Statement to constituents from NYS Senator Tom O'Mara ~ on Governor Cuomo's January 17th comments on "The Capitol Pressroom" radio show

Governor Cuomo’s recent comments have proven extremely divisive and inflammatory. I’ve heard from many constituents who believe these statements reveal an intolerance toward the strong beliefs and principles they hold together with thousands upon thousands of “conservative” New Yorkers – many citizens, in fact, I’m proud to represent and work alongside to seek a better future for our children and grandchildren in Upstate New York where many of us were born, raised and still live our lives and try to raise our own families with the same sense of traditions and values. 

Governor Cuomo has been fond of talking about “one New York,” so it’s raised questions for many, to say the least, to hear that maybe he doesn’t always truly mean what he says.  It doesn’t help build the trust that this governor has repeatedly held up as one of the building blocks of effective government for all New Yorkers.   

Respecting life, protecting the Second Amendment and continuing to believe in the importance of long-held traditions are deeply rooted and meaningful commitments across the Southern Tier and Finger Lakes regions.  We all don’t agree on every single issue, and that’s the way it should be.  But the proudly conservative business owners, farmers, grape growers, sportsmen and sportswomen, community leaders, and hard-working taxpayers and families I hear from, from all walks of life and no matter what their views, have long been and will always be proud New Yorkers who make important contributions to this state’s culture and economy.  

We simply don’t believe it will ever be any governor’s place to judge if we’re welcome here or not.