Former MTA honcho Pat Foye — unlike a few other Cuomo administration holdovers — has again proved himself the consummate professional public servant by informing Gov. Kathy Hochul that he won’t take over as interim president and CEO of Empire State Development Corp. so she can make her own pick.
Then-Gov. Andrew Cuomo tapped the talented executive to head ESD last June, but Foye’s stepping aside. He wrote: “While I no longer seek to serve in the capacity originally envisioned, I pledge my support, service, and assistance to her and her administration.”
Hochul says she’s cleaning house and looking to “professionalize” the boards that control the MTA, the Port Authority, SUNY and other agencies.
Some Cuomo hacks, like MTA board member Larry Schwartz, vowed not to resign. But he, SUNY Chancellor James Malatras and other Cuomo cronies (especially those who abetted his various coverups) should follow Foye’s lead and tender their resignations.
Meanwhile, Hochul would be wise to talk Foye into taking on some major role: His integrity and commitment to duty make him a role model for public service.