New York Gov. Kathy Hochul's administration faces a troubling spotlight as her press secretary, Avi Small, is placed on leave amid serious accusations of misconduct.
According to Fox News, Small has been accused of inappropriately touching a staffer at an office retreat in Albany on June 16, an incident that adds to a history of reported complaints about his behavior.
Long before this latest allegation, Small was the subject of an internal investigation over claims of berating junior staff. Reports suggest he frequently yelled at younger employees, creating an atmosphere of fear for some who dreaded working with him. This pattern of conduct, while not new, raises questions about workplace culture under Hochul's watch.
The earlier complaints against Small led to a formal investigation by the governor’s human resources department, with assistance from an outside law firm, Calcagni & Kanefsky. Staffers were interviewed about his alleged verbal tirades over minor errors in press materials or event mishaps.
Interestingly, the probe into Small’s treatment of subordinates did not find a human resources violation. Yet, some insiders suggest Hochul’s system of rapid investigations might unfairly damage reputations before facts are fully established—a curious double-edged sword in the name of accountability.
Staff concerns didn’t end with yelling. Reports emerged of Small allegedly cornering a subordinate in a supply closet for questioning, a disturbing claim that only deepened unease among employees about his conduct.
When news broke that deputy secretaries’ roles would expand, potentially bringing Small into closer contact with junior staff, anxiety reportedly spiked. Employees feared more direct exposure to his alleged abrasive style.
After the 2024 investigation concluded, several staffers approached human resources seeking clarity on the outcome. They were reportedly urged to keep quiet about the allegations, a move that hardly screams transparency in an administration promising a non-toxic environment.
Hochul herself vowed, upon taking over from former Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2021, that her administration would never be labeled a hostile workplace. Given Cuomo’s own exit amid harassment claims, her pledge carried weight—but current events suggest a gap between rhetoric and reality.
The most recent incident on June 16, involving inappropriate physical contact during an office retreat, finally prompted Hochul’s office to place Small on leave. Reports indicate action was taken shortly after the complaint surfaced, though details remain sparse.
While Hochul’s team touts a commitment to tackling workplace bullying—evidenced by initiatives announced in October 2021—these recurring issues with a top aide cast a shadow. If the goal is a safe workspace, why do staff still feel silenced or intimidated?
From a conservative lens, this situation smacks of progressive hypocrisy—championing workplace fairness while seemingly overlooking red flags until they become public. Still, fairness demands we acknowledge the complexity of managing allegations without rushing to judgment on either side.
Hochul’s office has yet to comment on the latest developments, leaving the public to wonder how deep these issues run. Silence only fuels speculation about whether her administration prioritizes image over genuine reform.
Small, too, remains out of reach for comment, which adds another layer of opacity to an already murky situation. Without his perspective, the full story remains incomplete, though the allegations alone are damning enough to warrant scrutiny.
In an era where workplace culture is under a microscope, Hochul’s challenge is clear: deliver on the promise of a respectful environment or risk being seen as just another politician with empty words. For those of us skeptical of overzealous progressive agendas, this is a moment to watch—will accountability triumph, or will it be swept under the rug with a few polished press releases?
