The columnist Reynolds.
There have been other concerns among those who think they know the darker side of the governor. One expects him to reward friends or sections of the state who vote for him, but will he take vengeance on those who don’t?
In the September Democratic primary against Zephyr Teachout, 10 of the 11 counties in the 19th Congressional District — that’s us — voted for the challenger. Could that mean that somewhere in a back room in Albany there’s a bull’s eye on the number 19?
Meanwhile, readers in Gardiner, among other places, say we ought to say more about Green Party candidate Howie Hawkins. There’s more to the Hawkins candidacy than might meet the casual observer. Up for grabs between the Greens and the Working Families Party is a place on the ballot in 2018. And Hawkins appears to be running a strong race. Working Families reluctantly re-nominated Cuomo, but then Cuomo turned around and created the Women’s Equality Party. Every vote for Cuomo on that line will cost WFP, which needs a minimum of 50,000 votes statewide to remain in the top four parties with Democrats, Republicans and Conservatives. It could happen, with the governor’s vocal support in this “year of the woman” that the new WEP might even beat out Greens and the WFP for that coveted slot.
Other faces
Former Pataki DEC commissioner John Cahill will do OK in these parts against incumbent Eric Schneiderman for attorney general, given his advocacy for Belleayre. But Schneiderman’s TV ads, which among other things feature his giving bulletproof vests to cops will carry the day. Some might call it shameless pandering.
Comptroller Tom DiNapoli has lots of friends in this area, principally County Comptroller Elliott Auerbach, and he has the power of the purse. It was no coincidence that DiNapoli, in this election year, managed major reductions in local pension payments to the state retirement fund. Ulster County, according to Legislator Dave Donaldson, will see its pension costs reduced by over $3 million next year.
Onondaga County Comptroller Bob Antonacci makes points about the “independent” comptroller turning something of a blind eye to fellow Democrats, but he faces a juggernaut.
This year’s race for comptroller was otherwise noteworthy as an experiment in public financing of statewide campaigns. Hastily if not cynically advanced in the waning days of the legislative session, it appears a bust. DiNapoli, with millions in his war chest, refused public financing. Antonacci was unable to reach the $200,000 threshold in small contributions to qualify for funding.
Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Tuesday at a polling place near you.
