Cuomo's NYC Mayoral Bid: A Look Back at His Controversial Governorship

Andrew Cuomo's mayoral campaign is raising eyebrows. His promises to improve NYC starkly contrast with his record as governor. He now advocates for free public transit for low-income residents, despite his administration's mismanagement of the MTA, leading to the infamous "Summer of Hell" in 2017.

His tenure is marked by questionable financial decisions, including a $5 million bailout for upstate ski resorts and over $100 million spent on decorative lighting for city bridges and tunnels. Furthermore, his support for congestion pricing and his controversial handling of Penn Station renovations and airport modernization are under scrutiny.

Cuomo's legacy also includes the passage of criminal justice reforms (Raise the Age and no-bail policies) linked to a rise in crime, and his support for the "defund the police" movement. His appointees to the state Parole Board have also faced criticism. While he previously supported charter schools, he's now shifted his stance.

The article questions Cuomo's credibility, highlighting his history of prioritizing self-interest over the city's needs. His late entry into the Democratic primary, followed by his independent run, is seen as a move to further his own ambition, potentially splitting the anti-Mamdani vote.

Ultimately, the piece challenges whether Cuomo is a true savior for New York City or simply a political opportunist.