At the same time that verdict came down, state lawmakers were in the North Country, meeting with local business owners. One of the goals is to avoid any potential for corruption in the future.

A hearing was held in Watertown Tuesday as part of the "Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises" program. It's meant to make it easier for those companies to compete for state contracts.

Business managers talked about their challenges, including participation thresholds, project delays and the difficulty getting certified for the program.

State Senator Patty Ritchie says it's a valuable program, but it's important to make sure there's transparency.

"Everybody has to be concerned about taxpayer’s money being used the way it was supposed to be used,” said Ritchie. “That should be a concern for all of us."

This event was part of a series of hearings. The next one will be held in Binghamton later this summer.