ALBANY -- In order to show the public things are going to be different under his watch, Andrew Cuomo is making some immediate changes “at the office”, ie, the Capitol in Albany.
The grandeur of the Capitol is written on every wall, and in every reference to the statesman who once walked its hallways, like FDR and Al Smith. But in recent years, events that have transpired at the Capitol have sullied its reputation if not its beauty. The coup, scandals, and a general lack of decorum have mirrored the State’s financial gloom. But the new Governor is promising a greater openness both literally and symbolically.
Said Cuomo, "Where are the People?? The people aren’t engaged!"
During his inaugural address, Cuomo called the Capitol “The Peoples meeting place” and announced that he ordered the removal of anti-bomb barriers outside the Capitol which have stood since the day after 9/11. He’s also loosening up security on the 2nd floor of the Capitol where the Executive Staff offices are.
The symbolism of openness, while powerful, isn’t the primary reason for these changes. As one political analyst remarked, the new Governor needs the public’s presence, encouragement and support in order to gain the leverage he will need with the legislature.
