Cuomo’s Secret Deal at Fault for Amazon’s Quick Departure from New York

New York State Assemblyman Doug Smith (5th Assembly District) released the following statement after news that Amazon will not be moving forward with its East Coast headquarters in Long Island City.

“Today, Amazon turned its back on New York and we only have our governor to blame. Our governor continues to advertise that New York is open for business, but our business climate has become so unattractive to new business and hostile to existing businesses that our towns, counties, and the state are forced to cut smaller deals just like this on a regular basis to keep jobs from leaving.

“If our governor was a true leader he would never allow protests and oppositions to get in the way of such prosperity. With that said, I still am supportive of efforts to bring Amazon and its 25,000 high-paying jobs to New York, and here in the Town of Brookhaven, we are open for business. I join with Brookhaven Supervisor Ed Romaine and the town board to welcome Amazon to reconsider Brookhaven Calabro Airport.”