“Cuomo Often Takes Taxpayer-Funded Planes and Helicopters, Far More Than Other Big State Governors” (nytimes):
Much of the governor’s recent state-funded helicopter travel has been on a used Sikorsky 76-D, which cost New York taxpayers $12.5 million last year. The state comptroller initially rejected the request, which was made by the State Police through a noncompetitive bid.
The comptroller’s office cited the discrepancy between how Sikorsky described the helicopter’s configuration — “for a deluxe executive mission” — and how the police described its purpose.
(Note that Donald Trump also operated the Sikorsky S-76, but, prior to becoming president/dictator he flew in an older model that can do more or less the same mission at a capital cost of $750,000.)
It’s primary day in New York. If Mr. Cuomo prevails over Cynthia Nixon I wonder if the two will agree to a glass ceiling ceremony in which the incumbent governor, and champion of women, calls in the S-76 to place the ceiling over Ms. Nixon’s head. That would dominate YouTube!
Related:
- Government versus private industry helicopter operating costs (10-15 years ago, New York taxpayers were spending $15,500 per flight hour to operate a Sikorsky S-76 (over $19,000 in 2018 dollars)
- Tax Foundation ranks New York State #1 in the percentage of residents’ income that is taxed away by state and local government (but the schools run by New York are dramatically inferior to those in low-tax Texas (nytimes))
- White male seeks to put woman out of job in Rhode Island (from yesterday)