Ever since his election as the 64th Attorney General of New York State on Nov. 7, 2006, Andrew Cuomo has proven himself a forward-thinking man of integrity; one with a well-conceived strategy for addressing systemic problems prevalent in the state. To achieve the vision he has set for himself and his good office, Cuomo paid attention to the “voice of the people.”

In the first year of his term, he took on individual cases with the mindset of using what he learned to solve the bigger problems. His most lauded efforts were in industry-wide investigations which exposed malpractices in mortgage, healthcare and even the student loan sectors.

In line with this drive for integrity in the government, he is following up on the institutions who have requested for bailouts in order to tide the crisis. Upon reports of some companies wasting corporate expenditures, Cuomo made it his own crusade to set things right.

Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, AIG, all other Wall Street firms have been under the scrutiny of the office of the Attorney General. All the major institutions who have received federal financial aid were requested by Cuomo to disclose compensation information. Non-collaboration would be taken to mean that the company has no concern for the affected investors, taxpayers and other stakeholders.

Last December 8, he sent a firm letter to the board of directors of Merrill Lynch to discuss the justification for the executive corporate compensations, specifically the issue regarding Merrill Lynch CEO John Thain’s declaration that he ought to be paid $10 million for his outstanding performance. Cuomo places this in contrast to Goldman and Sachs, whose Board has agreed to forego bonuses in order for the rest of the employees to get their pay, and to reduce having to let go of people.

Andrew Mark Cuomo, son of former New York Governor Mario M. Cuomo, graduated from Fordham University and accomplished his Juris Doctor at Albany Law School. His most prominent assignment prior to his current position was as the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under President Bill Clinton from 1997-2001. A true-blue Democrat, Cuomo’s take on his office reflects an emphasis on the policymaking aspect first. He views the law as a tool to resolve systemic issues.

Article Sources: Money.cnn.com, Bnet.com

Mario Cuomo’s famous speech at the 1984 Democratic National Convention.

Quotes by Mario Cuomo on Brainy Quote.

Mario Cuomo compares Barack Obama to Abraham Lincoln.