A scathing new study accuses mayoral candidate and former Governor Andrew Cuomo of using heavy-handed tactics and secretiveness with New York City officials during the COVID-19 pandemic. The report also criticizes former Mayor Bill de Blasio for his toxic relationship with Cuomo, which hindered collaboration and trust between the city and the state. The study was conducted by city agencies under Mayor Eric Adams and covers the period from January 2020 to July 2022. It highlights coordination challenges between Cuomo’s and de Blasio’s administrations that led to duplicative work, inconsistent recommendations, and a loss of trust from New Yorkers.
The analysis prepared by city agencies, including the Health Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Health+Hospitals, accuses Cuomo of big-footing City Hall and micro-managing the city’s pandemic response. The Cuomo administration was reluctant to share data with the city and often refused to give advance warning of policy changes and new directives, hindering the city’s ability to support the healthcare system. State officials were also slow to release critical pandemic-related guidance, which significantly impacted healthcare operations early in the pandemic. Despite the chill between Cuomo and de Blasio, officials in Albany and City Hall found creative ways to quietly work together.
The confusion and disharmony between Cuomo and de Blasio spilled over into the critical COVID-19 vaccine distribution period, creating additional bureaucratic layers and contradictions in state and city guidance. The city had to obtain its vaccine supply directly from the federal government but still required state approval for vaccine allocation and distribution plans. Albany was accused of micromanaging the city’s vaccination program, causing serious issues and contradictions in decision-making. Cuomo rejected de Blasio’s plans to close schools and non-essential businesses in parts of the city, indicating his control over pandemic measures.
Critics like Bronx state Sen. Gustavo Rivera have called out Cuomo for his big-footing tactics and abusive bullying behavior during the pandemic response. Rivera voted against legislation giving Cuomo emergency powers without reporting back to the legislature due to his behavior. Cuomo’s spokesperson defended his oversight of the pandemic as governor, stating that decisions were made in real time and lines of communication with local governments were open. A strong state presence was needed to aid the city during a once-in-a-century pandemic, and any retrospective analysis should be devoid of political bias.
However, Cuomo’s spokesperson was also accused of blocking vaccine clinics from opening in Rivera’s district, potentially leading to more COVID-19 deaths. Cuomo’s campaign rebutted by providing a list of vaccination sites in the northwest Bronx in 2021 and accusing Rivera of lying to protect his Democratic Socialists of America allies. The ongoing political feud between Cuomo and his critics highlights the deep-seated issues that arose during the pandemic response, including poor coordination, lack of communication, and power struggles between state and city officials. These issues ultimately impacted the effectiveness of the city’s pandemic response and led to mistrust from the public.
