Gov. Andrew Cuomo is following the infamous Rose Garden Strategy of ignoring underdog Democratic Party challenger Cynthia Nixon by refusing to participate in a series of public debates between now and the Sept. 13 Primary.
He prefers to hide behind his multi-million dollar weekly series of television ads.
They are paid for out of his ample $32-million campaign re-election war chest raised primarily from special interest pay for play donors.
This is supplemented by “public service announcements” run daily in heavy rotation by state agencies and independent authorities, such as the Empire State Development Corporation at taxpayers expense.
He will do the same prior to the Nov. 6 election against underdog Republican challenger Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro.
Cuomo will stall until late October with the goal of agreeing to one or two last minute debates knowing full well that his election is already preordained.
He did the same in 2014 to then Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Asterino.
His father, Mario Cuomo, did the same to the late Republican Westchester County Executive, Andrew O’Rourke, when he ran against him in 1986.
Like father, like son.
Cuomo has no interest in providing a free forum for either Nixon or Molinaro to get their respective messages directly out to voters. All newspapers and good government groups should shame Cuomo into participating in open forums and debates.
Cuomo should participate in a series of debates sponsored by daily newspapers and television stations.
If he doesn’t show, leave an empty chair in the room with his name on it.
Let us hope that enlightened newspapers such as the Great Neck News and other Blank Publication affiliates call for an end to all incumbents use of the infamous Rose Garden Strategy.
Intelligent voters deserve frequent debates prior to the primary and general elections, as opposed to canned TV commercials.
If Cuomo refuses to participate in series of debates with either Nixon or Molinaro, he should be subject to critical newspaper editorials.
He should forfeit any chance of endorsements by media outlets.
Larry Penner
Great Neck
