As you all know, Andrew Cuomo tapped Rochester Mayor, Bob Duffy as his choice for Lt. Governor. Since Cuomo is a lock, this is tantamount to saying Rochester is getting a new Mayor.
Still, I wonder why Duffy wants the job. The Lt. Governor slot is barely more than a ceremonial office. This job makes being Vice-President look like a super post. I suppose it lends some prestige to Duffy if he runs for higher office in the future, but I don't think that many Lt. Governors have risen to the top job.
On the other hand, given recent history, Duffy may believe that being next in line may be worth something. Maybe Duffy thinks that Cuomo may have a skeleton in his closet similar to those that ruined Elliot Spitzer and weakened David Paterson.
Meanwhile, I think everyone who thinks this appointment will help Upstate NY ought to reserve judgement. Stan Lundine was from Upstate. I don't recall all the benefits he brought us. Cuomo probably looked at prior year's polling results and noted that Monroe County was one of the few parts of the State where Dems don't do well in state-wide races. He probably figured that the Duffy nod would seal the deal in the only (relative) weak spot he was likely to have.
Finally, who will be Duffy's replacement? And, most importantly, who will become the D&C's favorite Democrat?
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2 comments:
Repoman:
Personal ambition is the driving force to success. But coupled with success, must be committment to something bigger than the self. Apparently Bob Duffy does not have the committment to the people of Rochester that he led so many to beleive he had. Public life is full of examples of people who simply abandon projects in mid stream - just one example: Manny Rivera - was a loud advocate of wrap around care for city school kids (thre was a particular name for it). When he left to go to Albany - for about 1.5 years- the entire project collapsed. All the businesses that had signed on to contribute both money and people were left - simpy left.
If a person's committment is genuine- there are times when he/she must say - no, not now - to advances. I recently saw a PBS show on a Catholic High School Basketball coach in some poor, always on the verge of closing school in NYC. His students- dirt poor they may be- excel under his gruff, firm, but loving guidance. Recruited constantly by big name colleges - where he could make a fortune relavtive to the meager salary he lives on- he says no - I'm needed here. I have to complete the work I started.
I have never been a supporter of Mayor Duffy - like most politicians alot of fluff- sounds good- looks pretty- but is the city better off because he is Mayor. I used to give him the benefit of the doubt and say to myself let's see when 1 or 2 or 3 projects are actually completed. Now I have an answer. I believe he should do the honorable thing and resign within a few short weeks and let Rochester move forward under new leadership. I wonder if the CEO of Klein Steel would be interested? Probably not because he has a genuine committment to his company.
It is a fantastically balanced ticket for the State of New York. You have the Italian attorney. Hmm, that sounds familiar as I think I may know one personally. And the Irish ex-cop mayor.
Now, if all GOP mouthpiece Ed Cox can come up with about Duffy is 'unfinished business' in Rochester well he is just plain goofy. You can almost say that about any politician that leaves one office to run for another.
Most politicians do aspire for greater things. Whether being Andrew Cuomo's second is a step up, well I guess his decision says it is.
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