By Dan Murphy
Former NY Governor Andrew Cuomo penned an Op-Ed in the Daily News on April 18 that critizes Governor Kathy Hochul and the direction New York State has taken under hear leadership. Cuomo sounds like he is chomping at the bit to run again for Governor.
“The problems are mounting and public skepticism about the future of New York is at frightening levels. Dramatic action is needed to stop the New York City crime spree and to give New Yorkers hope rather than fear,” writes Cuomo.
“The subway system is the circulatory system for our downstate economy and we must increase police presence and police action. A police officer on every train worked before and will work again. But police must actively patrol, and that means district attorneys must prosecute crimes.
“Commercial office space will not fully rebound post-COVID, and there’s a unique opportunity to convert space to much-needed affordable housing and save these buildings from insolvency.
“Real tax relief must be provided. The state budget missed the opportunity, and Washington promised property tax relief by repealing the so-called SALT bill. President Biden, Sen. Chuck Schumer and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand all repeatedly stated that the federal tax was unfair to New Yorkers and promised they would repeal it when they were in power. That was two years ago. Their political feet must be held to the fire of accountability.
“Pay-to-play donor connections and conflicts of interest are glaring….The lieutenant governor’s indictment raises troubling questions. After many scandals, we had reformed the insidious pork-barrel member-item process. The attorney general’s office had undertaken a comprehensive vetting process and required legal certifications that there was no conflict of interest or financial relationship between the legislator and the grantee. The legislative leaders were responsible for reviewing the grant for any conflict or political connection. In the Brian Benjamin case, the entire system failed.
“How could this happen? The public deserves answers now. Also, the League of Women Voters is right, recently passed congressional and legislative lines are a clear violation of constitutional language prohibiting partisan redistricting.
“The Albany culture now is “see no evil” and “go along to get along.” State government is back to parochial politics, fundraising and incompetence. There is no vision, planning, performance or accountability. The only act of national significance in the budget was the Bills stadium deal that a national expert called “one of the worst deal for taxpayers I’ve ever seen” and “a return to the bad old days.” New Yorkers were extorted and the Legislature must insist that It be re-negotiated before the end of session because they are effectively cosigners.
“I would’ve never signed this budget. I’m proud to have been considered a disruptive force to politics as usual…,The window of opportunity to restore faith in New York is closing. We just paid the Buffalo Bills $1 billion to stay here. What do we pay our citizens to stay?
“State government must act decisively and tackle the difficult problems. If the Democrats do not make a dramatic difference quickly, I fear the people will make that difference by defeating Democrats in November,” writes Cuomo. Read the entire story at
