Yes, Andrew Cuomo is like a bad penny: He keeps on showing up. Despite a mess of baggage that would make a Red Cap shudder, the former governor remains a formidable foe, given his name recognition, a considerable war chest, and an already list of potential endorsements that should make all the other candidates quiver in their boots. And speaking of the candidates vying to run our large and troubled metropolis, the June primary may show how they cancel each other out.
Even so, it could very well boil down to which of the damaged goods is worth another round of trust. Perhaps after the primary, jockeying, and horse-trading, to say nothing of the debates, voters will get better read in the race if they are still undecided. But as we know so well, we can never be certain of the outcome, no matter the stained credibility of the leaders. After all, didn’t we put a convicted felon in the Oval Office?
In a disturbing move, some political, religious, and union leaders announced their support for Andrew Cuomo for Mayor. Having these leaders side with a confessed sexual harasser, is deplorable. He admitted as much and resigned, but is now reneging on that confession to run for mayor, countersuing his victims into submission. His scandals cost taxpayers millions in court and settlement fees.
During Cuomo’s tenure NYS rents rose by 33%. In NYC 50% of tenants became rent burdened – spiking homelessness while enriching real estate developers. He underfunded NYC schools, then ignored a Court’s order to provide the $2 billion owed. When he resigned that debt had increased to $4 billion – placing NYS shamefully at #48 in the US with the biggest gap between rich and poor districts.
He created the disastrous Tier 6 – treating new hires as second class citizens – increasing service years, contributions, and penalties, while decreasing benefits. This caused mounting vacancies and the inability to attract new workers to replace Tier 4 retirees.
This self-professed “car guy” syphoned $465 million from the MTA, while subways fell further into disrepair. He refused to refund, instead proposing using $216 million to create a light and music show at NYC bridges.
But the most unforgivable was his order placing Covid patients in nursing homes – exposing residents to the virus and leading to 15,000 deaths. He’s now accused of lying to Congress, with this case referred to the DOJ for prosecution. Do we want another Mayor beholden to Trump for a pardon for his misdeeds?
Although a Queens native, he’s only shown contempt for our city. The suffering inflicted in his years as governor is unforgivable. Please DO NOT RANK this immensely corrupt, self-serving, and most possibly criminal politician in the upcoming primaries. NYC CAN and MUST do better than this!