The state capitol is bracing for a parade of corruption trials this year that began Monday with jury selection in the case against former top aide to Governor Andrew Cuomo, Joe Percoco.

The trial of Percoco and Syracuse developers is only the start. Later this spring, former SUNY Polytechnic President Alain Kaloyeros faces corruption charges. And ex-Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos will also face retrials after their convictions were overturned.

The cases are all different, but highlight the intersection of policy, politics and money.

"You have this huge government," Assemblyman Kieran Lalor (R - Fishkill) said. "That's why you have big campaign contributions and you get the temptation for the people within government to take advantage of their positions of power."

Percoco is accused of receiving bribes masked as consulting fees as the Cuomo administration spent heavily on economic development efforts. Lawmakers and good-government groups say reforms that include stronger oversight of spending, a database of contracts and even a freeze on new economic development spending may be needed.

"With economic development, I think it's a different discussion," said Sen. Liz Krueger (D - Manhattan). "Yes, it's ethics if people are violating the law, but it's also the question of how do you evaluate good economic development investment versus a poor use of people's money."

Albany has seen its share of corruption cases, and in all instances, elected officials have said it should not paint state government with a broadbrush.

"I believe in our system of jurisprudence. I've said this before: I'm disheartened by any of this," said Senate Majority Leader John Flanagan.

Cuomo last month said he does not expect to be called to testify in the case.