Cuomo’s Speech
Jan 1st - 4:50 pm
Here’s the full text of Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s inauguration address, provided by his press office (upon request).
One Big Happy Family
Jan 1st - 4:26 pm
Newly-minuted Gov. Andrew Cuomo was practically singing Kumbaya during his first official gaggle with the Capitol press corps following his inauguration ceremony in the War Room this afternoon.
Cuomo, who is not necessarily known for his peaceful approach to politics, insisted he looks forward to partnering with his fellow state government officials – Republicans and Democrats alike – regardless of what might have occurred between them in the past.
He was asked (by Newsday’s James T. Madore) about his relationship with state Comptroller Tom DiNapoli, who Cuomo didn’t endorse prior to the November election. (He did, however, give the comptroller a big hug after his swearing-in today).
“Mr. DiNapoli and I had, did have, issues. Right? Not personal issues, but they were real, serious issues in terms of matters I was working on at the attorney general’s office,” Cuomo replied.
“So, that was a very legitimate situation where there were issues, difficult issues, we were working through, Those are now gone. I look forward to working with the comptroller. I look forward to working with the attorney general. I look forward to working with the Legislature on both sides of the aisle.”
Other highlights of this 10+ minute Q-and-A:
Cuomo said has no intention of rescinding the 900 layoffs of state workers undertaken by his predecessor, former Gov. David Paterson.
“No new taxes. Period.”
He signed an executive order to remove the 9/11-era concrete barriers outside the Capitol and plans to issue more orders, but didn’t provide any details.
Live Stream, Cuomo/Duffy Inauguration
Jan 1st - 12:17 pm
…it’s already underway. Watch here:
LG Duffy, Defender Of Upstate
Jan 1st - 11:57 am
Newly-minted LG Bob Duffy gave an impromptu press gaggle after the Cuomo administration’s first cabinet meeting and pledged to continue to act as a champion of upstate interests in his new role – much as he did in his old job as mayor of Rochester.
Just before the three-minute mark in this video, Duffy tells a story of coming to Albany during his tenure as mayor to lobby for mandate relief and meet with an unnamed high-ranking official in a previous administration. Through the door, he heard said official “react with disgust” about having to see him, telling an aide to give him no more than three minutes.
Needless to say, Duffy was very upset, and he promised that would never happen while he’s in office.
He also declined to say who the official was, but did say that person isn’t in the Capitol at this moment and also wasn’t former Gov. Eliot Spitzer or Larry Schwartz. “I came away with a sense that sometimes there is a disconnect…This government has to work for the people.”
Duffy said that will all change when he and Gov. Andrew Cuomo are in charge.
New Year, New Senate
Jan 1st - 11:31 am
The Republicans wasted no time in taking control of the official Senate Website, which now features a “welcome” letter from re-installed Majority Leader Dean Skelos.
In the letter, the Long Island lawmaker pledges to work “closely” with Gov. Andrew Cuomo and the Assembly to meet “the significant challenges that lie ahead.”
“The people’s priorities must be our priorities,” Skelos continues. “That means balancing the state budget, closing the deficit, easing the burden on taxpayers, and doing everything we can to strengthen our economy and create private sector jobs.”
This Website provides extensive access to a wide array of Senate proceedings and legislative information, and enables members of the public to watch Senate sessions and committee meetings live. ”
“You can also use this site to find your State Senator and contact him or her to voice your concerns and priorities, ask questions, make recommendations or discuss issues that are important to you, your family and your community.”
The Senate Democrats put a lot of cash and effort into the official Website after they took control of the chamber back in 2008. Many of those bells and whistles – including the “open Senate” feature that improved public access and participation – appear to still be functioning.
Sign Of The Times
Jan 1st - 11:25 am
Things change quickly here at the Capitol.
The sign outside the first floor Senate conference room where YNN and NY1 are set up for our inauguration coverage has already been switched to recognize the change in command in the AG’s office – from now-Gov. Andrew Cuomo to his successor, AG Eric Schneiderman.
Oddly, the Interweb has yet to catch up to reflect the new regime. As of 11:25 a.m., the AG’s Web page still had Cuomo’s name on it.
NY’s 56th Governor
Jan 1st - 11:16 am
Here’s the footage of the private swearing-in ceremony held at the executive mansion last night where LG Bob Duffy and Gov. Andrew Cuomo were administered the oath of office by Chief Judge Jonathan Lippman as friends and family members looked on.
Cuomo was attended by his three daughters and his girlfriend Sandra Lee, who held the Bible.
The oaths were administered at 10:09 p.m., but Duffy and Cuomo didn’t officially take office until midnight. Cuomo’s press office sent out the following statement from the new governor at 10:24 p.m.:
“I am honored and humbled to accept this tremendous responsibility. The time has come to return integrity, performance, and dignity to New York and make it the Empire State once again. I look forward to getting to work right away for the people of our great state.”
Gov. Cuomo’s First Meeting
Jan 1st - 10:08 am
Gov. Andrew Cuomo was all smiles as he entered the Capitol Red Room to meet with his cabinet for the first time.
“This is so exciting for me. I hope it is for you too. Its a great new beginning — at a time when the state desperately needs a great new beginning,” said Cuomo.
It’s unclear what was Gov. Cuomo and his cabinet members discussed as the video feed ended during his opening remarks.
Deputy Press Secretary Josh Vlasto briefed the media afterwards but also did not provide many details, suggesting the governor will lay out his agenda in his inauguration speech later this afternoon.
“The governor opened up with his vision to discuss not only what we’re going to be doing in the next couple days but in the weeks ahead, months ahead, and over the course of his term, but he spoke in specifics about policy initiatives coming up as well as planning for the State of the State.” said Vlasto.
Some members in attendance included Lieutenant Governor Bob Duffy as well as Steve Cohen, Rich Bamberger, Paul Francis, Joe Percoco, Larry Schwartz, but notably absent was budget director Bob Megna. When asked why he wasn’t there, Vlasto simply said, “I’ll discuss that later.”
Extras
Dec 31st - 4:28 pm
Happy New Year’s, all!
Gov. Andrew Cuomo will be sworn in this evening at the mansion around 10 p.m. and officially become the 56th governor of the Empire State at the stroke of midnight.
CapTon has a single showing tonight (8 p.m. only, no re-air) and there will be footage, compliments of the incoming administration, of the executive mansion swearing in around 10:30 p.m. or so. We’ll be back bright and early tomorrow with inauguration coverage.
Until then, be safe…and be well. Enjoy the tail end of 2010. It’s good to be home. – LB
Cuomo is starting work bright and early tomorrow.
Cuomo is the first unmarried governor since Hugh Carey.
EJ McMahon wonders where outgoing Gov. David Paterson has been on pension reform.
A last-minute settlement for AG Cuomo.
Is this the man to blame for the NYC blizzard debacle?
Goodbye, officially, to outgoing NYC Schools Chancellor Joel Klein, to whom the city “owes a debt of gratitude,” according to Bloomberg.
The 2010 election in 42 minutes.
Rep. Charlie Rangel defended Bloomberg’s blizzard response.
2011 predictions, compliments of Eliot Spitzer and Kathleen Parker.
An invitation you won’t be needing.
Roger Stone’s annual best/worst dressed list is out. (He says it’s getting “harder and harder” to compile).
No pardon for Billy the Kid.
Education headlines, a year in review.
Goodbye (and good luck!) Michael Scotto.
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