Senate panel reads long list of nonpaid nominations and members question practice of appointing executive staff to boards

Senator Liz Krueger, chair of the State Senate Finance Committee, asked staff to read a long list of nonpaid nominations into the record after the panel completed questioning of four paid Workers' Compensation Board nominees on June 9.

Committee staff read multiple names and the bodies to which they were nominated — including dormitory authority and convention center operating positions, regional park authorities, the State Athletic Commission, boards for arts and historic preservation, and trustees for CUNY and SUNY entities. Krueger said the list runs “going 3 pages,” and that the practice is to read them into the record when nominees do not appear in person.

Several senators raised substantive concerns about the timing and content of the mass nomination practice. One senator said the end-of-session rush leaves the Legislature confronted with many names “in a very short period” and argued the process should be reformed. The senator asked whether the executive branch had provided reasons for appointing current agency or department heads to SUNY or CUNY boards, a practice some members had previously questioned.

A committee exchange noted two specific examples: a nominee to the State University of New York board, identified in the record as Mr. Katz, was said to be leaving the governor’s office and the executive sought to place him on the SUNY board so he would not be part of the governor’s office when he began serving on SUNY. Committee members also mentioned another nominee, Rosanna Rosado, listed as a CUNY trustee nominee. Members said they had repeatedly expressed concern about appointing current executive-branch commissioners or staff to governance positions because of potential accountability questions.

Senator Stavisky (identified in committee remarks) said the issue dates back more than a decade and that she has voted previously against appointing commissioners or direct executive appointees to boards. Committee members noted Senator Stavisky has sponsored legislation to change the nominations timing and process; the bill has passed the Senate and awaits further action.

After discussion, the committee moved to discharge the long list of nominees. Senator Cunardis moved the nominees and Senator Hinchey seconded; members voted in favor by voice and staff were assigned to count paper ballots and record any 'no' or 'without rec' votes.

Why it matters: Large bundles of appointments read near the end of a legislative session can limit lawmakers’ time to vet nominees and raise questions about executive-legislative accountability when nominees are current executive-branch employees.

What was not decided: The committee did not change the nomination process during the meeting; it discharged the nominations and noted ongoing interest in legislative reform.

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