Recently I was invited to have breakfast with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and a small group of my colleagues in the State Legislature. The purpose of the get-together was to allow the Governor to have a frank discussion with members regarding the state budget and the sharp turn in direction that our state needs to take.
The Governor’s message was as clear as it was during his budget address and as in the new television commercials airing across the state: “We need to stop doing business as usual and fix Albany if we are to survive and prosper in New York State.”
My contact with the new Governor has been limited, yet, with each meeting I have found myself experiencing a growing confidence in his sincerity and conviction to turn this state around. During the breakfast, I asked the Governor, “What happens on April 1st if the budget is not complete and the legislative leadership is not working with you?” He responded, “On April 1st – nothing.” Pausing briefly, he smiled, raised his voice and said “On April 2nd however…” and began to highlight how he would exert pressure on the legislative leaders to move the budget forward.
Governor Cuomo reinforced by following up with the observation that many of the groups he has been talking to “get it.” They understand the state is broke. They know that we have to change the way we do business. They are just waiting for the state’s leadership to do the job and then start on the long path of rebuilding New York.
I report that some in Albany are starting to “get it.” After the gathering, I had a chance to briefly speak with two of my colleagues from inner-city New York. These individuals, who have been part of a process that has burdened New Yorkers with billions of new taxes, endless unfunded mandates, and a status quo mentality, are starting to let the Governor’s message, which is really the people’s message, resonate.
They “get it” and feel they should be part of a process that makes the hard decisions, now – and puts New York on the right path. These members caution, however, that the majority of their colleagues are still in denial, refusing to proactively respond to the reality that all of us – every day New Yorkers – face: losing our jobs, our homes, seeing our business fail as our government flounders unsustainably, bowing to past practices and self interest, as if nothing was different in our world.
These old habits die hard in Albany and that is why I am calling for all citizens to join the Governor in making this message heard. If you support reform, controlling spending, and passing responsible, common-sense long-term solutions, I ask you to join me in reinforcing this message with my colleagues, our legislative leaders and the media across the state.
As the Governor emphasized, “If we can’t summon the collective will to change this state in the midst of this recession, when will we?” This crisis is our last best opportunity to turn New York around. We need everyone involved. We need elected officials, lobbyists and organizations to hear the message and be part of a process that allows New York to regain its footing, to become the state where we can build our future.
Recently I was invited to have breakfast with the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and a small group of my colleagues in the State Legislature. The purpose of the get-together was to allow the Governor to have a frank discussion with members regarding the state budget and the sharp turn in direction that our state needs to take.
The Governor’s message was as clear as it was during his budget address and as in the new television commercials airing across the state: “We need to stop doing business as usual and fix Albany if we are to survive and prosper in New York State.”
My contact with the new Governor has been limited, yet, with each meeting I have found myself experiencing a growing confidence in his sincerity and conviction to turn this state around. During the breakfast, I asked the Governor, “What happens on April 1st if the budget is not complete and the legislative leadership is not working with you?” He responded, “On April 1st – nothing.” Pausing briefly, he smiled, raised his voice and said “On April 2nd however…” and began to highlight how he would exert pressure on the legislative leaders to move the budget forward.
Governor Cuomo reinforced by following up with the observation that many of the groups he has been talking to “get it.” They understand the state is broke. They know that we have to change the way we do business. They are just waiting for the state’s leadership to do the job and then start on the long path of rebuilding New York.
I report that some in Albany are starting to “get it.” After the gathering, I had a chance to briefly speak with two of my colleagues from inner-city New York. These individuals, who have been part of a process that has burdened New Yorkers with billions of new taxes, endless unfunded mandates, and a status quo mentality, are starting to let the Governor’s message, which is really the people’s message, resonate.
They “get it” and feel they should be part of a process that makes the hard decisions, now – and puts New York on the right path. These members caution, however, that the majority of their colleagues are still in denial, refusing to proactively respond to the reality that all of us – every day New Yorkers – face: losing our jobs, our homes, seeing our business fail as our government flounders unsustainably, bowing to past practices and self interest, as if nothing was different in our world.
These old habits die hard in Albany and that is why I am calling for all citizens to join the Governor in making this message heard. If you support reform, controlling spending, and passing responsible, common-sense long-term solutions, I ask you to join me in reinforcing this message with my colleagues, our legislative leaders and the media across the state.
As the Governor emphasized, “If we can’t summon the collective will to change this state in the midst of this recession, when will we?” This crisis is our last best opportunity to turn New York around. We need everyone involved. We need elected officials, lobbyists and organizations to hear the message and be part of a process that allows New York to regain its footing, to become the state where we can build our future.
