Andrew Yang quiet on Cuomo emergency powers as governor attacks an early ally

/
Andrew Yang (right) and Assemblymember Ron Kim. Photo via Twitter

Andrew Yang (right) and Assemblymember Ron Kim. Photo via Twitter

By David Brand

Last week, registered Democrats in Flushing and surrounding neighborhoods received a text message from Andrew Yang’s mayoral campaign asking for support while promoting his link to a local lawmaker.

“Andrew Yang is running for Mayor of NYC and has been endorsed by AM Ron Kim,” read the message, paid for by Yang for New York, Inc. “The mayoral dem primary will be held on June 22nd … Where will you rank Andrew?”

But a few days later, as Kim made national news following private and public attacks from Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Yang remained on the sidelines, choosing to steer clear of the political battle and the broader issues at play: Cuomo’s COVID-19 executive powers and the suppression of nursing home death data. 

On Friday, Yang’s campaign released a tepid statement on the issue.

“Ron is an honorable legislator and friend,” Yang said in the statement. “I’m eager to work with both Ron and Governor Cuomo however I can to get New Yorkers back on their feet.”

Kim and other lawmakers, including Mayor Bill de Blasio and Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have urged the state legislature to strip Cuomo of his emergency powers following an investigation into the real nursing home death toll by state Attorney General Letitia James. State lawmakers voted to grant expansive authority to Cuomo in the early days of the pandemic, but several have since called for a new vote to rescind the powers.

Yang, who leads recent mayoral race polls, has not described his stance.

“That’s really up to legislative leadership,” said his spokesperson Chris Coffey.

A text to Queens Democrats from the Yang campaign last week. Image shared with the Eagle.

A text to Queens Democrats from the Yang campaign last week. Image shared with the Eagle.

Other mayoral candidates have staked out their positions, however. 

“On emergency powers, I think we are past the period where we should be having emergency powers for either the governor or the mayor,” Scott Stringer, the city comptroller, told Max and Jarrett Murphy on WBAI on Feb. 17. “I think the governor has responded in so many ways successfully to this pandemic his leadership he has been divisive but this nursing home issue requires a full investigation.”

In a statement to the Eagle, attorney Maya Wiley called for a “full investigation into exactly what happened in New York’s nursing homes” and the revocation of Cuomo’s emergency powers.

“Once an investigation occurs, there must be accountability,” she said. “In addition, it’s time to revoke Governor Cuomo’s emergency powers and return to more normal governance in Albany.”

Wiley also addressed Cuomo’s specific treatment of Kim.

“Intimidation or bullying of elected officials must end,” she said. “Criticism from an elected official like Assemblymember Ron Kim who is just trying to do his job does not need to be treated as an act of war.”

Kim and Cuomo did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

Six Democratic political strategists contacted by the Eagle declined to speak on the record about the fraught issues. 

Another, veteran consultant George Arzt, said Yang’s diplomatic posture could backfire. He suggested Yang take a strong stance on Cuomo’s executive powers, as well as his treatment of Kim.

“I often think that people who sit on the fence get splinters,” Arzt said. “This is a case where strength comes from leadership and Yang if he wants to be mayor has to show leadership. You can’t be equivocal and be a strong leader.”