Governor's next to-do list
New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo during a visit with the Newsday Editorial Board in Melville. (May 16, 2011) Credit: Ed Betz
The recent political successes of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo have received their acclaim, and deservedly so. But what should be next? To continue moving the state forward, the governor will need to achieve more triumphs, but he must also succeed with governing issues at a time when unemployment is severe and the state's long-term spending challenges are daunting.
He addressed two yesterday, closing seven prisons and moving the state forward on hydrofracking, but there are many more. Crucial transportation infrastructure projects -- including replacing the decrepit Tappan Zee Bridge, and East Side Access, the Long Island Rail Road's connection to Grand Central Station -- must be funded. A once-thriving manufacturing sector has dissipated, and jobs to replace those lost must be found. An aging population's growing demand for services has to be managed, even as we cut Medicaid.
To continue making progress, Cuomo must excel at the day-to-day operation of the state. New York's authorities have been unaccountable and other departments are short-staffed.
Energy presents huge challenges, both in developing green generation and managing its flawed public providers, LIPA and NYPA. Cuomo wants to close the nuclear power plant at Indian Point, but he must find ways to replace the power first. Enter hydrofracking, a process used to extract natural gas from shale that is highly controversial because of safety concerns and possible pollution risks. Cuomo appears ready to allow it, at a distance from established New York City watersheds and underground sources, without waiting for a much-anticipated study from the federal EPA. That's fine, if environmental interests are protected. The Department of Environmental Conservation, which would monitor the drilling, however, has been ravaged by cuts.
The regional economic councils he has devised must help create jobs. The Department of Transportation must oversee roads and bridges in a way that allows safe, easy travel. The Department of Health must ensure Medicaid cuts are implemented in a way that allows the needy to be cared for. The MTA needs help breaking loose federal loan guarantees for East Side Access and the rest of its capital budget needs funding.
The success of Cuomo's negotiations with the CSEA, state government's largest union, must somehow be replicated with the four other unions representing state employees, all without contracts since April 1. The governor has talked about 9,800 layoffs as soon as July 15.
And then it's back to the Legislature, where plenty must be done.
More mandate relief is needed for local governments and schools. Without it, the initial implementation of the property tax cap could cause cuts in services. The costs of public pensions for new workers must be reduced. And nonpartisan redistricting is needed to end the gerrymandering of the state.
So, congratulations on a great start, governor. Now keep on working. hN
