In a tag-team interview on Sunday, former Governors Andrew Cuomo and David Paterson criticized their fellow elected Democrats for mishandling various issues, including crime, the migrant crisis, and congestion pricing.
Cuomo once again criticized his successor, Gov. Kathy Hochul, for using the National Guard in the subway, claiming it was merely for show and had no real impact.
During a joint appearance on 770 WABC radio’s “Cats Roundtable,” Cuomo emphasized the need to hire more police, stating, “The answer is hire more police — period.”
Cuomo acknowledged the commendable efforts of the National Guard, but pointed out that their training does not include patrolling subways, a task that is carried out by the highly trained NYPD transit officers.
“It’s absolutely political and completely nonsensical,” exclaimed Cuomo, who stepped down as governor in 2021 following allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct, which he vehemently denies.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo has voiced his disapproval of Governor Kathy Hochul’s deployment of the National Guard in the New York City subways. In a recent statement, Cuomo expressed his belief that police officers, rather than the National Guard, should be responsible for maintaining public safety in the subway system.
Cuomo emphasized the importance of having a strong police presence in the subways, stating that their specialized training and experience make them better equipped to handle the unique challenges of transit policing. He argued that the National Guard’s primary role is to respond to emergencies and support local law enforcement, rather than serving as a replacement for the police force.
The decision to deploy the National Guard came in response to the recent increase in crime and safety concerns in the subway system. However, Cuomo believes that addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach that includes both law enforcement and community-based solutions.
While acknowledging the need for additional resources to address subway safety, Cuomo emphasized that the National Guard should be utilized in a supplementary role, rather than as the primary security force. He suggested that a combination of police officers, transit workers, and community members working together would be more effective in ensuring the safety of subway riders.
Cuomo’s criticism of Hochul’s decision reflects a difference in opinion on how to address the ongoing safety challenges in the NYC subway system. He believes that relying on the police force, rather than the National Guard, is the most appropriate approach to maintain public safety in the subways.
“I believe that it puts people at risk. If you don’t have the proper training to perform police duties in the subway, you shouldn’t be carrying out such responsibilities,” Cuomo expressed during an interview with host John Catsimatidis. His statement came shortly after a tragic shooting incident took place on the A train.”
According to Cuomo, if Democrats in New York do not address the concerns of the public regarding crime, the migrant crisis, and congestion pricing, they are at risk of losing seats in the upcoming general election in November.
He said that the Republicans will come out in force.
“These policies cannot be defended.”
The price New Yorkers pay for Cuomo’s misguided climate legislation continues to soar.
Paterson emphasized that the President, without directly naming him, along with other government officials, will face consequences for their failure to address the ongoing migrant crisis.
“The federal government will also be footing the bill, including some of the individuals in charge,” Paterson stated, subtly alluding to Biden, who is currently seeking re-election amidst backlash for his sluggish approach to the migrant crisis.
According to Paterson, the treatment of states like New York, which are grappling with the same problem, is truly concerning. This is where the root of the problem is originating from, and it is an unfair approach.
Cuomo proposed a simple solution to alleviate the responsibility of accommodating and providing for numerous migrants in New York City: he suggested that Hochul and the legislature draft and approve a concise one-sentence law.
According to him, it is easy for Albany to exclude non-citizens from being covered under the recently amended Right to Shelter edict.
However, they refuse to do so.
He expressed his disbelief at the current situation, calling it utter madness.
“I have concerns that the legislature will avoid addressing this issue.”
Cuomo initially supported the implementation of congestion pricing, but he has now changed his stance. He believes that it is not the appropriate moment to introduce a new toll to enter Midtown, considering the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the city and the region, including the decline in population.