Common Cause/NY Calls for "ongoing public dialogue" from Governor on Moreland Commission

NEW YORK, NY (07/31/2014)(readMedia)-- Today Governor Cuomo made public statements, regarding a letter from the United States Attorney for the Southern District. As reported in the New York Times, the Governor said:

"As I believe the U.S. attorney has made it clear that ongoing public dialogue is not helpful to his investigation," he added, "we will have no additional comment on the matter."

In response, Common Cause/NY Executive Director Susan Lerner issued the following statement:

"The United States Attorney for the Southern District, Preet Bharara, did not say as the Governor suggests, that "ongoing public dialogue is not helpful". In fact his reported letter only proscribes communications between the Governor and the Moreland Commissioners. Public dialogue is what keeps our elected officials accountable, and the Governor must address voters' concerns about his conduct. The United States Attorney's letter should not be used as a shield against the public or the press."