New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says one way of fighting corruption in Albany would be to have his office examine all contracts for state economic development projects before they’re signed.
DiNapoli says the State Legislature has gradually taken away his power to review state contracts. He says they funnel money through public authorities which bypass the state procurement process. In 2011 they took away his right to review SUNY construction contracts and in 2012 his oversight of the state Office of General Services.
DiNapoli says the federal bid-rigging charges against SUNY Polytech and economic development officials show what a bad idea that was. He’s calling for a ban on the use of non-profit agencies to bypass state bidding rules and for the return of his oversight powers.