New York’s highest court upheld the constitutionality of the state’s ethics watchdog Tuesday, ending a years-long legal battle tied to former Governor Andrew Cuomo’s $5 million book deal. In a 4-3 decision, the Court of Appeals ruled the Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government (CELG) does not violate separation of powers principles, reversing lower court judgments that favored Cuomo.
Judge Jenny Rivera emphasized the panel’s independence is vital to combatting political corruption.
Trust in government is essential to democracy,Rivera wrote, arguing self-regulation by officials breeds public distrust. The decision allows CELG to resume its probe into whether Cuomo illegally used state resources to draft his 2020 memoir, American Crisis: Leadership Lessons from the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Key impacts of the ruling include:
- Validation of the legislature’s authority to create oversight bodies
- Rejection of Cuomo’s claim that ethics enforcement belongs solely to the executive branch
- Clearance for CELG to enforce lobbying laws and penalize misconduct
The commission, established in 2022 after Cuomo’s resignation over sexual harassment allegations, faced existential threats since 2023. A mid-level court previously agreed with Cuomo’s attorneys that lawmakers overstepped by granting CELG powers to investigate and fine officials without gubernatorial oversight.
Dissenting Judge Michael Garcia warned the majority ignored constitutional bedrock principles, comparing the commission to a wolf in grandma’s clothing. Cuomo’s spokesperson vowed to seek reconsideration, calling the decision disturbing and politically motivated.
Good governance groups praised the resolution. CELG leaders stated the timing is critical for public trust as New York faces ongoing accountability challenges in Albany. The ruling sets precedent for future ethics disputes while tightening restrictions on officials’ private financial dealings.