Cuomo touts convention center, gambling

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo kicked off his second year in office Wednesday by calling for amending the state constitution to allow casino gambling and building the "world's largest convention center" at Aqueduct racetrack in Queens.

Cuomo, in his State of the State speech to legislators, said the expansions would be key parts of his "economic blueprint" that would dominate his 2012 agenda, along with improving transportation infrastructure, promoting regional economic plans and strengthening the state's energy-transmission grid.

Coming off a freshman year filled with high-profile success, Cuomo outlined a game plan featuring more modest political goals. The Democrat focused on bolstering the teacher-evaluation system and expanding the criminal-DNA database. He also addressed campaign finance issues, saying the state should adopt a public financing system similar to New York City's and should limit campaign spending.

In contrast, a year earlier he called for cutting Medicaid, toughening ethics laws and capping property taxes. He also punctuated the year with the landmark same-sex-marriage law.

Calls for 'progressive future'

Cuomo spent a good chunk of his speech on the 2011 highlights and urged rank-file legislators to work together again this year. It was clear he was trying to set a tone to build on the past year.

"Last year we learned to walk. This year we're going to run," he told lawmakers. "The best is yet to be. They ain't seen nothing yet.Cuomo said his focus will be about economic growth, government streamlining and building a "New York vision for a progressive future."

The governor said the way to achieve that is "creative public-private partnerships that leverage state resources to generate billions of dollars in economic growth."

A dramatic expansion at Aqueduct and casino gambling are primary planks of Cuomo's plan. Non-Indian run casinos are prohibited by the state constitution. A constitutional amendment would have to be approved twice by the legislature, then once in a public referendum.

Cuomo said the Javits Center in midtown Manhattan ranks No. 12 in the nation among convention centers, and has no space to expand. The state, therefore, is pursuing a "joint venture" with Genting, the Malaysian company that operates video slots at Aqueduct, to build a 3.8-million-square-foot facility there.

"I propose that we build the largest convention center in the nation," Cuomo said. "This will bring to New York the largest events, driving demand for hotel rooms and restaurant meals, and creating revenues and jobs, jobs, jobs."

Cuomo didn't express a site preference for casinos. Racinos in the state have lobbied hard for Las Vegas-style gambling.

The governor returned to his criticism of the state's education system, noting that teachers, principals, superintendents and "even the bus drivers" have lobbyists.

"The only group without a lobbyist? The students," the governor said. "This year, I will take a second job. I am not only going to be the governor of the State of New York, but I am also going to be the students' lobbyist."

The first step, he said, would be to appoint commissions to develop a "meaningful" teacher evaluation system and evaluate "management efficiency."

Cuomo spent considerable time urging lawmakers to work in a bipartisan fashion. But his speech was chock full of stances the Democratic base might embrace, such as strengthening abortion rights and opening offices for "tenant protection" and "new Americans," which would help immigrants navigate a path to citizenship and find job training.

Republicans noncommital

Republicans praised Cuomo's enthusiasm while voicing doubts about some particulars. They were especially skeptical of his call for so many study commissions -- in addition to education, one for mandate relief and one for taxes.

"We need real mandate relief, we don't need window dressing," said Assemb. Dean Murray (R-East Patchogue). "Forget commissions."

Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos (R-Rockville Centre) commended Cuomo's tone but seemed noncommital about the details. "We're going to look at everything," said Skelos, who did not applaud when Cuomo touted public financing of campaigns.

His counterpart, Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver (D-Manhattan), praised the address but was cool to the idea of an education commission. "I'm very cognizant of the fact that we have a Board of Regents in this state who I think do a terrific job and work very hard to promote education in the state," Silver said.

Silver, the 17-year leader of the Assembly, threw Cuomo the one curve of the afternoon. He used his remarks, delivered before the governor took the podium at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center, to call for an increase in the state's minimum wage and for a boost in community college funding. Rank-and-file Democrats applauded the ideas while Republicans largely sat on their hands.

With Patrick Whittle

Cuomo's highlights:

Gambling

Backs a constitutional amendment to legalize non-Indian casinos and supports a private gambling enterprise's plan to build the world's largest convention center and hotel complex at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens.

Economic development

Calls for a second round of regional economic development grants and $1 billion in incentives for businesses to locate in Buffalo.

State Budget

Close the remaining $2 billion deficit with no new taxes or fees.

Public employee pensions

Wants a new, cheaper pension tier for future public workers to reduce skyrocketing costs.

Education

Wants a "meaningful teacher evaluation system." Will create a special commission, separate from the Legislature-appointed state Board of Regents, to study improving public schools.

Infrastructure

Wants to create jobs while rebuilding roads and bridges. "New York Works" would replace 100 bridges, including the Tappan Zee Bridge, and repair 2,000 miles of roads.

Legislative redistricting

Calls for an independent process to produce new district maps for New York State after each U.S. Census.

Campaign finance

Supports voluntary public financing of political campaigns and would enact "strict limits" on total public funding for elections.

Crime

Backs legislation to create a databank of DNA taken from criminals convicted of any felony or misdemeanor.

-- AP