Assemblyman Christopher S. Friend (R,C,I-Big Flats) is taking offense at the carelessness with which Gov. Andrew Cuomo spends taxpayer money, specifically by hiring the Dechert law firm. The governor hired the firm when challenging the Legislature with his policy-laden budget proposal, which he quickly abandoned during budget negotiations.

“The governor has a staff of lawyers already; does he not trust their abilities?” Friend asked. “The governor unveiled this policy-driven budget, something we had rarely, if ever, seen before, and it all was for show. It all was to create a fancy presentation for the Legislature. In a month-and-a-half, they racked up roughly $25,000 in charges. Twenty-five thousand dollars is a shade below the median salary for taxpayers across my entire district. He spent this on political theater, and political theater is not in the best interests of my district or the state. Gov. Cuomo has lost touch with reality.”