A formal complaint has been filed against New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and other New York Democrats for allegedly using their government positions to watch a Buffalo Bills game in a luxury suite. The complaint was sent to the New York State Commission on Ethics and Lobbying in Government by lawyer David Grandeu. Hochul, along with State Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie and Majority Leader Crystal Peoples-Stokes, watched the game in the “I Love New York” suite at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Grandeu’s letter claimed that the officials abused their power to secure the benefit of the suite and tickets for themselves and their guests.
The “I Love New York” suite is controlled by the Empire State Development Corp. (ESD), which reports to Hochul, and is used to promote New York’s economy. Hochul, a die-hard Bills fan, is a Buffalo native, while Heastie is a Cowboys fan. Despite their opposing allegiances, Hochul posted a photo on social media with Heastie and Peoples-Stokes, joking about the outcome of the game. ESD reported that charitable donations equal to the value of the seats in the suite were made, with Hochul’s office asserting that the proper steps were taken to sit in the suite for the game.
According to Hochul’s office, the governor gathered with members of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce and Western New York leaders at the game to discuss the region’s infrastructure and economic growth. The governor personally paid $531 to cover the cost of tickets and the donation was made to FeedMore WNY. A productive discussion was also reportedly held on infrastructure with CEO A.J. Baynes of the Amherst Chamber of Commerce in the suite. Heastie’s office had requested to use the suite and all guests were informed of the rules regarding lobbyists’ attendance and public reporting requirements in advance.
Lawyer David Grandeu believes the charitable donations made in relation to the suite’s use demonstrate that it was for personal enjoyment rather than official capacity. He stated that using a government position to attend a game in a luxury suite is wrong and unacceptable. The ESD spokesperson confirmed that Heastie’s office’s request to use the suite was honored as a courtesy and that all guests were aware of the rules regarding lobbyist attendance. Hochul’s spokesperson also emphasized that the governor followed all state guidelines regarding the usage of the space and made a personal payment to cover the cost of tickets.
Overall, the complaint alleges that Hochul and other New York Democrats abused their power to secure a luxury suite at a Buffalo Bills game for personal enjoyment and non-governmental purposes. While the officials maintain that the suite was used for official discussions on regional infrastructure and economic growth, the complaint argues that the charitable donations made in relation to the suite’s use suggest otherwise. The investigation will shed more light on whether the officials acted inappropriately by utilizing their government positions to attend the game in a luxury suite.
