Elex probers get a little less power

ALBANY — Scandal–scarred Albany went into self-preservation mode Wednesday with the state Board of Elections passing new rules limiting the powers of an independent chief enforcement counsel charged with going after campaign finance improprieties.

The decision to give the board more oversight over the work of Independent Enforcement Counsel Risa Sugarman brought an onslaught of criticism from Attorney General Barbara Underwood and others.

“Gutting the enforcement counsel's authority and independence will only serve to encourage more corruption in New York,” Underwood said.

The new rules, which were enacted by the Board of Elections in a 3-1 vote, impose new reporting requirements on Sugarman and increased subpoena oversight by the board.

Sugarman warned the changes will hamper her ability to probe wrongdoing.

“Investigations must be conducted in a non-partisan, impartial detailed manner without regard to who the target may be, what political party he/she belongs, what the political ramifications of the course and conduct of the process may be,” Sugarman told the board before the vote.

“The amended rules inject partisan political influence where there must be closely guarded independence,” she said.

Board members accused Sugarman of politicizing the situation and not acting with enough transparency.

The four-member board of elections is made up of two Democrats and two Republicans who are appointed by the governor at the recommendation of the two major state party chairmen and Assembly and Senate leaders.

Gov. Cuomo made a lastminute pitch to scuttle the vote.

“We reviewed these draft regulations and believe they are unnecessary and could harm the operations and the independence of the enforcement counsel's office,” Cuomo spokesman Tyrone Stevens said in a statement released shortly before the meeting.