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 |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Residence(s) | Rome,New York,U.S. |
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.
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]
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.