ALBANY — Gov. Cuomo used state aircraft for 16 flights to or from his home following statewide tours during which he called for belt-tightening and budget cuts, according to records obtained by The Associated Press.
But the AP acknowledged yesterday that Cuomo used the planes far less than his predecessors and that there is no record of any politicking or fund-raising during Cuomo’s trips.
“It’s outrageous that due to an apparent lack of news, The Associated Press has now decided to fabricate stories,” said Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto, adding that the governor flew only on official state business.
In 2007, then-Attorney General Cuomo, who lives in Westchester, issued a report accusing then-Senate Republican leader Joseph Bruno of using aircraft in part for political events.
The state Commission on Public Integrity then issued new guidelines for use of state aircraft, saying governors can start or end their trips near their homes if:
* There’s “a bona fide state purpose for the trip.”
* They “reimburse the state for that portion of the trip not related to state business.”
* “State supplies, equipment, personnel and other resources . . . [are] used only for government purposes and not for private gain or partisan politics.”