![Sam Hoyt, Grand Island, NY, 2000](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/01/Sam_Hoyt%2C_Grand_Island%2C_NY%2C_2000.jpg)
William Ballard "Sam" Hoyt III (born January 9, 1962) is an American politician from
New York
New York most commonly refers to:
* New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York
* New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States
New York may also refer to:
Film and television
* '' ...
. A Democrat,
Hoyt is an economic development professional and was a member of the
New York State Assembly
The New York State Assembly is the lower house of the New York State Legislature, with the New York State Senate being the upper house. There are 150 seats in the Assembly. Assembly members serve two-year terms without term limits.
The Assem ...
from 1992 to 2011.
He represented the 144th Assembly district,
consisting of part of
Buffalo, New York
Buffalo is the second-largest city in the U.S. state of New York (behind only New York City) and the seat of Erie County. It is at the eastern end of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River, and is across the Canadian border from South ...
, and all of
Grand Island, New York
Grand Island is an island town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town's population was 21,389 representing an increase of 5.00% from the 2010 census figure. The town's name derives from the French name ''La Grand ...
,
[Park fee cut, river docking in Hoyt bills](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 27 January 1993, McNeil, H., Retrieved 15 January 2014. from 1992 to 2011.
Hoyt was first elected to succeed his late father,
William Hoyt.
He resigned
from office in 2011 after a sexual harassment suit and he previously was the subject of an ethics investigation in 2008 concerning a two-year sexual relationship with a 23-year-old assembly intern, named Lori Gradwell.
He was then appointed to an
economic development
In the economics study of the public sector, economic and social development is the process by which the economic well-being and quality of life of a nation, region, local community, or an individual are improved according to targeted goals and o ...
position
as Regional President of the
Empire State Development Corporation
Empire State Development (ESD) is the umbrella organization for New York's two principal economic development public-benefit corporations, the New York State Urban Development Corporation (UDC) and the New York Job Development Authority (JDA). T ...
in
New York State
New York, officially the State of New York, is a state in the Northeastern United States. It is often called New York State to distinguish it from its largest city, New York City. With a total area of , New York is the 27th-largest U.S. stat ...
Governor
Andrew M. Cuomo
Andrew Mark Cuomo ( ; ; born December 6, 1957) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 56th governor of New York from 2011 to 2021. A member of the Democratic Party, he was elected to the same position that his father, Mario Cu ...
's administration.
[Governor Cuomo announces appointment of Sam Hoyt](_blank)
''New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo'', Albany, NY, 1 July 2011, Retrieved 13 December 2013.[Change on council in Falls sends positive signal on development in city](_blank)
''The Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 7 November 2013, Besecker, A., Retrieved 13 December 2013.[New roles challenge Hoyt](_blank)
''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 13 May 2012, McCarthy, R.J., Retrieved 15 January 2014. He was also Interim Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation,
[Executive profile: Sam Hoyt](_blank)
''Bloomberg Businessweek'', New York, NY, 2013, Retrieved 13 December 2013. and Vice Chairman of the
Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority
The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge Authority (also known as the Peace Bridge Authority and the Public Bridge Authority) is the agency established to regulate the Peace Bridge, which crosses the Canada–United States border. This bridge is d ...
.
Hoyt is founder and president o
Upstate Strategic Advisors LLC a full-service PR, lobbying, and government relations firm based in Buffalo, NY
Early life and education
Hoyt grew up on Buffalo's west side
and attended area schools, graduating from
The Park School of Buffalo
The Park School of Buffalo is a private, co-educational, college preparatory school located in Amherst, New York (north of Buffalo). Founded in 1912 during the American country day school movement, the institution features lower, middle, and ...
,
and receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in
Political Science
Political science is the scientific study of politics. It is a social science dealing with systems of governance and power, and the analysis of political activities, political thought, political behavior, and associated constitutions and la ...
from
Buffalo State College
The State University of New York College at Buffalo (colloquially referred to as Buffalo State College, SUNY Buffalo State, Buffalo State, or simply Buff State) is a public college in Buffalo, New York. It is part of the State University of Ne ...
in 1992.
He also attended
Ohio Wesleyan University
Ohio Wesleyan University (OWU) is a private liberal arts college in Delaware, Ohio. It was founded in 1842 by methodist leaders and Central Ohio residents as a nonsectarian institution, and is a member of the Ohio Five – a consortium ...
.
Background
Prior to entering elected office, Hoyt served as Western New York regional director for
U.S. Senator
The United States Senate is the upper chamber of the United States Congress, with the House of Representatives being the lower chamber. Together they compose the national bicameral legislature of the United States.
The composition and powe ...
Daniel Patrick Moynihan
Daniel Patrick Moynihan (March 16, 1927 – March 26, 2003) was an American politician, diplomat and sociologist. A member of the Democratic Party, he represented New York in the United States Senate from 1977 until 2001 and served as an ...
,
and was marketing and promotions director for the
Buffalo Bisons
The Buffalo Bisons (known colloquially as the Herd) are a Minor League Baseball team of the International League and the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. Located in Buffalo, New York, the team plays their home games at Sahlen Fiel ...
minor league baseball team.
He represented the 144th Assembly District,
encompassing part of Buffalo, New York, and all of
Grand Island, New York
Grand Island is an island town in Erie County, New York, United States. As of the 2020 census, the town's population was 21,389 representing an increase of 5.00% from the 2010 census figure. The town's name derives from the French name ''La Grand ...
from 1992 to 2011.
New York State Assembly career
Elections
Hoyt was first elected in a 1992 special election following the death of his father, William B. Hoyt, who held the office prior to him.
From 1992 to 2010, Hoyt won all elections for his assembly seat with voting percentages between 51% to 79% in his favor.
Selected electoral history
Hoyt's complete electoral history has been tracked, online, at ''Our Campaigns'', and a portion of it is reflected here.
, -
*There were also 31 write-in votes in this election, accounting for 0.10%.
*Hoyt also received votes on both the Independent and Working Family lines in this election.
, -
*Hoyt also ran on the Liberal ticket in this election.
Duties
![Sam Hoyt with Constituent, Buffalo, NY, 2000](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/ac/Sam_Hoyt_with_Constituent%2C_Buffalo%2C_NY%2C_2000.jpg)
In the Assembly, Hoyt served as Majority Whip.
As a senior member of the Assembly, he chaired several Assembly committees.
In 2007, Assembly Speaker
Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver (February 13, 1944 – January 24, 2022) was an American Democratic Party politician, attorney, and convicted felon from New York City who served as speaker of the New York State Assembly from 1994 to 2015. A native of Manhattan' ...
appointed Hoyt as the Chairman of the Assembly Local Governments Committee. Prior to becoming chairman of this committee, Hoyt was the Chairman of the Assembly Oversight, Analysis and Investigations Committee. He is also both a former Chairman of the Assembly Task Force on Demographics and Reapportionment,
and the Assembly
Alcoholism
Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol (drug), alcohol that results in significant Mental health, mental or physical health problems. Because there is disagreement on the definition of the word ''alcoholism'', it is not a recognize ...
and
Drug Abuse
Substance abuse, also known as drug abuse, is the use of a drug in amounts or by methods which are harmful to the individual or others. It is a form of substance-related disorder. Differing definitions of drug abuse are used in public health, ...
Committee.
[What's your story?: Assemblyman Sam Hoyt: My story is about survival](_blank)
''New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services'', Albany, NY, Undated, Hoyt, S., Retrieved 14 December 2013. He also co-chaired both the Anti-Flipping
and High Speed Rail Task Forces.
[Hoyt appointed to head panel on high-speed rail](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 18 February 1993, Retrieved 15 January 2014. Hoyt was also a member of the following committees: Ways and Means;
''Legislative Gazette.com'', Albany, NY, 24 October 2011, Krieg, F., Retrieved 15 December 2013. Local Governments;
Children and Families;
Transportation;
Energy;
Tourism;
Arts and Sports Development;
Cities;
Government Operations;
Women's Issues Task Force;
and the Puerto Rican/Hispanic Task Force.
Political interests
Some of Hoyt's political interests have included making state and local governments more efficient and accountable to taxpayers;
revitalizing neighborhoods; increasing economic opportunity; and developing the Buffalo waterfront.
Political positions
Hoyt concentrated on the redevelopment of Upstate New York cities. The passage of the Smart Growth Public Infrastructure Policy Act;
Land Bank Program;
and State Historic Preservation Tax Credit
[Excellence in preservation award winners announced: Senator David Valesky, Assemblymember Sam Hoyt to be honored](_blank)
, ''Preservation League of New York State'', Albany, NY, 5 May 2010, Ryan, C.M., Retrieved 15 December 2013. are among his legislative accomplishments.
In 2009, Hoyt sponsored legislation that was passed to allow the
City of Buffalo school district to start the fourth phase of its Joint Schools reconstruction project. As a lifelong environmentalist, in 2008, Hoyt passed a new law to protect old growth forests.
The same year, Hoyt sponsored a new law that passed to fund bike paths across New York State, and has worked for their protection.
An advocate of marriage equality, Hoyt supported the
Marriage Equality Act,
which was passed in June 2011. This Act granted same-sex couples in New York State the freedom to marry under the law, as well as hundreds of rights, benefits, and protections that had been limited to married couples of the opposite sex.
In 2006, Hoyt proposed that a land-locked area between the
Peace Bridge
The Peace Bridge is an international bridge between Canada and the United States at the east end of Lake Erie at the source of the Niagara River, about upriver of Niagara Falls. It connects Buffalo, New York, in the United States to Fort Erie ...
to
Canada
Canada is a country in North America. Its ten provinces and three territories extend from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean and northward into the Arctic Ocean, covering over , making it the world's second-largest country by tot ...
and Porter Avenue be transformed into a park.
[Hoyt calls for adding park along channel](_blank)
''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 9 October 2006, Linstedt, S., Retrieved 15 January 2014. The strip of land was owned by the New York State Thruway Authority,
and its scenic value had been lost due to the development of both the Peace Bridge toll plaza and Interstate-190.
That area of land had previously been part of Front Park, designed by
Frederick Law Olmsted
Frederick Law Olmsted (April 26, 1822August 28, 1903) was an American landscape architect, journalist, social critic, and public administrator. He is considered to be the father of landscape architecture in the USA. Olmsted was famous for co- ...
.
Hoyt proposed in 2004 that a community-based group be created regarding the restoration of the
H.H. Richardson Complex, historic buildings that are part of the
Buffalo Psychiatric Center, for use as a center for cultural and educational activities.
[Hoyt proposes civic panel for Richardson site](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 22 January 2004, Sommer, M., Retrieved 15 January 2014. Hoyt proposed that $100 million be put toward the restoration, which was supported by New York State Governor
George Pataki
George Elmer Pataki (; born June 24, 1945) is an American lawyer and politician who served as the 53rd governor of New York from 1995 to 2006. An attorney by profession, Pataki was elected mayor of his hometown of Peekskill, New York, and went on ...
.
In 2009, in relation to interests of Buffalo State College in desiring land use expansion of the psychiatric center grounds and vacant buildings, Hoyt stated that Buffalo was famous for its historic architecture.
[Psychiatric center facing pressure to free up more land](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 19 May 1999, Collison, K., Retrieved 6 February 2014.
In 2000, Hoyt, who is an advocate of college students, urged
University at Buffalo
The State University of New York at Buffalo, commonly called the University at Buffalo (UB) and sometimes called SUNY Buffalo, is a public research university with campuses in Buffalo and Amherst, New York. The university was founded in 1846 ...
(UB) leaders
Bill Greiner (1934–2009) and Dennis Black to work with staff of the student newspaper, ''The Spectrum'', after students were twice-arrested by campus police for remaining in the newspaper offices after hours to work.
[Hoyt, department head help UB, student paper move to resolve dispute](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 4 April 2000, Brady, K., Retrieved 21 December 2013. The involvement of Hoyt and UB English Department Chairwoman Barbara Bono succeeded in opening communications between UB leadership and the students.
Also active in the area of social justice,
Hoyt joined other urban legislators in declaring a state of emergency in the fight against HIV/AIDS in minority communities.
Hoyt introduced legislation that went into effect in 1998 that guaranteed a tax-free week for college students in New York State for the purchase of their college textbooks.
[Bookstore is flash point at Buffalo State](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 19 August 1998, Brady, K., Retrieved 5 February 2014.
In 1997, Hoyt worked with other legislators on a project aimed at expanding high speed rail in New York State, particularly to Buffalo.
Throughout his tenure, Hoyt was a strong supporter of his alma mater, Buffalo State College, as well as
Muriel A. Howard
Muriel A. Howard (b. 1947/1948) (formerly Muriel A. Moore) is the former president of the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) in Washington, D.C., and served as the seventh president of Buffalo State College in the St ...
, the president of the college from 1996 to 2009.
[Vice president at UB will head Buffalo State](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 12 December 1995, Brady, K., Retrieved 21 December 2013.[Howard is departing Buffalo State for D.C. lobbying job](_blank)
''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Washington, DC: McClatchy-Tribune Business News, 1 April 2009, Rey, J., Retrieved 5 February 2014. When Howard took on the role as president of the college, Hoyt stated that she was an excellent choice.
When Howard announced that she would be departing from the college, Hoyt stated that she would be difficult to replace and would be sorely missed.
Political controversy
In 2000, Hoyt was involved in an attempted political coup, led by Former Majority Leader
Michael Bragman, of Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, in order to oust him from his position.
[Hoyt needs to take reins of change](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 22 September 2004, Esmonde, D., Retrieved 15 January 2014. Following the coup, it was stated that Hoyt was unable to enter the circle of inner leadership in the Assembly,
though he salvaged his political access to Silver
when it was clear that the coup would be unsuccessful.
Honors
![View of Assumption RC Church from Buffalo State College, 2000](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/e1/View_of_Assumption_RC_Church_from_Buffalo_State_College%2C_2000.jpg)
Hoyt received numerous awards, including the 2011 Lifetime Achievement Award by the New York League of Conservation Voters;
Elected Official of the Year in 2008 by both the State Historic Preservation Office
and American Institute of Architects; the 1992 SUNY Chancellor's Recognition Award;
and the 2001 William B. Hoyt Environmental Award from the National Audubon Society that was named in honor of his late father.
Hoyt has been a proponent of preserving historical architecture,
including the
Buffalo Psychiatric Center and its
Richardson Olmsted Complex
The Richardson Olmsted Campus in Buffalo, New York, United States, was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. ''Note:'' This includes , , an''Accompanying three photographs''/ref> The site was designed by the American architect Henry Ho ...
administration building.
Hoyt has been recognized by the Western New York Chemical Dependency Consortium and New York Council on Problem Gambling for his efforts into creating awareness and funding for drug and gambling addiction treatment and prevention programs.
Hoyt has received "Public Citizen of the Year" aware by the New York State Chapter of the
National Association of Social Workers and the "Creating a Greener New York Award" from the
League of Conservation Voters
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is an American environmental advocacy group. LCV says that it "advocates for sound environmental laws and policies, holds elected officials accountable for their votes and actions, and elects pro-environmen ...
(2001),
as well as the National Family Planning and Reproductive Health Association's Distinguished Public Service Award (2000); the National Association for Mental Illness Public Service Award (2000);
and the New York State Public Employees Federation (PEF) Quality Service Award in (1999).
Relationship with Assembly intern
In September 2008, Hoyt was disciplined by
New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver
Sheldon Silver (February 13, 1944 – January 24, 2022) was an American Democratic Party politician, attorney, and convicted felon from New York City who served as speaker of the New York State Assembly from 1994 to 2015. A native of Manhattan' ...
for an inappropriate relationship involving a participant in the Assembly Intern Program based on a report completed by the New York State Assembly Standing Committee on Ethics and Guidance.
[Silver takes action against Hoyt for "Inappropriate Relationship" with Assembly intern: Based on recommendation of Assembly Ethics and Guidance Committee, following committee's investigation](_blank)
''New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver Press Release'', Albany, NY, 26 September 2008, Silver, S., Retrieved 13 December 2013.[Letter to Sam Hoyt from Sheldon Silver, Speaker of the New York State Assembly](_blank)
''New York State Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver'', Albany, NY, 26 September 2008, Silver, S., Retrieved 13 December 2013.[Hoyt avoids severe penalty for affair with intern, but offices banned from using interns](_blank)
''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 27 September 2008, Precious, T., Retrieved 15 January 2014.[Sam Hoyt, New York State Assemblyman from Buffalo, hand-slapped over sex with intern](_blank)
''New York Daily News'', New York, NY: NY Daily News, 26 September 2008, Lovett, K., Retrieved 15 January 2014. Silver announced that Hoyt had an "inappropriate personal relationship" with an Assembly intern,
[Hoyt survives mud bath in primary: Assembly incumbent wins easily; 16-year veteran of Albany weathers ugly campaign](_blank)
''McClatchy - Tribune Business News'', Washington, DC: McClatchy - Tribune Business News, 10 September 2008, Fairbanks, P., Retrieved 15 January 2014.[Woman in Hoyt affair discloses she was an intern](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 5 September 2008, Beebe, M., Retrieved 15 January 2014. and issued a new "policy prohibiting fraternization with student interns." Hoyt was prohibited from future participation in "any student internship program."
''The Buffalo News'' reported that the woman was 23 (Hoyt was 41 at the time)
and had graduated from the
University at Buffalo Law School
The University at Buffalo School of Law (also known as State University of New York at Buffalo Law School, or SUNY Buffalo Law School) is a graduate professional school at the University at Buffalo. Founded in 1887 and affiliate with Niagara Univ ...
.
Hoyt did not break any law or Assembly rules, because prior to 2004 there no policy prohibiting relationships with interns
(The affair occurred in 2003.)
Hoyt said in a statement: "I am a public figure, but I've reconciled with my family, and I'm pleased to report I am happily married. No rules were broken; no laws were broken. I broke my marriage vows."
Information initially investigated by the Ethics Committee included e-mails
by two women regarding personal information shared with them by Hoyt.
[Women involved in Hoyt affairs were adults, state records show](_blank)
''Buffalo News'', Buffalo, NY: Berkshire Hathaway, 21 August 2008, Precious, T., McCarthy, R.J., & Becker, M., Retrieved 15 January 2014.
The second woman whose e-mails were provided to the Ethics Committee was a student assistant for two years, and later, was part of a federal student work program, though there was no evidence that definitively reflected that the two engaged in an affair.
Empire State Development Corporation and other positions, 2011-2017
In 2011, New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced Hoyt's appointment as Regional President for the Empire State Development Corporation,
In this position,
Hoyt oversaw economic development efforts in the
Western
Western may refer to:
Places
*Western, Nebraska, a village in the US
*Western, New York, a town in the US
*Western Creek, Tasmania, a locality in Australia
*Western Junction, Tasmania, a locality in Australia
*Western world, countries that id ...
,
Central
Central is an adjective usually referring to being in the center of some place or (mathematical) object.
Central may also refer to:
Directions and generalised locations
* Central Africa, a region in the centre of Africa continent, also known as ...
,
Finger Lakes
The Finger Lakes are a group of eleven long, narrow, roughly north–south lakes located south of Lake Ontario in an area called the ''Finger Lakes region'' in New York, in the United States. This region straddles the northern and transitional ...
, and
Southern Tier
The Southern Tier is a geographic subregion of the broader Upstate New York region of New York State, consisting of counties west of the Catskill Mountains in Delaware County and geographically situated along or very near the northern border ...
regions of New York State.
In 2012, Hoyt was named Interim Chairman of the Erie Canal Harbor Development Corporation.
He also served as chair of the Buffalo and Fort Erie Peace Bridge Authority.
Resignation and sexual-harassment lawsuit
Hoyt abruptly resigned in October 2017 amid a state investigation into an extramarital affair with a woman who was a fellow state employee. Hoyt had paid the woman $50,000 in exchange for her agreement to conceal the relationship. A spokesman for the governor said that "With the investigation still pending, Mr. Hoyt separated from state service."
[Joseph Spector]
NY official resigns as affair revealed
The Journal News
''The Journal News'' is a newspaper in New York (state), New York State serving the New York counties of Westchester County, New York, Westchester, Rockland County, New York, Rockland, and Putnam County, New York, Putnam, a region known as the H ...
(Oct. 31, 2017). Hoyt issued a statement expressing regret for what he termed a "short term, consensual and inappropriate relationship" and stated that: "When I attempted to end the relationship, she threatened me. At that point, over a year ago, my wife and I agreed to a settlement to avoid public embarrassment to our family."
In November 2017, Lisa Marie Cater, a former State Department of Motor Vehicles employee, filed a federal lawsuit against Hoyt alleging
sexual harassment
Sexual harassment is a type of harassment involving the use of explicit or implicit sexual overtones, including the unwelcome and inappropriate promises of rewards in exchange for sexual favors. Sexual harassment includes a range of actions fro ...
. Cater alleges that Hoyt sexually harassed her starting in 2015, shortly after helping her gain employment.
[Charlie Specht]
Hoyt accused of groping, sexting as accuser files federal lawsuit
''The Buffalo News'' (November 20, 2017). Hoyt denies wrongdoing.
Findings of New York Ethics Commission
On June 11, 2018, the New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics cleared Hoyt on charges of sexual harassment and assault. The Committee said it reviewed hundreds of pages of records, including emails, employment records, and information from multiple witnesses, and stated that the Cater was uncooperative during the investigation.
Personal life
Hoyt is married to wife, Connie,
and has two sons, Clayton and Griffin.
References
External links
Sam Hoyt
{{DEFAULTSORT:Hoyt, Sam
Buffalo State College alumni
Living people
Democratic Party members of the New York State Assembly
Politicians from Buffalo, New York
1962 births
21st-century American politicians