Cuomo Taps Private Advisers as Part of Coronavirus Response, Stirring Critics

That is especially significant at a time when the pandemic has disrupted the normal operations of the state legislature, said Common Cause Executive Director Susan Lerner, a good-government advocate. “What we’re seeing is extraordinary consolidation of power by the governor and acquiescence by the legislature that undercuts our entire system of checks and balances,” Ms. Lerner said in an interview. “Without the normal appointment process, there’s no way to have any oversight or accountability.”