Statement from Susan Lerner, Common Cause/NY, on Guilty Verdict in Silver Corruption Trial

NEW YORK, NY (11/30/2015)- Common Cause/New York Executive Director, Susan Lerner, issues the following statement following the verdict finding Sheldon Silver guilty on all seven counts:

“Today’s verdict finding Sheldon Silver guilty of public corruption on all counts is a scathing indication that Albany insiders have lost touch with reality. We find it telling that it took a federal prosecutor, and not New York State’s own watchdog system, to call out the deep-seated corruption and sense of entitlement that allows a leader to use his public office for private gain. Thankfully, the jury didn’t buy tired explanations that self-dealing and back-scratching are just “business as usual.” The public is tired of the ever-expanding litany of scandals and this must be a wake-up call to the leadership in Albany that real, comprehensive solutions must be enacted for the few who have let power go to their heads. The majority of legislators work full-time for the people; they should move quickly to bring New York’s ethics laws up to the standards expected by the public. This is no time for piece-meal ethics reform. The people of New York are past due for a government for the people and by the people.”