Cuomos longtime friend and former mayor will soon be Cuomos, raising questions about the governor's handling of the conflicted and combative candidate for the position. Cuomo may be able to outlast de Blasio even though he is currently under investigation and could face impeachment. Eric Adams leads the Democratic primary. If he wins, he will be the first New York City mayor to have significant experience as a state senator since Robert F. Wagner. He served three terms at City Hall between 1954-65.Adams' eight years as a senator from the state, which coincided with Cuomos' first two years as governor of New York, may have helped him avoid the potholes and bumps that only mayors find on their journeys north along the New York State Thruway.Evan Thies, Adams' campaign adviser, stated in an interview that Adams has a strong relationship with the governor. He also noted that during the campaign more New York City officials supported Adams than any other candidate. "Partially because he was a long-time colleague of theirs."Cuomo, de Blasio, and New Yorkers have reminded each other since 2014 that the institution relationship between governors and mayors suggests that it was not designed by political theorists. It was created by the fireworks-making Grucci clan. New York City is the nation's largest city and the global capital of economic power. However, it relies heavily on its state capitol for any kind of progress. The state controls its transit system, Cuomo especially, and many of its most crucial policies need the approval of elected officials as far as Niagara Falls.Structurally, conflicts between the mayor and governor can't be avoided. This has serious consequences for the residents of the city.Freddi Goldstein, who was a top aide to de Blasio from 2016 to 2020, stated that New Yorkers would be best served if the mayor and governor got along. However, there is very little history to support this. As a New Yorker, and as a city official, I can tell you that the governor isn't really working for friends. That dynamic isn't changing, I believe.The governor is the political powerhouse; the mayor has the celebrity status that befits the chief executive officer in the media capital. The state is the city, which mayors discover often to their surprise not long after they take their oath. Albany, not only the governor, but also the Legislature, prefers to keep the creation on a gurney to prevent it from stumbling about on its own.This was the case when Gov. Al Smith decided Mayor John Hylan needed to be replaced by Jimmy Walker in 1925. This was also true for Nelson Rockefeller in 1965 and John Lindsay in 1960. It was also true for bitter rivals Mario Cuomo (and his son) in the 1960s.The unique personality of Andrew Cuomo makes it seem obvious that the next mayor should invest in a few decent sweaters. Even though he is in a difficult state, the governor will certainly cast a chilling shadow over Gracie Mansion for months to come.Adams stated to moderators during a June 10 debate that Adams was confident he would be able to build a good relationship. The governor is currently facing an impeachment inquiry as well as criminal investigations related to allegations of sexual and governmental misconduct. Adams stated that he gets along with everyone. This is the joy of being me.When pressed for more details, he said that he was going to let his ego go. I will sit down with the governor to build a relationship. We are going to solve all our problems.Some problems are not easy to solve. Most politicians don't have the ability to be humble, but New York City mayors and other Empire States cities quickly realize that it is necessary to bow and scrape in order to receive the funding and policies Albany cannot provide.Adams would be the first Democratic mayor elected to office without opposition from the Republicans in the state Senate in over a decade. De Blasio was a progressive and sought to form a natural alliance in the downstate-dominated state Assembly. Adams' more centrist views might be easier aligned with moderate ideology in both the Senate, and the governor. This could allow for cooperation with the governor, lawmakers and others on important issues to the city.There is humility and then there's humiliation. De Blasio was the latest New York City mayor who learned this lesson. One long-time Democratic consultant, who is familiar with both the Adam campaign and city politics, suggested that Adams may try a different approach to responding to Cuomos jabs.Eric versus de Blasio: Eric doesn't fear getting into a fight. This is what I would say, the consultant said. He spoke under anonymity because he wanted to be honest about these powerful men. He is not afraid to get into a fight, and he's certainly not afraid to win one. Eric is not going to be satisfied if he [Cuomo] decides to take it that way.Cuomo contradicted, overruled, and superseded de Blasio far too many times. As the city prepares to install a new government, the governor made a show of the immense power of his contempt when Tuesday's primary results were announced.Cuomo spoke out about de Blasios' City Hall at Wednesday's news conference, saying that it was difficult for him to work with an administration which is too political and not competent. It is difficult for me to do this for a long time. That's why I think New York City was so successful. We have to move quickly. We need to see results. I also need a partner in local government.The next day, De Blasios' response? I stopped listening to him long ago.It suffices to say that Cuomo's next mayor will be keen to convince him that the de Blasio era has ended.Everyone has their own style but [de Blasio] was having a difficult relationship with the governor. State Senate Deputy Majority leader Michael Gianaris stated in an interview. It seemed as if he was being slapped every time he tried to do something. We hope the next mayor won't run into this.De Blasio had difficulty finding champions in the Democratic-led Assembly that would actually stand up for him. This could have been a huge help in many areas, including his failed attempts to abolish the controversial entrance exam for city's specialized high school.The lack of goodwill was not necessarily a problem, but rather an administration that didn't always use the Albany negotiation levers. This was stated by Brian Benjamin, a state senator from Manhattan, in an interview at Capitol.Benjamin stated that you need someone who understands power. If you are the mayor of New York City, then you have authority over it. I have jurisdiction over it. You can bring the problem to my group and we will discuss the solution. It is not possible to come up with the solution that you desire. There is no buy-in.Adams would be seen to have an advantage in this regard over the two other candidates who could surpass him once ranked-choice voting has been completed. Either Maya Wiley (progressive and former de Blasio staffer, MSNBC commentator) or Kathryn Garcia (moderate), have ever held an elective office. Adams is a moderate Democrat with experience in state and municipal politics. He would be a great fit to work alongside a governor progressives dislike.Goldstein stated that there is a high chance that the relationship will start out positive. The governor will reach out to the winner and form a partnership with them, which is all very nice in the beginning. It would be foolish to assume that this is the end of their relationship.What will Adams' Albany wish list include? Thies, Adams' adviser, stated that Adams should prioritize public safety, education, and housing.Thies stated that Albany could be the most useful in ensuring that we have the resources needed to improve public safety. It's all about dollars and programs, from the NYPD up to the MTA.Thies stated that the perennial struggle over education funding, which had a brief truce with the federal stimulus package, will likely heat up in future budgets. Money for affordable and public housing will also be a constant conflict.Bill Neidhardt, De Blasio's press secretary, stated that a three-term beleaguered Cuomo will mean the next mayor will arrive in Albany with a wide range of options, regardless of who wins the title. Neidhardt stated that you are really talking about a totally different reality, with a greatly diminished Andrew Cuomo.After the scandals that began earlier this year, more than 50 Democrats were elected to the state Legislature. The U.S. senators for both states and the majority of the House delegation urged Cuomo's resignation. Federal investigators are investigating whether Cuomo's administration concealed the number of Covid-19 nursing home deaths. Meanwhile, Tish James, the state attorney general, is conducting an extensive investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct by former aides."I believe weve seen that change this year," Neidhardt stated, noting that Cuomo has lost control of the affairs due to a major shift in power.Cuomo said that Adams is someone he has known from his time in the Senate working on many budgets and many bills for many years.He said Wednesday that he and I have a great personal and professional relationship. He is competent, I believe. He is someone who inspires confidence and he will show leadership.This report was contributed by David Giambusso
