Andrew is already on the job, let the transition begin!!!
“This is the first time in the history of Somos that you have two governors in the same room,” said State Assemblyman Felix Ortiz. “So I’m very happy about that.”
The crowd welcomed both governors with standing ovations. But it was clear that many of those who stayed through Monday simply wanted a chance to shake the new governor's hand.
The hype surrounding Cuomo was a perfect set up for Governor David Paterson's trademark humor.
“Before we hear from the governor-elect, we will hear from the ‘governor reject,’” joked Paterson.
But Cuomo discounted Paterson's self depreciation, praising him for his hard work during the fiscal crisis and heeding his warnings that the hard times are not over yet.
“He stepped up to the plate. He did what he had to do. We thank him so much for his public service and his friendship,” said Cuomo.
While the two men did not meet privately in Puerto Rico, they plan to get together this week.
“We can’t miss a step here,” said the governor-elect. “These are very big problems and we want to have a seamless transition and the governor and I will be working on that together.”
Cuomo says his first priority is hiring talent for his administration. He deflected any questions dealing with the selection or removal of legislative leaders in both houses – specifically recent reports that Cuomo may be working with some Assembly Democrats to oust Sheldon Silver as speaker. He says as far as he’s heard, Silver is on board with his plan of no new taxes.
“Today’s article suggests that Sheldon Silver supports that position; that’s great,” Cuomo said. “It’s what I’ve been talking about for months. I welcome his support.”
Before the final breakfast, Cuomo met privately with Albany legislators who say, contrary to reports, he appeared very willing to work with them. Only time will tell whether Cuomo's time here in Puerto Rico was fruitful.
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