Cuomo actually
had a housing policy background.
Carson, on the other hand, doesn't even understand the questions he's being asked. Not just the meaning of the questions, he doesn't even recognize the words.
Thanks for the chuckle. At the time, Mario was a force in backroom Democrat politics. Andy didn't have a clue, any policy decisions he made came from Mario and Bill Heap. And frankly, HUD was a mess when he was there, and a mess when he left. Never trust a wiki.
Both Mario and Andy have been long winded governors, easy to make unfulfilled promises. The rhetoric has been dandy, but neither faced significant competition for the job. Albany was a bit more corrupt under Mario compared to Andy's tenure, but that is because of Federal prosecutorial oversight and the legacy of a "steamroller" who fell on his face and sword. Shelley Silverstein is still not behind the bars where he belongs. Don't think I believe it was only a Democratic problem, not as a member of the Dean Skelos fan club. :rofl
I started getting serious with my real property development business when Andy was at HUD. HUD has some sweet programs my partners and I could have taken advantage of, but we weren't in the mood for bending over, and slipping envelopes under the table. We avoided those programs like the plague, despite overtures from both Mario and Andy at charity functions. Charity functions are not about charity, but doing business. More deals are consummated at charity functions than anywhere else, political and business. People don't tolerate crappy chicken dinners and cheap imitation champagne without reasons. At one event, I was seated with my wife at a table with Andy and Hilary, while he accepted sealed envelopes and she babbled about what she would do for NY if elected senator. She and Bill had not yet moved to NY. I excused myself and my wife, I needed to vomit. We didn't return to the table. The next day I received a call from another Democrat leader stating that Andy was insulted I had left without giving him an envelope. My response was "F him if he can't take a joke." This was an event to raise funds for breast cancer research run by Andy's mom Matilda and her posse from the wives of the RE magnates to be of Joe Mattone and his brothers. We were very generous with the donations to the cancer research fund. I'm still friendly with Irene Mattone, one Joe's lawyer daughters who won't sit in the same room with Andy, but that's another story for another day, and high comedy. I always like Joe, he was always upfront about the game, citing who you know and who you could control on the cheap.
My partners and I went on to very successful RE investments and development with no political assistance, tho I was very active in Democrat backrooms for other reasons. I still can deliver many votes, a lot of money to someone I support and mucho influence. And I am barely involved, disgusted with the entire hypocrisy of it all. At least a dozen judges owe me their careers, living and dead. Same with their kids. Both parties.
Don't try telling me Andy knew what he was doing at HUD, with quality policies. Pure horse manure. He'd rather be playing with his car. He still enjoys a fast ride more than than his gubernatorial offices and duties. Andy always talked big, rarely produced. The key to success in politics. A big mouth, and connections to share the bounty.
BTW, if you get the opportunity, ask Andy what a conversion mortgage might be, and watch him bluster.
