Three decades ago, Mario Cuomo electrified New Yorkers and Americans with his challenge to the prevailing rhetoric and politics of that era. His concept of “the family of New York” and the way he eloquently built on that concept is an important contribution that re-shaped the way we think about the progressive agenda.
Mario Cuomo was one of the most intelligent and thoughtful public leaders New York has known. He devoted his energy and talents to shaping public policy and trying to build a stronger community in which all would have a fair shot at health care, education, and a good job.
I valued Mario as a friend and was honored when he came to speak at the celebration of my 40th anniversary in the Assembly.
We can best celebrate his life and honor his memory by thinking about his words and his work and resolving to carry them forward.
