Unexpected Twist: Andrew Cuomo Condemns NYC Policy He Once Championed

The critique, published in the New York Post, primarily focused on the city's decision to implement "congestion pricing," a $15 fee for motorists entering Lower Manhattan.

"Congestion pricing is a policy designed to incentivize people to use mass transit," Cuomo stated in his op-ed. "It is an important goal; we passed it in 2019 but implementation has been delayed until now."

The policy, which Cuomo himself supported during his tenure, was designed to encourage city dwellers to utilize public transportation systems like the subway. However, escalating concerns over violent crime have led many New Yorkers to steer clear of these public transit options.

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In his op-ed, Cuomo argued that a bolstered police presence and a more aggressive stance on crime are essential to restoring public confidence in the city's public transportation. He pointed a finger at "progressives" for their lack of action in this regard.

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March 13, 2024

"That simple logic is impolitic with today’s self-defined 'progressives.' Cries to 'defund, disband and disarm' the police are politically powerful, and many politicians are intimidated," Cuomo wrote. "While certainly police reform was and is necessary as evidenced by the George Floyd murder, the answer is not to abandon public safety."

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Cuomo further criticized the city's plan to have taxpayers foot the bill for both the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the migrant crisis, calling it "outrageous." He also expressed concern over the city's declining population, with many residents relocating to states like Florida.

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"Just think of the absurdity: The plan is for city taxpayers to pay for the MTA and for the migrant crisis! It’s outrageous. Then we wonder why we are losing population to Florida and other states," Cuomo concluded. "I understand these are difficult political issues that politicians would rather avoid, but democracy dies in silence and it can kill New York City in the process."

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Cuomo, a prominent figure in the Democratic Party, served as New York's governor from 2011 to 2021. He resigned following allegations of sexual harassment from multiple women. His national profile rose significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic.