WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

By Senator Rev. Rubén Díaz

32nd Senatorial District, Bronx County, New York

Is Governor Cuomo Involved in Local Bronx Politics?

You should know that Governor Andrew Cuomo has been apathetic about getting involved in the 2012 New York State political races and supporting candidates.  His indifference has gotten to the point where there are many State Senators complaining about the Governor’s refusal to support Democrats, leaving Senate Democrats in jeopardy by possibly allowing the Republicans to remain in the Senate Majority.

My question is to ask if the Governor is indirectly and perhaps surreptitiously involved in local politics by getting at least one of his Commissioners to actively support a  candidate  of his choice while the Governor remains silent.

A case that shows this point is what we see on a palm card for the Democratic Primary 2012 that shows how Peter M. Rivera, New York State Labor Commissioner, is indeed electioneering in a primary race for the seat he left open when he stepped out of the New York State Assembly and entered the Cuomo Cabinet.

As you can see on the attached palm card, Commissioner Peter M. Rivera is endorsing his longtime chief of staff, Danny Figueroa.

The questions we must ask are: Is New York State Labor Commissioner Peter M. Rivera doing this on his own or is he doing this at the behest of Governor Andrew Cuomo? Is the office of the Governor involved directly or indirectly?

Like all elected officials in New York State, I am well aware of the limits we have and how we cannot use our public office for politics.  If there is any sense that we are using our public offices improperly, we run the risk of having an investigation by the Ethics Commission.

I must ask to which point is it correct for this Governor to have his Commissioner Peter M. Rivera officially involved in local politics and in a primary election?

Either/or, it doesn’t seem right.

I am State Senator Reverend Rubén Díaz and this is what you should know.

Senator Ruben Diaz
whatyoushouldknow@aol.com

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We must add that the palm card looks like Peter Rivera is running for his old assembly seat (especially by the old photo), and could wind up confusing many voters for Mr. Figueroa as they may write in the name of Peter Rivera instead.

UPDATE 
In a statement for Commissioner Perter Rivera it is said that Peter Rivera did not authorize the use of his name or title on  the above palm card.