Rockland DA: I Never Threatened to Resign from the Moreland Commission

A New York firestorm is raging over a New York Times investigation into the life and demise of the Moreland Commission, created (and some say disbanded) because of corruption in Albany.

Now Rockland District Attorney Thomas Zugibe has denied the Times’s claim that he had threatened to resign from the panel because of interference from Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office.

Here’s the full text of the statement Zugibe issued yesterday:

I commend Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick for offering comments clarifying the record on claims related to the Moreland Commission and its functions. To assure that the Commission operated in an efficient and effective manner, District Attorney Fitzpatrick, together with his two co-chairs, were empowered with considerable executive-level authority over the panel’s day-to-day functions, and at all times it was clear that all investigatory decisions were within the exclusive discretion of the Commission.

It was stated in the New York Times story that I threatened to resign as a result of alleged interference. At no time during my tenure with the Commission did I ever threaten to resign from the Moreland Commission. This blue ribbon group under the guidance of the co-chairs did incredible work, recommending substantive policy changes and pursuing investigations that would strengthen ethical standards and provide comprehensive oversight. I am proud of the work we accomplished through this landmark effort to practice and promote the highest standards of ethical behavior in New York State government.

The proposals developed by the Commission to bolster transparency and restore integrity in Albany were endorsed by the Governor and contained in his proposed budget. While some of the proposals fell victim to the budgetary process, I am confident that the will of the people for a further strengthening of the ethical duties for those who hold office will ultimately bear results. If we are to attack the roots of corruption, we must include a slate of reform measures sought by the people.