NEW YORK STATE ERIC DINALLO ———__- ATTORNEY GENERAL, August 17, 2010 Hon. Richard L. Brodsky Mr. Sean Coffey Hon. Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. Hon. Kathleen Rice Hon. Eric T. Schneiderman Re: Battling Public Corruption Iam writing to ask that each of you join me in urging the Governor to provide an important new tool in attacking political corruption. As the New York Times reported today, I have written to Governor Paterson, urging him to empower the Attorney General to take on public corruption cases. I have enclosed a copy of the letter for your review. Executive Law 63(3) and 63(8) authorize the Governor to direct the Attorney General to investigate and prosecute cases that concem “the public peace, public safety and public justice.” Abuses of public office fall within the range of cases the Attomey General can pursue under these sections of the Executive Law. With a stroke of the pen, the Governor can thereby grant the Attorney General authority to pursue political corruption cases, without having to rely on a Legislature that is unwilling and unable to pass meaningful ethics reform. New York’s next Attorney General must target the corruption that has crippled our state capitol. We have talked about this issue on the campaign trail, during debates and in interviews, but we have an opportunity to do more than discuss the problem: we can help take action against it. As the New York Times wrote, such action “would instantly transform the attomey general into Albany's top ethics enforcer, with far greater reach and resources than the district attorneys who normally have jurisdiction over such cases.” This is a real step in the direction of better government. As candidates for statewide office who are committed to improving New York, we should stand together in support of action that will truly make a difference. Took forward to hearing from you. Sincerely, Erie R. Dinallo PO, BOX 1645 | NEW YORK, NY 10150 | 212.944.9640 lwww.rledinallo.com