The New York Senate confirmed two former state lawmakers to lead important state agencies on Wednesday. Walter T. Mosley was confirmed as secretary of state, responsible for regulating businesses and professions, managing state records, and overseeing local laws. Mosley, a former assemblyman who represented parts of Brooklyn, served in the state Assembly from 2013 to 2020. Former Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez was confirmed as president and chief executive officer of the Dormitory Authority of the state of New York, responsible for providing finance and construction services to public facilities. Rodriguez had previously overseen a state cannabis program that aimed to help disadvantaged individuals start legal cannabis businesses.
Governor Kathy Hochul nominated Mosley to replace Rodriguez as secretary of state. Rodriguez, who was appointed to his new role by the agency’s board of directors, began working in an acting capacity on May 8. The agency he now leads is responsible for providing finance and construction services to universities, courts, and other public facilities. It also managed the state’s cannabis program, which recently came under scrutiny. State Senator Liz Krueger, a Democrat who voted for both candidates, expressed confidence in their ability to serve, citing their years of experience and understanding of the responsibilities they are taking on.
Mosley and Rodriguez, both former assemblymen, are known for their dedication to public service. Mosley’s new role as secretary of state involves a wide range of duties related to regulating businesses and professions, managing state records, and overseeing local laws. Rodriguez, as the head of the Dormitory Authority of the state of New York, will be responsible for overseeing finance and construction services for various public facilities. The agency he leads also played a key role in implementing a state cannabis program aimed at helping disadvantaged individuals enter the legal cannabis industry.
Senator Krueger emphasized her support for both candidates, highlighting their experience and understanding of the positions they have taken on. She expressed confidence in their ability to handle the responsibilities of their new roles effectively. The confirmation of Mosley and Rodriguez to lead these important state agencies demonstrates a commitment to promoting efficient public service and ensuring the effective management of crucial government functions. Hochul’s nomination of Mosley and the appointment of Rodriguez by the agency’s board of directors signal a new chapter in the leadership of these vital state organizations.
