FOR RELEASE:

DiNapoli Statement on Inspector General's Report

Inspector General Fisch’s report paints a picture of a deplorable, flawed and completely unacceptable procurement process. My office’s long-standing standards for a fair and impartial review were nonexistent in this process.  In fact, the investigation found a complete and utter disregard for the best interests of New York's taxpayers.  

The procurement process should not be a political process.  The taxpayers must be protected.  Fortunately, the final contract for VLTs at Aqueduct went through the right kind of review.  My office took the time to do it right.  But the contracting process needs constant vigilance. Just today, I rejected a $7.5 billion state IT contract because the procurement process was completely flawed. State officials have to do a better job of protecting taxpayers.