The scene is becoming familiar. A news conference to mark the passage of another landmark bill in Albany. YNN's Bill Carey said there is still a debate over whether it's a lucky streak for the Cuomo administration or a sign of a change in direction for the state.
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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It was once rare for business leaders to sing the praises of any democratic governor in New York State. That has changed.
Allen Naples, CenterState CEO Chairman said, “For New York to, once again, be the Empire State, we must have a vibrant private sector that is supported by and partners with state government, and Governor Cuomo understands this fully.”
Led by the Lt Governor, business and government leaders gathered for a victory celebration.
Michael Quill, Auburn Mayor said, “The governor's Tier six pension reform plan is going to bring the savings our localities need to create a sound fiscal future.
The administration now extending its winning streak into a second legislative session. A sign of steady progress the Lt Governor says he expects to see continue.
Robert Duffy, Lt. Governor said, “As opposed to hitting the grand slam, right out of the box, you hit singles. He's had singles, doubles and triples and a couple of home runs in the last 15 months.”
With his string of legislative victories and an approval rating that is still very high, some observers wonder just how long this winning streak by the Governor can go on. While political foes say the successes can't last, his fans say that Cuomo has changed the political landscape.
Joanie Mahoney, Onondaga County Executive said, “There's been this fear, that if you make some of these tough decisions, that the public will turn on you and you'll lose your office. But, when people start taking those steps and realizing, that's not the case. The public wants relief. That gives them the impetus they need to keep moving forward.”
The man whose job it is to remind New Yorkers of what's been accomplished says many have doubted Andrew Cuomo could do what he promised to do.
Duffy said, “I never did. I wouldn't have been here. I was very happy being the mayor in Rochester, when the Governor asked me to join him. But I listened to what he wanted to accomplish and the passion in his voice. Everything he said he would do, back when he first asked me to join the campaign with him, he has followed through on every single thing.”
Robert Duffy expects to be making more and more of these victory tours in the future.