“Today, the former top aide to Gov. Cuomo is on trial for receiving bribes in exchange for handing out bids related to the governor’s now infamous economic development programs. While it is important to note that the governor himself has not been accused of any wrongdoing, this is a clear indication the ‘pay-for-play’ culture in Albany is systemic and in need of top-down reform. This trial is the first of many corruption trials involving important players in state government to begin this year, and it comes on the heels of federal indictments for a current member of the state Assembly accused of corruption. Enough is enough. Our residents have made it clear that the time for thorough and unwavering ethics reform is now.”