By Dr. Lee M. Miringoff
As if his job performance numbers aren’t high enough, the latest Marist Poll shows that Governor Andrew Cuomo is in the process of reshaping how Empire State voters view the future of New York. For the first time in nearly a decade, New York voters are telling us they think the state is headed in the right direction.
This is no small feat given the frustration voters have been feeling both about the process of government and the lingering sluggish economy. What’s behind the redirection in public opinion?
More than three out of four voters think Cuomo is a good leader for the state, more than two-thirds think he is changing Albany for the better, and a similar proportion believes he is keeping his campaign promises. Perhaps, most significantly, when it comes to a reversal of fortune 65% approve of how Governor Cuomo is handling the state budget.
So far, Governor Cuomo has been able to navigate a difficult current. He has been able to gain the cooperation of the legislature to accomplish much of his campaign ’10 agenda, while enhancing his support with voters. It’s been a highly successful insider-outsider strategy.
Yet, much needs to be done to turn the state around. Although improved, 72% still think New York is in an economic recession. Eventually, Governor Cuomo will be judged on the state of the economy and whether he can continue to chip away at the number of New Yorkers who still believe financial matters need further improvement. But, right now, New Yorkers think he’s on track.