Cuomo defends handling of corruption panel

PHOTOGRAPHER: The Associated Press

BUFFALO, N.Y. — New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo is defending his handling of an anti-corruption commission, dismissing reports that his administration interfered with its work.

His comments Monday in Buffalo were his first since The New York Times reported last week that a top Cuomo aide pressured commissioners to stop subpoenas to a media-buying firm that Cuomo used and to a real estate organization whose members financially supported his campaign.

Cuomo says the commission made its own decisions and that his office only offered suggestions. Cuomo, a Democrat, created the commission a year ago and dismantled it this spring.

One of the commission’s chairmen, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, said Monday that Cuomo’s office never interfered.

U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara has questioned the disbanding of the commission and says his office will review its files.