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Hochul brings brighter spirit to Albany

Editor's Corner

OBSERVER file photo A smile and air of positivity is a trademark of Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, who is seen here last summer in Jamestown.

Surrounded by a number of Chautauqua County Republicans during a presentation at the State University of New York at Fredonia technology incubator in Dunkirk in late January 2020, Democratic Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul never missed a beat. In fact, she thrived under the circumstances by remaining positive while acknowledging an important common goal of working together.

“As you know, (after) Election Day politics ends, then we go on,” she told the gathering that day before her regional State of the State presentation. “That’s what we’ve always done in this county and I look forward to being a great partner of yours.”

Her message was not all that different on Wednesday as she met with the media in Albany to discuss her preparation for a rapidly arriving ascent. She understands and is not overwhelmed by the challenges that remain in the midst of her transition to take the leadership of the Empire State.

“My style is to listen first, then take decisive action,” Hochul said. “So in (11) days, I will officially become the 57th governor of the state of New York.”

This is monumental.

No one could have seen this coming one year ago when Gov. Andrew Cuomo was the toast of the nation for his handling of the COVID crisis. Millions across the country were watching his daily briefings on the virus for information and reassurances.

He was a rock star — and there was no denying he loved the attention and the infatuation of power it brought. In the process, he became addicted to himself while becoming unbearable for many others.

His lieutenant governor, however, was rarely by his side during these briefings. That is because she was doing the administration’s leg work — putting in the time and plenty of miles overseeing how each region was coping with the virus.

It was last summer when Hochul visited Jamestown twice in a two-month span. Her goals on both occasions were simple but complicated by a pandemic.

At a time when the county and state were reopening, she met with numerous businesses on West Third Street in June. One month later, she did a roundtable discussion at the National Comedy Center that focused on boosting tourism at a time when people were avoiding major cities while seeking natural wonders.

With her trademark smile, everyone in her presence believes their voice is being heard. That is not how Albany usually works.

Hochul throughout her years of representation has a way of connecting with constituents while allowing them to be comfortable. Her familiarity with Western New York plays in her favor with residents here, but anyone across the state who has been at any function with her in attendance understands that she, like other prominent area politicians, is a significant presence.

As the second in command, Hochul was the anti-Cuomo. While the current governor normally controlled the stage and setting while offering commanding edicts, she was the administration’s people person.

Because of her travels, she is aware of the make-up and values that differentiate the regions. Hochul, however, sees that as an overall positive. “It shouldn’t be upstate and downstate because we are one balance sheet, one identity,” Hochul said in Jamestown in July 2020. “It’s the same with Chautauqua County (and the historic north-south divide). … A rising tide lifts all boats.”

There is no question her collaborations extend past party lines. Earlier this week, local and state Republicans offered praise while looking to the future.

“Lt. Gov. Hochul has a well-deserved reputation as being extremely hard-working, thoughtful, and compassionate,” Assemblyman Andrew Goodell of Jamestown said in a statement. “She thoroughly understands the issues facing upstate New York. … She also understands the challenges facing our business community, having served as the chairwoman of the Regional Economic Development Councils.

“I look forward to working with Gov. Hochul as we focus on the important issues facing our state.”

Now comes the real test. Hochul, who kept her distance from Cuomo, was a cheerleader for his policies. She always towed the company line.

Beginning Aug. 24, all that changes with a fresh start. It is one Albany desperately needs.

John D’Agostino is editor of the OBSERVER, The Post-Journal and Times Observer in Warren, Pa. Send comments to jdagostino@observertoday.com or call 366-3000, ext. 253.

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