New York has recently faced a staggering bill of $60 million for legal fees linked to the controversies surrounding former Governor Andrew Cuomo. This troubling figure, revealed in a recent state audit by Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, comes at a time when Cuomo is eyeing the mayoral seat in New York City.
The audit disclosed that taxpayers have footed a hefty amount—approximately $18 million—defending Cuomo against various lawsuits filed by former aides and state employees who accused him of sexual harassment. These expenses are particularly alarming given the current economic challenges facing many New Yorkers.
Among the costly legal battles, $8.6 million has gone towards a lawsuit from a state trooper alleging harassment, and another $9 million was spent in defense of former aide Charlotte Bennett’s lawsuit, which she ultimately dropped. These figures raise significant questions about Cuomo’s responsibility and accountability for the financial drain on taxpayers.
Additionally, the audit reported that nearly $11.7 million has been expended on state investigations into Cuomo’s management of the COVID pandemic and the controversial $5 million he earned from publishing a pandemic memoir. The total legal costs incurred since September have escalated by $4.2 million, averaging $840,000 each month. This constant increase is worrying, especially when taxpayers are footing the entire bill.
Cuomo’s justification for these expenses rests on his assertion that he was acting in his official capacity as governor during the time of the allegations. His legal team successfully argued that state funds should cover his legal fees, placing taxpayers in the unenviable position of covering costs linked to his alleged misconduct.
The new audit also revealed that state government agencies collectively spent $31.3 million on legal fees, with $6.6 million employed by Attorney General Letitia James’ office for investigations regarding Cuomo’s purported wrongdoings. This malfeasance of taxpayer money has stirred outrage among fellow Democratic candidates vying for the mayoral position, leading to calls for Cuomo to reimburse the city.
City Comptroller Brad Lander, one of Cuomo’s rivals, has been vocal about the need for Cuomo to take financial responsibility. He emphasized that the money spent on Cuomo’s defense should come from his own resources, not the pockets of New York taxpayers. Lander noted, “This is money that he went into court to force taxpayers to spend for him,” highlighting the troubling dynamic of public funds being used in defense of personal legal battles.
Cuomo’s practice of legally harassing his accusers has drawn significant criticism. With the legal fees compounded, it appears that he has leveraged his former position to shield himself from personal accountability, while New Yorkers are compelled to bear the costs of what is essentially his battles.
Amidst these growing concerns, those close to Cuomo have defended him, claiming that many of the legal fees should not be attributed solely to him. They argue that the necessity of hiring outside legal firms resulted from decisions made by the Attorney General’s office. However, these arguments do little to assuage the anger directed at Cuomo for the burden placed on taxpayers.
Through all of this, Cuomo maintains his stance that the allegations against him are politically motivated, repeatedly denying any wrongdoing. However, his resignation from the governorship in August 2021 amidst these scandals speaks volumes about his legacy.
As Cuomo attempts to reinvigorate his political career with a bid for mayor, the question remains: will he take responsibility for the millions New Yorkers are being forced to pay due to his legal troubles? His critics assert that without a commitment to repay these legal expenses, he is prioritizing his own interests over the citizens he seeks to serve.
In this troubling climate, it is essential for New Yorkers to scrutinize the actions of their elected officials and demand accountability—especially when it comes to the responsible use of taxpayer funds. As the city grapples with crises, residents deserve leaders who will prioritize their well-being over personal ambitions.
