Putting All New Yorkers First Again

A Legislative Column from Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush (R,C,I-Black River)

Gov. Cuomo can’t seem to help himself when it comes to his one-track focus on controversial issues, many of which are self-serving.

Earlier this week, Gov. Cuomo made a statement regarding New York being a safe harbor and said that “ultraconservatives” are unable to extinguish the torch of the Statue of Liberty or Lazarus’s words upon her. Instead of complaining about the president, “ultraconservatives” and what he believes to be their missions, Gov. Cuomo should be focusing on real issues in the state of New York and how he can help improve our state. New York is commonly referred to as a melting pot, because of the variety of backgrounds, political views and beliefs of the people who live here. However, it seems that Gov. Cuomo would rather the state be filled with people exactly like himself, calling anyone who disagrees with him in the slightest an “ultraconservative.”

Gov. Cuomo says New York will always remain a safe harbor for immigrants and refugees, but he continues to persecute those who disagree with him, his politics and beliefs by stating that “ultraconservatives” have no place in New York. This is a direct contradiction of what he has been preaching to the media.

Instead of continually ranting about the other side and trying to be a wannabe figurehead of the resistance movement against the president, there are more important issues that could be addressed by the governor. A governor should also be willing to work with the opposing party. Instead, he continues to make rash and spiteful comments, such as promising to raise New Yorkers taxes should the president’s healthcare plan pass or vowing to fight any opposition to gun control.

While he says he is for New Yorkers, fighting things such as gun control actually hurts hundreds who lost their jobs when Remington Arms left New York once the SAFE Act was passed. He is supposed to represent all New Yorkers, not just the ones whose opinions he agrees with.

I want to know what you think about this or any other legislative matter. Please contact me by emailing blankenbushk@nyassembly.gov or by calling my office at 315-493-3909