Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s first four years of leading New York state have been far from perfect.

He began the Moreland Commission on Public Corruption. When there was a buzz his office was tied to wrongdoing, Cuomo had it shut down.

Cuomo also is a key supporter of the SAFE Act, which aims at stopping criminals and those mentally ill from buying a gun. Opponents are quick to note – rightfully – its infringement on the Second Amendment and the negative effects on law-abiding gun owners.

But those two items are our largest criticisms. His other initiatives we absolutely applaud, which is why we support his re-election.

Of greatest significance was his backing of the repowering of the NRG Energy Inc. plant in Dunkirk.

On the snowy morning of Dec. 15 last year, Cuomo was greeted by an appreciative and grateful crowd of 600 at the Clarion Hotel and Conference Center on Route 5. Before a two-minute standing ovation, he announced a 10-year deal to have the county’s largest taxpayer converting from coal to natural gas to produce electricity. It was one of the most celebrated days in Dunkirk’s history in years.

Further applause has come from the rest of Western New York, specifically Buffalo. Since taking office, Cuomo has made the Queen City economy a priority.

His $1 billion promise has produced development in the medical corridor, bringing thousands of construction jobs, as well as landing SolarCity, a company that designs solar panels, in the Riverbend section of the city.

He has been serious about what has made New York state such a poor place to do business – its high tax burden. To cope with that problem, Cuomo created a tax cap that allows municipalities and school districts to raise taxes by 2 percent or less.

Though despised by local officials, the cap has allowed tax rates to stabilize. In addition, the dreaded state deficit has been lessened by the governor.

Cuomo’s challenger, Rob Astorino, is practically a sacrificial lamb. He does, however, bring some good credentials to the table. Astorino has a solid record of running downstate Westchester County as its executive by cutting expenses by 3.4 percent. He also sees the benefits of hydraulic fracturing for the economy.

But no other governor in the last 40 years has given our county – and region – so much enthusiasm after four years. Western New Yorkers believe the area can grow. It has momentum.

When was the last time that happened? Credit Cuomo for the change in attitude.