Ro Ann Maggiolino Destito (born January 15, 1956) was appointed Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services overseeing all state contracts, by Governor Andrew Cuomo in 2011.[1] She resigned from this position in October 2021 and was succeeded by Jeanette M. Moy who was appointed by Governor Hochul in October 2021 (https://ogs.ny.gov/commissioner-jeanette-m-moy). Prior to becoming Commissioner she was a member of the New York State Assembly for the 116th district (which includes Rome and Utica) from 1993 to 2011 when she resigned. She is a Democrat.
Ro Ann Destito | |
|---|---|
| Commissioner of the New York State Office of General Services | |
| In office May 10, 2011 – November 21, 2021 | |
| Preceded by | John C. Egan |
| Succeeded by | Jeanette M. Moy |
| Member of the New York State Assembly from the 116th district | |
| In office January 1, 1993 – May 9, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Ralph Eannace |
| Succeeded by | Anthony Brindisi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | January 15, 1956 Utica, New York |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Rome, New York, U.S. |
Career edit
Her tenure included a seat on the New York State Liquor Authority Board. While she was on the SLA, her husband's liquor wholesale client the Oneida Indian Nation's Turning Stone Resort & Casino was granted the legal right to have alcohol served at the casino. In 2009, Oneida County Legislator Michael Hennessy spoke out against issuing the permit and requested an investigation.[2] To comply with this deal approximately 1,200 employees were switched from working for Turning Stone to now being employed by CD Food & Beverage.[3]
In September 2011, Destito proclaimed a curfew of 7pm to help Albany State Park Police break up a demonstration. Protesters argued that by sleeping in a public park they were expressing a protected First Amendment right to free speech and were not subject to curfews.[4] Albany police did not make any arrests.
In 2013, she was accused[by whom?] of ethics violations by lobbying for the casino's gaming deal.[5]
Personal life edit
She is the widow of Chris Destito, former President of the Rome Chamber of Commerce and owner of the Beeches Restaurant and Convention Center; and the mother of one son.
References edit
- ^ "Governor Cuomo Announces Unanimous Senate Confirmation of Assemblywoman RoAnn Destito as Commissioner of The Office of General Services". www.governor.ny.gov. Retrieved 2021-08-23.
- ^ Fusco, Jennifer (27 August 2017). "Hennessy sees Destito conflict in Turning Stone permits". Observer-Dispatch. Retrieved 4 January 2017.
- ^ AP. "Regulators OK liquor sales at Turning Stone Casino". AP. Native American Times. Retrieved 31 October 2013.
- ^ Lyons, Brendan J. (October 27, 2011). "Occupy Albany protest draws state curfew change". Albany Times Union. Retrieved 23 June 2013.
- ^ McKinley, Jesse (11 September 2013). "Ballot Measure on Casinos Will Have a Positive Slant". The New York Times.