Embarrassing Latina Politician: New York State Health Commissioner Antonia Novello Used State Workers To Run Her Errands

Puerto Rican-born Antonia Novello is now on our list of embarrassing Latino politicians after it was discovered that she used NY state workers to run errands for her, take her on shopping trips, and act as servants in her home. Oh, Toni. That’s what interns are for. And then you can even dress them up like French maids. Or have them draw in your fabulous eyebrows.

Novello, a former U.S. surgeon general and state health commissioner, has been charged charged with one count of defrauding the government, three other felony counts for offering a false instrument for filing, and 16 misdemeanor counts for theft of services. Prosecutors say she had state employee do her grocery shopping for her, help her move a large Buddha statue she had purchased, water her plants, pick up her mail and drive her friends and relatives to and from the airport. She’s also accused of using a Medicaid fraud investigator to drive her to Macy’s and Saks Fifth Avenue. Lawyers for the prosecution says these little tasks added up to 2,500 of overtime and cost the state of New York $48,000. 

What a lazy-ass viejita, goodness. But she’s not the only Latino who has embarrassed us while working in politics:

• Alberto Gonzales

He’s been called a war criminal. He’s been accused of blackmailing fellow politicians. He’s a sloppy kisser. Basically, former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales has no redeeming value. God, the man was even booed at U friggin’ F. Embarrassing.

• Anibel Acevedo

This former governor from Puerto Rico received large amounts of cash funneled through Philadelphia to buy fancy suits made of orphans and baby dolphins. He’s also faced  allegations of campaign finance violations, conspiracy, wire fraud and tax evasion. Oh, and then he asked the public to fund his defense trial. The man has balls. Fancy, custom-fit, designer balls.

• Fernando Lugo

Current Paraguayan president and former bishop Fernando Lugo has allegedly fathered half his country.  The man makes Father Cutié look like a saint. Albeit a saint who fingerbangs women on public beaches. 

• Antonio Villagairosa

He left his wife for a hot lady who works in TV, which is what automatically happens when someone who is even marginally attractive (and knows it) is elected into office. 

• Hugo Chavez

Totes JK. There is nothing even remotely embarrassing about this man. From his rambling, incoherent radio addresses, to his colorful nicknames for American politicians (like “The Devil” or “Ese Negro”), he’s  exactly the sort of politician we want at our side when the aliens eventually come riding on giraffes to steal our shoes. 

Ex-New York State health commissioner Antonia Novello charged with defrauding government [Daily News]