Election 2018

Molinaro challenges Cuomo for governor's seat

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Two-term Democratic Gov. Andrew Cuomo faces a challenge from Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro on Election Day, Nov. 6.

The two had yet to share the same stage — or screen, for that matter — as the Herald went to press on Monday, but were tentatively set for a debate to air Tuesday night on local CBS stations.

Both have strove throughout the campaign to paint the other as corrupt. Molinaro, Cuomo has said, took part in “shady deals” as county executive in Dutchess, and is a “puppet” of the National Rifle Association. Molinaro, meanwhile, has called Cuomo out over “nefarious” campaign donations and called on Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus Vance to investigate Cuomo’s dealings with his former re-election campaign manager, Joe Percoco, who was convicted on federal bribery

charges.

Cuomo has campaigned heavily on his accomplishments as governor, including establishing the Liberty Defense Project to assist immigrants threatened by federal policy, and the Office for New Americans. Cuomo also signed the SAFE Act, which he called “the toughest and smartest gun safety program in the nation,” after the Sandy Hook massacre, and has overseen the creation of a paid family leave program, marriage equality legislation and anti-sexual harassment policies.

Cuomo also credits his administration’s tax policies with making a fairer system for all New Yorkers, and said that he would continue to try to shield residents from the effects of the GOP’s federal tax overhaul, which capped SALT deductions at $10,000, and disproportionately impacts New York

taxpayers.

Molinaro has said that New York is one of the country’s most corrupt states, and has promised to “restore the public’s trust in state government,” through a five-point plan, including term limits of six two-year terms for legislators, allowing voter petitions for changes to laws or the state constitution and an independent redistricting commission.

Molinaro said that his tax plan would provide more than $13 billion in property-tax savings annually. Lowering property taxes overall, he said, would limit the impact of the SALT deduction cap on New Yorkers, and he would push for a number of Republican Senate Majority measures that did not make it to the assembly or Cuomo’s desk last session that, he said, would ease taxes on businesses.