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Today's Poll: Should Andrew Cuomo live in the Executive Mansion?

By Howard B. Owens
Dave Olsen

Sell the mansion. Let the Gov. find his own home. Most of them are rather wealthy by the time they take office and always are more wealthy when they leave.
Why is that? (channelling Andy Rooney)

Nov 4, 2010, 11:23am Permalink
Bea McManis

It isn't a issue of wealth.
It is the home of our govenor and a sign of respect for the office (if, in your case, not the man).
Much like the White House, a state's governor's mansion is a place to do business; entertain visiting guests; it is a representation of the state.
I wouldn't expect anyone who took that office not to accept living in the home provided for the duration of the term.

Nov 4, 2010, 11:49am Permalink
Dave Olsen

Bea; it's got nothing to do with the specific man. We need to stop putting these politicians on pedestals. If you or I got a job in Albany paying over 100k a year, or even 79k a year. We'd have to figure out our own living and/or traveling arrangements. I'm tired of over-paying people who do a crappy job and then covering their expenses. If they aren't prepared to support themselves with the paycheck they get (like everyone else) Then don't run for office. It's supposed to be public service not perk city.

Nov 4, 2010, 12:08pm Permalink
Greg Siedlecki

Dave; ... do you think that Paladino would have lived in the Mansion. He probably would have had news crews there on move in day.
The home has been used by govenors since 1875, I'm sure the mortgage is paid. It is tradition, and as Bea said, "a representation of the state".
There are many BIGGER problems with NYS. Let's just hope that some of them are fixed before we worry about who lives in the Governors mansion. I personnally don't mind helping pay for any governors utilities and internet access, as long they do their job.

Nov 4, 2010, 12:55pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

I could care less what Paladino or the rent is too damn high guy or anyone else would have done. Let whoever the governor is find his/her own house. Sell the damn thing. You're right Greg, there are bigger problems, most are driven by the elitist attitude of elected officials and the overspending by government in general. This mansion is a symbol of what's wrong in Albany.

Nov 4, 2010, 1:13pm Permalink
Bea McManis

If that mansion is what is wrong in Albany, then there are 51 other "wrong" residences in our nation as well.
A governor's mansion is a time honored tradition and a source of pride for each state.

Alabama Governor's Mansion
Alaska Governor's Mansion
Arkansas Governor's Mansion
B
The Blaine House
C
Governor's Mansion State Historic Park
Cedar Crest (mansion)
Colorado Governor's Mansion
Connecticut Governor's Residence
Conservation Hall
D
Delaware Governor's Mansion
Drumthwacket
E
Estate Catherineberg
Executive Mansion (Virginia)
F
Florida Governor's Mansion
La Fortaleza
G
Georgia Governor's Mansion
Government House (Maryland)
I
The Idaho House
Illinois Executive Mansion
Indiana Governor's Residence
J
Jennings House
K
Kentucky Governor's Mansion
L
Louisiana Governor's Mansion
M
Mahonia Hall
Michigan Governor's Residence
Minnesota Governor's Residence
Mississippi Governor's Mansion
Missouri Governor's Mansion
Montana Governor's Residence
N
Nebraska Governor's Mansion
Nevada Governor's Mansion
New Hampshire Governor's Mansion
New Mexico Governor's Mansion
New York State Executive Mansion
N cont.
North Carolina Executive Mansion
North Dakota Governor's Residence
O
Ohio Governor's Mansion
Oklahoma Governor's Mansion
P
Pennsylvania Governor's Mansion
S
South Carolina Governor's Mansion
South Dakota Governor's Residence
T
Tennessee Governor's Mansion
Terrace Hill
Texas Governor's Mansion
U
Utah Governor's Mansion
W
Washington Governor's Mansion
Washington Place
West Virginia Governor's Mansion
Wisconsin Governor's Mansion
Wyoming Governor's Mansion
µ
Template:US Governor Mansions

Nov 4, 2010, 1:36pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

"If that mansion is what is wrong in Albany, then there are 51 other "wrong" residences in our nation as well."

Best comment today, Bea.

For what it's worth, I've seen the governor's houses in Dover, De and Annapolis, MD. Not mansions by any stretch, just colonial style houses, with fences, gate and a couple of State Troopers.

Nov 4, 2010, 2:05pm Permalink
Bea McManis

We are going around in circles. The point I'm attempting to make is that those homes, big or small are symbols of state pride.
If this is an example of the extremes the tea party people are going to go to make sure that anything associated with government is destroyed then it is going to be an interesting two years.

Nov 4, 2010, 3:13pm Permalink
John Roach

Bea,
That's just silly. Most people didn't even know there was a mansion for the Governor. And in NY, you think its a symbol of state pride? You're kidding?

But I do agree the Governor should have the option of living in it or not. All of our recent Governors have had the option and Cuomo should also.

Nov 4, 2010, 4:42pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

My point, Bea is that it is a big albatross we should rid ourselves of. It is a symbol of the opulence that has broken this state. That's not extreme, maybe unpopular I'll admit. It has nothing to do with Andrew Cuomo personally or the "Tea Party" whatever that is, I have no connection to it. I don't want to destroy government, I just want it to operate practically.

Nov 4, 2010, 5:11pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Why not learn a little about the "opulence". A home that was once rental property, eventually purchased, remodeled several times, and in a neighborhood that was populated by immigrants.
John, I have more confidence in people than you. I'm sure most are aware that there state govenor's have reside in state owned homes. I'm also sure that most know of our own "mansion".
"Prior to 1877, governors of New York did not have an official residence in Albany. After Governor Samuel J. Tilden rented 138 Eagle Street for two years, Governor Lucius Robinson convinced the State Legislature to buy the house for $45,000.
Originally built in 1856, the Executive Mansion reflects the many different styles of the last half of the 19th century. The first house on this site was a simple Italianate structure that was renovated in the in 1860’s into a home with elaborate Second Empire details.
As years passed and as tastes changed and families grew, the Mansion evolved from a simple two-story house into the picturesque Queen Anne style building it is today. In 1971 the Executive Mansion and its grounds earned a place on the National Historic Register.
Beginning in 1983, First Lady Mrs. Matilda Cuomo undertook to preserve the historic nature of the house. Mrs. Cuomo oversaw the restoration of the nearly the entire first and second floors with the help of private funding. Much of this significant contribution to the Mansion’s history is visible today.
Today, we are equally committed to preserving the Mansion’s history while also remaining current with ideas, lifestyles and technologies On May 1, 2007 plans were unveiled to turn the Mansion into a “Green” building. This initiative brings clean, efficient technologies to the Mansion. Serving as a model for the state, the residential greening initiative will help address global climate change, while lowering energy bills."

http://www.ny.gov/governor/executivemansion/mansionhistory.html

Nov 4, 2010, 5:20pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Chris,
Yes, safety is a factor.
Thank goodness the house is on the National Historic Register.
Those who want to see it demolished or sold will have to jump through hoops in order to accomplish that mission.
As with any historic building, there is a group of concerned citizens who have donated to the restoration and preservation.
I wonder if there was such outrage when Dick Cheney, and other vice presidents, moved to the grounds of the United States Naval Observatory in Washington, D.C.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Number_One_Observatory_Circle
As stated in this article, a reason for providing a home for a vice president, and the same would go
for any governor of any state, is the reduced cost of security.
Having a govenor, of any state, to take an apartment in the state capital might prove far more expensive in the long run.

Nov 4, 2010, 5:45pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Any place can be made safe.

That said, I rarely disagree with Dave, but do in this case.

History, culture, tradition, preservation are important part of civic/community life.

Not everything can be ruled by dollars and cents. The bottom line is no substitute for a rich, meaningful life.

The trappings of leadership, which to be meaningful, must include tradition and a show of quality.

Say what you will about how screwed up Albany is and who's at fault and whether the incoming governor can really do anything about it or just be more of the same -- nothing is solved by selling out culture and tradition.

I've never been to the mansion, but it looks beautiful. It would be a crime against the people of New York to sell it.

The governor should also have an appropriate place for state dinners, meetings with heads of state and other acts of national and international diplomacy.

I'm not interested in having the governor of my state live in an apartment downtown, no matter who he is.

FWIW: The last governor to live in California's mansion was Ronald Reagan. Jerry Brown moved to a house in the suburbs. Now that Gov. Moonbeam is back with a little more experience and wisdom, I would love to see him reverse his previous mistake and move back to the mansion (though now it's a state park, so it might be too late).

Nov 4, 2010, 5:56pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

I have nothing against history and culture, in fact I enjoy visiting historical buildings and places. My daughter is finishing her MA in historic preservation and urban planning as I write this. I just don't see why it has to owned and maintained by us, the taxpayers. The mansion could be sold to a private person or non-profit and kept open for visiting and rented for dinners, weddings etc. When you want to start talking about the capitol building, let me know. Sandra Lee is hot. I also like Andrew's 68 GTO, classic ride. The guy has great taste, I'll say

Nov 4, 2010, 6:21pm Permalink
Brian Schollard

The building is one of the more important places in the country. Grate American Presidents lived there. Its a national landmark. Those of you who would like it sold off should READ the NY times article and LOOK at the the web site of the mansion. Its our history. That being said,,, I bet Sandy wants to do a show from the kitchen!
She better NOT redecorate

Nov 4, 2010, 6:22pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Is this the first of what we are going to hear for two years. Get rid of government buildings, regardless of historic importance. Let them go to a private entity for wedding receptions! We, the state citizens, then can RENT the facility for state dinners and other functions. Big savings there.
I think you have a burr in your saddle and you aren't about to back down, so I'm letting this go.
Howard stated my case far better than I.

Nov 4, 2010, 7:03pm Permalink
Dave Olsen

Bea; I believe the State and the Federal government needs to down-sized in just about every area. This is just the one issue that the poll asked. What does 2 years have to do with it? This will be a difference of opinion between those who believe Government solves problems and should control most aspects of life including historical buildings and those of us who believe much of government can be eliminated, made smaller or privatized; for a long long time. Anyway, you're right we are at a stalemate here and I'll concede that the mansion isn't going to be put on the market anytime soon if ever, doesn't mean I changed my mind.

Nov 4, 2010, 7:30pm Permalink
Susan Kennelly

One of his campaign platforms was to get rid of excessive spending. In this case wouldn't it make him a bigger person gaining the trust and the respect of his New York followers to show us he's serious by taking the first step and saving tax payers by finding a somewhat cheaper yet still nice place to live?

I think NY state should sell the mansion, use the money to buy a smaller, tasteful house and then use the extra money to perhaps pay for the staff, grounds keeping and security. He can be a trail blazer do something for the good of the state and come out the good guy. Other states can follow in our footsteps.

(before certain people start pointing fingers and saying I'm one of "them". I voted for Cuomo so that excuse won't fly.) My main concern is that here in New York we have old people who freeze to death in the winter and the children in our own back yards that go to bed hungry at night... makes living in a big fancy house seem so very unimportant... just sayin...

Nov 4, 2010, 7:36pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

There are bigger cats to skin than the mansion. And I don't buy that it would be symbolic. Cost cutting needs to start with eliminating whole departments of state government.

Nov 4, 2010, 7:54pm Permalink
Bea McManis

Agree with Howard.
Cuomo talked about the astounding number of authorities we have in N.Y.S. I believe his number was over 2000. Each of them add to the debt of NYS.
This is a partial list
Tobacco Settlement Financing Corporation
NYS Energy Research & Development Authority
State of NY Mortgage Agency
Power Authority of the State of New York
Housing Finance Agency
Battery Park City Authority
Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority
NYC Water Finance Authority
Transitional Finance Authority
NYC Industrial Development Agency
NYC Housing Development Corporation
Sales Tax Asset Receivable Corporation
Tobacco Settlement Asset Securitization Corporation
NYC Health and Hospitals Corporation
Jay Street Development Corporation
NYC Housing Authority
Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation

How to save money:
(1) Eliminate the misuse of authorities’ debt powers by setting comprehensive constitutional limits on the amount of State-supported and City-supported debt that can be issued by the State of New York and by the City of New York.
(2) Improve the oversight of non-State-funded authority debt by eliminating the PACB review process and replacing it with more comprehensive capital planning
and project feasibility studies subject to professional, transparent review.
(3) Improve the effective use of tax-exempt conduit debt by requiring more explicit advance allocation of its purposes and more competition among private entities for its benefits.
(4) Make authorities more accountable by effectively implementing new laws and regulations seeking to make available more complete and accessible financial and other information.
(5) Enhance the governance of authorities by making their board members more independent of short-term political pressures.

I find this far more effective than selling our Govenor's house.

Nov 4, 2010, 8:18pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

Well, I was thinking even bigger -- Department of Education, Department of Health, etc.

But the list above are also good targets.

Nov 4, 2010, 10:06pm Permalink
John Roach

Bea,
Your #5 is not a great idea. The problem is that they have been too independent of the legislature already.

I would add the Thruway Authority to the list for elimination also. It should be under the Dept. of Transportation.

Nov 5, 2010, 6:44am Permalink
Bea McManis

John (sigh)
I said it wasn't a complete list. There were too many to list. Another I didn't mention was OTB.

5) Enhance the governance of authorities by making their board members more independent of short-term political pressures.

All of them have way too many patronage jobs.
You may find patronage jobs okay, but if we have to have some authorities, then the board members should not be appointed based only on their ability to support one party or the other.

It must be Friday, John is ready to issue his parting beginning of the weekend shot that any opinion I have has no creditablity.

Nov 5, 2010, 8:59am Permalink
Bryant Tyson

I would think there would be more of a issue if Sandra lee or any girl friend moves into the executive mansion. Why should our taxes put a roof over her head.
I wouldn't have a problem if she paid rent to the State as long as the rent is too damn high!

Nov 5, 2010, 10:34am Permalink
John Roach

Bea,
Who said I think patronage is ok? You made thst up again. But if you have civil service jobs, they should be awarded by exams. Both parties have removed too many jobs from competitive tests.

Nov 5, 2010, 10:29am Permalink

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