By +Scott Leffler 
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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Rob Ortt

State Sen. Rob Ortt and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo are both applauding the guilty verdict passed on former State Sen. Majority Leader Dean Skelos and his son, Adam, on Friday.

The elder Skelos was convicted Friday of bribery, extortion and conspiracy charges for abusing his post to get a job for his son. The son, meanwhile, was convicted of aiding and abetting.

Ortt, R-North Tonawanda, said he hopes the decision serves as a "catalyst for good government," while Cuomo said more must be done. Each issued a statement on the verdict, available below in their entirety:

Hopefully today's decision will serve as a catalyst for good government in Albany. Although the Senate took important steps toward that end this year, such as stripping pensions from convicted elected officials, more work remains. That's why I will continue to support increased transparency and accountability measures, so that we can restore the public's trust in state government.

-- State Sen. Rob Ortt

There can be no tolerance for those who use, and seek to use, public service for private gain. The justice system worked today. However, more must be done and will be pursued as part of my legislative agenda. The convictions of former Speaker Silver and former Majority Leader Skelos should be a wakeup call for the Legislature and it must stop standing in the way of needed reforms.

-- Gov. Andrew Cuomo

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