U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Passing of Former Governor Mario M. Cuomo

U.S. Rep Gregory W. Meeks Statement on the Passing of Former Governor Mario M. Cuomo

New York, NY - Congressman Gregory W. Meeks released the following statement on the passing of the former governor of New York, Mario M. Cuomo:

"On New Year’s Day, the day his son was inaugurated to a second term as governor of New York State, former three term New York governor, Mario Cuomo, passed away at age 82. His life and accomplishments affirmed the essence of the hopes and aspirations this son of Italian immigrants had upon arriving penniless to the United States in search for a share of the American Dream. Mr. Cuomo never lost or abandoned the spirit of the South Jamaica, Queens neighborhood in which he was born, which he described with pride as “Italian-Black-Irish-Polish.”

"An accomplished lawyer, skilled negotiator, brilliant advocate of a progressive vision of governance, a consummate politician and able proponent of mutually beneficial compromise. Mario Cuomo stood on sound principles. That government should be a positive source for good. That fiscal responsibility need not mean government abandonment of those in need. That the environment is sacred and must be preserved and protected. And, that the democratic process must be inclusive. During his three terms from January 1983 to January 1995 Governor Cuomo appointed the first woman in state history to serve as the chief judge of the New York State Court of Appeals, vetoed death penalty legislation, closed the Shoreham nuclear plant, made difficult spending and revenue decisions that enabled the state to successfully emerge from the Reagan era recession.

"I had the pleasure of serving in the New York State Assembly during his tenure. During those three years, I had the honor of seeing his commitment, drive and determination to make life better for all New Yorkers whether rich or poor, no matter their ethnic background, race or the region in which they lived. He was a gifted orator, a tireless defender of the interests of our state, and an undaunted competitor. In fact, if you wanted to know what kind of competitor he was all you had to do was get on a basketball court with him. This spirit was evident when it came to politics, budget negotiations, and the pursuit of reform legislation where he was already prepared to wage the good fight for what he felt was right.

"Mario Cuomo’s articulate voice, sense of humor, and capacity to bring New Yorkers together will be missed but not forgotten. I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Matilda Cuomo, his wife of sixty years and his widow, his son, Governor Andrew Cuomo, all of the Cuomo siblings, and the entire Cuomo family." [End]