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11/30/2010 09:08 PM

Cuomo meets with democrats

By: Erin Billups

On the heels of a special session in Albany, Governor elect Andrew Cuomo met with the Assembly Democratic conference to talk transfer of power and transition. Erin Billups has more.

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NEW YORK STATE -- "They failed the people of the State of New York once again," said Governor-Elect Andrew Cuomo.

Cuomo didn't mince words Tuesday, expressing disappointment with the legislature's failure to close the state's $315 million budget gap during Monday's Special Session.

"All it did was kick the can down the road and now whatever deficit we have this year is going to be added to the deficit next year," said Cuomo.

Strong words from the man who, moments before, spent nearly two hours behind closed doors with Assembly democrats in an effort to forge a productive alliance.

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver had little to say about Cuomo's rebuke, but says they're still in talks about closing the budget gap before January.

"We will continue those ongoing conversations and attempt to deal with it," Silver said.

While he may have had some harsh words for lawmakers outside of the meeting, members say inside Cuomo was laying the foundation for a working partnership.

"I think it's a great way to start a relationship. Dialogue, that's the key," Silver said.

Still, other Governor's have tried to be both friendly and firm with the legislature to no avail. Cuomo says he will be successful and hopes to strike a balance with lawmakers.

"I think you can be strong on the people's behalf and cooperative with the legislature and I think I have an advantage in that all through this campaign I took the time to lay out a very specific agenda," Cuomo said.

And after talking intimately with Cuomo about his plan to use the fiscal crisis to reform government, cap taxes and close the deficit, at least democrats in the Assembly, are hopeful they can have that relationship with the executive.

"If I wasn't an optimist, I wouldn't even be in politics. So yes, I'm optimistic that we'll be able to get a consensus," said Assemblyman Carl Heastie.

Only time will tell whether this delicate balance can be maintained.