Andrew Cuomo’s State of the State Tour

Dear Nieces and Nephews

Andrew Cuomo, Governor of the State of New York, has delivered his State of the State address, not as traditionally done in one fell swoop, but six separate times in six different locations! But he did manage to upset the upset the Legislators (Senate AND Assembly) in one fell swoop, with his “regional approach” and six different messages.

Does Andrew think this little tour around the state is prepping him for a Presidential run? HA! But then again, judging from recent events, stranger things have happened.

A few things that he addressed will have a definite effect on Orange County.

One: THUMBS UP! The funding for the 131 interchange (You over in the western part of the county have heard of this) where three major roadways intersect and where we find the biggest tourist destination in the Country, thanks to all of you international shoppers from Japan, Brazil and points all over. This area has traffic nightmares for all! The gov did not give an accurate accounting for the monies in his budget to be dispersed but don’t worry, Mr. McKenna from the THR corrected it. http://www.recordonline.com/news/20170114/fray-county-leaders-liked-different-parts-of-cuomos-state-of-state-speech
 

We are glad that the gov moved up the timeline, even though it should have been done 10 years ago!

Better late than never?

Two: THUMBS DOWN TO THE RESULT, THUMBS UP IN THEORY to “shared services” and redundancies. Yes, Auntie and the Team do believe in lowering government spending where possible BUT not if it comes at the risk of lessening HOME RULE. For example, the county is now sharing services with some local municipalities by “contracting”? the county assessors to local municipalities, who pay the County to perform this service in lieu of the local government maintaining a local assessor.  County control over a local function, hmnnn, we are not convinced that this is good no matter how much money it appears to save. But Stevie is pleased.

STEVE SAID:” We can and should continue to do more together to reduce the size and cost of government” 

Is this about reducing costs or about reducing HOME RULE and the power of local government? To Steve, county control is his control and this is not the first time he has expressed this.

(And this is going to be a very interesting election season! especially since the Dems appear to have no one that is a credible, serious candidate prepared for a full effort against Steve. He wins by default!)

Third: THUMBS UP ON IT’S FACE, THUMBS DOWN TO THE JUSTIFICATION OF ANOTHER PLANT, The closing of INDIAN POINT NUCLEAR Power Plant.

Governor Andy had made it clear for quite some time now that he wants Indian Point closed and has offered many plausible reasons including the proximity of NYC and the fact that the plant is seated in the middle of a dense population.

But think about it, doesn’t the closure of Indian Point legitimize the CPV fracked gas-fired power plant??? The one where the Governor's close ally has been indicted on charges of fraud and corruption!

And is the Governor even more involved with the Legoland proposal than we realize? Auntie heard some whisperings at the Legoland protest Saturday by the “Legoland Welcome Centre” ."Funding" the whisperer said.

This project will be collecting over 10 million dollars in grants from the Governor's office through his Consolidated Funding Application (Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council) including $4.1 Million for the site in Haverstraw, Rockland County which rejected the proposal.
 http://www.realestateindepth.com/news/exclusive-legoland-project-could-receive-another-6-million-from-ny-state/#.WHzLQtBwIAA.gmail

Think about it! Preet, we need you more than ever!

   

PS You would think that with all the money Merlin has, they could come up with a better welcome center than just a few pamphlets and a few stations to play with Legos.