While it’s unusual for the hand-picked leader of a state party to openly criticize the organiztion’s top elected official, it’s especially so for a Democrat to openly question Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

But Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner says her skepticism of Cuomo’s pension smoothing plan is an exaggeration of the press and that her relationship with the governor remains “professional.”

“What I said, I think the first quotes were that I was puzzled and I had more questions than answers,” Miner said. “And from that, I think all of you made characterizations. That’s your job, just go ahead and do this.”

The mayor, who is the co-chairwoman of the state Democratic Party, testified before a joint legislative panel of Senate and Assembly lawmakers today on the governor’s $142.6 billion budget proposal.

While some mayors, notably Tom Richards of Rochester, embraced the idea, Miner has said she needs more information before committing Syracuse to the program.

The proposal allows cash-strapped municipal governments to lock in a stable pension rate now against future savings.

Miner says the city needs help now, but she’s concerned the smoothing effort to create a crisis further down the road.

While Miner has tried to keep the questioning rooted in policy, it’s still created an unusual circumstance, especially for a popular governor like Cuomo.

“You guys want to make it personal,” she said. “It’s not personal.”

Miner insisted that it’s not become a strain to balance the political with the governmental.

“I have not found it awkward at all,” Miner said following her testimony. “They are two separate jobs and I’m trying to do the best in both jobs. The people of the city of Syracuse have elected me to try to guide them through very tough financial times. I’ve asked questions and I will continue to ask questions.”

She and Cuomo have not spoken about the pension smoothing proposal, and she has not been approached about resigning the post.

“That’s up to the governor and the state committee people of the Democratic Party of New York,” she said.

Miner said she’s fine with holding both positions.

“I’m happy with the jobs that I have currently,” she said.

How does she define the current status of her relationship with Cuomo?

“A professional relationship were one party is asking questions,” she said.

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