campaign said the donations would be refunded after it was asked about them this week. The move comes as Hochul faces a Democratic primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who raised $1.4 million in the first half of the year and reported $1.3 million in cash reserves as of July.
Critics argue that Hochul's actions undermine public confidence in government and create the perception that officials are appointed based on their ability to raise funds for a campaign rather than their qualifications or expertise. Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, said the practice "minimizes the possibility that the public will think they're getting appointed to important government positions because they're campaign donors."
Hochul's allies have defended the practice, saying she is not driven by her campaign contributors and has a strong commitment to public service. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said Hochul has "the highest ethical standards" and is working hard to benefit families.
In 2018, former Governor Cuomo raised $890,000 from people he appointed to boards, as well as an additional $1.3 million from the spouses, children, and related businesses of appointees. Critics argue that these donations undermine public trust in government.
The controversy highlights the challenges of enforcing campaign finance laws and the need for transparency and accountability in government.
According to public records, Hochul has received at least $72,500 from individuals who donated after she gave them positions steering state policy on issues like cannabis and elevator safety. Some donors had contributed before their appointments, while others were first appointed by former Governor Andrew Cuomo. State employees and officers are prohibited from donating to a gubernatorial campaign under an executive order issued in 2008.
Hochul's campaign said the donations would be refunded after it was asked about them this week. The move comes as Hochul faces a Democratic primary challenge from Lt. Gov. Antonio Delgado, who raised $1.4 million in the first half of the year and reported $1.3 million in cash reserves as of July.
Critics argue that Hochul's actions undermine public confidence in government and create the perception that officials are appointed based on their ability to raise funds for a campaign rather than their qualifications or expertise. Blair Horner, executive director of the New York Public Interest Research Group, said the practice "minimizes the possibility that the public will think they're getting appointed to important government positions because they're campaign donors."
Hochul's allies have defended the practice, saying she is not driven by her campaign contributors and has a strong commitment to public service. American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten said Hochul has "the highest ethical standards" and is working hard to benefit families.
In 2018, former Governor Cuomo raised $890,000 from people he appointed to boards, as well as an additional $1.3 million from the spouses, children, and related businesses of appointees. Critics argue that these donations undermine public trust in government.
The controversy highlights the challenges of enforcing campaign finance laws and the need for transparency and accountability in government.
, you know? Like, I get it, fundraising is a part of politics and all that, but come on! 
Kathy Hochul's basically saying "hey, I'll take your cash if you appoint me to this board" 
. It's not just about the money, though - it's about the perception that these people are getting appointments based on who can bring in the most Benjamins 
. And honestly, that's a major turnoff for me, because I want my leaders to be working for me, not for their personal bank accounts 
.
, but the fact remains that this practice exists and it needs to change 
. It's like, if you're gonna take a job in government, shouldn't you be doing it because you want to make a difference, not just because you need the paycheck 
.
. If we can't trust our leaders to be doing what's best for us, not just their own pockets, then we've got a bigger problem than just Hochul's fundraising methods 
.
I mean, thousands of bucks in donations here, $890k in 2018... is it about who you know or what you can do? It's like, we elect leaders to serve us, not to get rich off their positions. But if they're already raking it in before they even start, does that mean the public is just a stepping stone for them? 
The system's got some major flaws, if you ask me.
but seriously, it's kinda wild to me how ppl think they can just donate big bucks to a politician's campaign and then expect them to make decisions based on that 
taking time for yourself, whether it's meditation, yoga, or just chillin' in nature, is soooo important for our mental health and well-being 