January 27, 2009

The New York Times

New York Says Health Chief Abused Power
By DANNY HAKIM

ALBANY — Gov. George E. Pataki’s appointment of Antonia C. Novello, a former surgeon general, as state health commissioner in 1999 was seen as something of a coup for New York.

An appointee of President George H. W. Bush who was the first woman and first Hispanic to serve as surgeon general, Dr. Novello was praised even by the Clinton administration for her “vigor and talent” and promised to bring new attention to pediatric health.

But the New York State inspector general’s office says that she turned her staff at the Health Department into her personal chauffeurs, porters and shopping assistants during her seven-year tenure, and has referred a criminal case, including potential felony charges, to the Albany County district attorney.

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Accused of ordering staff to…

• Take her mother to the Newark airport.
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• Drive her to an outlet mall.
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• Move her Buddha.
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• Pick up her laundry.
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• Buy her groceries.

• Use vacation time to run her errands.