Cuomo Goes on The Offensive
May 10th, 2011
Gov. Andrew Cuomo launched an offensive on the legislature today during the first stop of his “People First ” tour at Onondaga Community College. Cuomo told the audience to tell their legislators, “Pass the bills — or don’t come home!”
Its a battle for control of the government. Its a battle between the politicians and the people, and the citizens and the government, who is that government going to work for?” Cuomo said. Cuomo pushed legislators to pass ethics reform to win back the trust of the people.
The bills Cuomo wants passed–a tax cap, ethics reform and same-sex marriage have seen lots of outside debate but no legislative action this year. In fact there is no gay marriage bill in either house. Yesterday Cuomo made a curious statement by not appearing during a rally for same-sex marriage in Albany that drew thousands–despite it being one of his legislative priorities.
Some pundits see this as Cuomo waiting to put himself fully in front of an issue until he is assured a victory. Gay marriage is far from a guaranteed victory despite all of Cuomo’s behind the scenes effort. The Republican controlled Senate can still stop the bill from coming to the floor or could vote as a block to ensure its failure.
Cuomo however did not attend the announcement that New York won millions of dollars in transportation funding–deciding not to celebrate a major victory.
Today Cuomo ruffled feathers by skipping the traditional memorial ceremony to honor fallen police officers — a ceremony that has become a tradition for governors.
Others say Cuomo is using a strategy to not upset legislators while deftly pushing for what he wants — Walking quietly and carrying a big stick. Judging by the comments he made today — Cuomo may no longer be “walking quietly.”
By David King on May 10, 2011, 2:55 pmIn category: Albany, Eye on Albany | No Comments »
