Today, Senator Rob Ortt (R,C,I,Ref-North Tonawanda) sent a letter to Sen. James Skoufis, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Investigations, urging an investigation into JCOPE and allegations that the ethics board illegally worked with Gov. Cuomo to undermine the investigation of Cuomo confidant Joseph Percoco.

Reported earlier this week by the Times Union, the paper alleges that the Governor may have violated JCOPE’s confidentiality bylaws in order to strong-arm JCOPE members investigating his former top aide, therefore illegally influencing the “independent” investigation.

“It is vital that Sen. Skoufis challenges the status quo and the details that were outlined in the Times Union story warrant oversight by the State Legislature,” said Sen. Ortt. “Allegations of the governor trying to influence an investigation gives our government a black eye and further illustrates why the public has such a poor perception of our government and its officials. Sen. Skoufis talks the talk when it comes standing up to Gov. Cuomo, and now it is time for him to walk the walk.” 

Earlier this year (June) Sen. Skoufis sat down with City and State, and stated, “I’ve never had any problem standing up to the governor,” when asked whether he has what it takes to take on Gov. Cuomo.

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