Gov. Kathy Hochul is hiring a new director of Italian American Affairs after facing a firestorm of criticism over axing Dolores Alfieri, the former liaison to the state’s largest ethnic community (Italian Americans make up 15 percent of N.Y.’s population).

New York’s Italian American leaders were fuming over the decision, especially since they weren’t consulted prior to Alfieri’s termination (Alfieri was hired by ex-Gov. Andrew Cuomo in 2017).

Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), a politician on the rise who may run for governor, demanded that Gov. Hochul change course, reestablish the office and find a replacement in the near-term.

Basil Russo, the national president of Italian Sons and Daughters of America (ISDA), said the backlash should come as no surprise. “Decisions like this won’t bode well for Gov. Hochul on Election Day. When will these leaders get the hint that Italian Americans will no longer be targeted for political gain? The times are changing, and these elected officials ought to acknowledge it if they want to stay in office,” Russo stated.

The firing of Alfieri came a month after Gov. Hochul attempted to cancel Columbus Day by proclaiming that Oct. 11 was Indigenous Peoples’ Day. Following an outcry, she amended the proclamation stating Columbus Day was celebrated as well.

It was seen by many as a duplicitous move, as critics pointed to the fact that she walked in the Columbus Day parade hours before issuing the controversial proclamation.

ISDA will issue an update when a new liaison is selected.

 

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