Cuomo has given us the confidence to believe that Albany once again might actually solve problems. He has restored hope to changing the notorious dysfunctional ways of the state legislature and it all started with his on-time budget. For the first time, in a very long time, lawmakers are on their best behavior. Stalled progress on bills still exists, and will always be around, but Cuomo has sent a message of accountability and that he means business. 
Yes, there are major challenges ahead of him, from special interests, and a legislature dragging its feet on many issues, but it’s refreshing to see what Cuomo has already accomplished. If it comes down to Albany remaining status quo, or the new governor delivering on some of his reform agenda, the safe bet has to go on Governor Cuomo.
Cuomo’s to do list is challenging. His initiatives range from ending the culture of secrecy in Albany by requiring legislators to disclose outside income, to his top policy goal of capping local property tax hikes at two percent annually with few exceptions, same sex marriage and renewing soon-to-expire rent regulations. Each issue is a political landmine in the world of Albany politics.
If the agenda sounds unrealistic with two months left in the session, consider this. Who would have realistically expected Cuomo to deliver on a campaign pledge of an on-time budget with no borrowing or new taxes to close a 10 billion dollar budget gap, and dare we say actually reduce out of control spending.
If you think accomplishing an on time budget is an easy task, just ask former governors George Pataki, Elliot Spitzer , David Paterson or Cuomo‘s father Mario. (Mario Cuomo did get an on-time budget his first year as well) Late budgets are something that plagued Democrats and Republicans alike.
For over 25 years I have watched that the mere suggestion of passing an on-time budget had become a way for legislative leaders to flex their political muscle, but stated plainly, Cuomo succeeded where other governors failed.
It remains to be seen whether Cuomo will “play well” with others in the legislature, but at the end of the day it doesn’t really matter if he is unapologetic, as long as Cuomo delivers. While the budget is just step one, it is a fundamental change in the way Albany does business.
Cuomo must continue to show that he will not accept lip service. For example recently vowing to veto bills that add to already generous and bloated pensions. “We need to reduce the costs of pensions, not increase them.“ The governor told the Post. The same way he opposed the extension of a tax surcharge on wealthy New Yorkers, the so-called millionaire’s tax supported by many liberal interest groups, and would not budge, is the same way he must make sure Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver negotiate a deal he can live with, on his much talked about idea that would cap the growth of property taxes. Especially outside of New York City, and all over the state, property taxes are out of control.
It is utterly amazing. Just a few months ago, Albany elected officials were willing to go toe-to-toe with Governor David Paterson, but they are not with the new governor.
Even the normal discourse over the budget, this year was different. Cuomo was on a collision course with unions, and other political interests, but to his credit the usual banter never fully materialized. The battle of television air-waves that had only crippled other governors in public opinion polls escaped Mr. Cuomo. His numbers remain unusually high.
There will be battles ahead that of course Mr. Cuomo will inevitably lose, but if he continues along this successful path, among the future comparisons to his father, will be talk of another Cuomo possibly in the Oval office