New York City (WSYR-TV) - Very shortly after the polls closed on Election Night, it was clear that Andrew Cuomo would be the next Governor of New York State. Tuesday, Cuomo met with outgoing Governor David Paterson as they begin the transition.
The two had a lengthy meeting in New York City where the State's budget was a primary focus. Paterson wants the legislature to come back to Albany and address the $315 million deficit and balance the 2010 budget before Cuomo takes office. That way, Paterson says, Cuomo would only have to focus on closing the projected $9 billion budget hold projected for 2011.
"As alert as he's been, his management skills at HUD and the Attorney General's office speak for themselves," Paterson said about Cuomo. "He's very creative and thoughtful but with all of that he's going to need all of us New Yorkers to help him starting with me, I pledge my support."
"Raise taxes, raise revenue, that's not the answer, also I think this is a moment in time where this is a recalibration and a lot of these programs need to be redesigned and revisited anyway," said Cuomo.
Cuomo said that, once again, everything is on the table. He says his administration will look at the numbers to see if layoffs are necessary, and also predicted there will have to be cuts to education, healthcare and state operations. Cuomo says he'll also look at places where there is waste, fraud and abuse.
A transition committee for the new governor will be assembled in the near future. Wednesday, Cuomo says he will begin a tour of state facilities to familiarize himself with various aspects of the state government.
