New Yorker Of The Year: Governor Cuomo Earns Many Accomplishments, High Approval In Rookie Year
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The son of a New York political heavyweight, Andrew Cuomo lived largely in his father's shadow until 2011. Leading the state through tough times this year, Cuomo proved many of his doubters wrong and accomplished much of what he vowed to do, surprising even some of his biggest doubters in the state capital. NY1's Kristen Shaughnessy explains why Governor Andrew Cuomo is the New Yorker of the Year. Andrew Cuomo may be the actual Albany "steamroller," practically leveling government dysfunction in his first year in office.
"You look at other states and other situations that have gotten combative, this shows that collaboration works," Cuomo said.
The governor's rookie year was marked by high approval ratings and a record of barreling through Albany gridlock.
He restructured the state's Medicaid system, won a property tax cap and for the first time in half a decade oversaw the passage of an on-time, balanced budget.
"You would say that's no big deal, except it is," Cuomo said.
Cuomo convinced public employee unions to adopt wage freezes and benefit concessions.
He also got same-sex marriage approved, making New York the sixth state to adopt the measure.
After decades of trying, Cuomo successfully steered through a plan with Mayor Michael Bloomberg to bring expanded cab service to all five boroughs.
Legislators on both sides of the aisle have cheered on the governor.
"He is no Eliot Spitzer. This is a leader. This is a gentleman," said State Senator Tom Libous, a Republican.
But he is not without criticism. After Cuomo pledged not to raise taxes, and even said at one point, "No new taxes, no new taxes, no new taxes," he took some heat for restructuring the state's personal income tax code and forcing the wealthiest New Yorkers to pay more.
Critics said he broke a campaign promise.
"The additional revenue generated will make a significant difference to our state by helping to close the deficit," Cuomo responded.
The governor also promised to reform Albany.
"The people of this state have lost trust of state government. This government has lost credibility with the people of this state. It is time to pass ethics reform," Cuomo said.
Some lawmakers complain that deals are still done behind closed doors and that Albany's decisions are not made by "three men in a room," but the governor and two yes-men.
"This is a governor. This is not a dictator," said Assemblyman Steve McLaughlin, a Republican.
Cuomo keeps a low profile, dislikes news conferences and by December 30, he has refused to appear on NY1's "Inside City Hall" for 1,822 days.
Yet he is an executive who continues to draw national praise and speculation that his sights are not just on Albany, but on a potential White House run in 2016.
So, for Cuomo's many accomplishments in a city known for political stalemates, he is the New Yorker of the Year.