“Speaking truth to power” is a cliche I hate. But then New York Gov. Kathy Hochul phoned me. I’d been given advance notice for this fund-raising call.
She began with pleasantries about my past support for Democratic campaigns. Then asked for my thinking. Here (verbatim) is my response:
“Let me be candid. I endorsed you on my blog in 2022. The heading was “worst candidate I ever voted for.” Only because the Republican party had become monstrous (I used to be a Republican). I thought the Buffalo stadium deal was very corrupt, a white elephant giveaway to political pals. Then the Covid test kit purchase scandal, also a corrupt giveaway.
“And the cannabis regulation mess. Giving preference to people punished for selling pot illegally before — while cracking down on people doing that now? The logic seems baffling.
“More broadly, the New York Democratic party seems to have an anti-business mentality. As though profit is a dirty word. So we smother businesses with taxes, fees, regulation, bureaucracy, and other impediments. Not surprising New York’s economy is limping, and people are leaving.”
She did respond that we have to be more business-friendly, and pointed to plans for a Micron Technologies chip fab plant. (This does seem to be a pretty big deal. The state is throwing in at least $100 million. But doesn’t have a great history on such economic development initiatives, which typically create far fewer jobs than heralded, at an excessive cost-per-job.)
Hochul also said she sees herself as “the adult in the room,” resisting “extreme positions” New York Democrats are prone to. While taking credit for their recapturing several congressional seats lost in 2022. She did not address my points about corruption and cannabis dysfunction. But said she’ll “continue to fight for New York,” and “I’m not going anywhere.”
Can’t say this was an edifying chat. But at least did give her a candid critical viewpoint. Though I refrained from suggesting she tone down the eye makeup, making her look like a zombie.