Budget watchdogs say the corruption convictions of former SUNY Polytechnic president Alain Kaloyeros could have been prevented.

Kaloyeros and prominent upstate developers were found guilty Thursday, related to rigging bids for lucrative economic development spending. But lawmakers and Governor Andrew Cuomo had taken away the power of the state comptroller to oversee such contracts, making the situation ripe for corruption.

"It seemed like they were trying to steer a contract, and they were able to do that to a large extent because the checks and balances the comptroller used to have had were removed," said David Friedfel of the Citizens Budget Commission.

"The state procurement process is actually generally pretty good. It's when they start tweaking at the edges. Unfortunately, you're never going to be able to get rid of all criminality. But the more checks and balances you have, the better off you are."

The developers found guilty on Thursday are also donors to Governor Cuomo's campaigns. Cuomo placed those donations in a separate account, and now may have to officially part with the money.