Gov. Cuomo Backs Keeping Columbus Statue in NYC [View all]
NEW YORK (AP/Hamodia) - Breaking with Mayor Bill de Blasio, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said Monday he is in favor of keeping a prominent Christopher Columbus statue that has been suggested for review by a commission examining items deemed symbols of hate on New York City property.
Cuomo, who like de Blasio and Columbus is of Italian heritage, said hes not disputing that the explorer did harm to the Native American population. But the Democrat said the statue at Columbus Circle is really about honoring Italian-Americans and their contributions to New York.
De Blasio recently announced the commission, which could recommend removing some monuments. Democratic City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito has said the Columbus statue should be removed.
The spat is one of many between the governor and the mayor. Asked if he would endorse de Blasios reelection bid in two months, Cuomo says he isnt endorsing his fellow Democrat because the governor doesnt live in the city.
Read more: http://hamodia.com/2017/09/05/gov-cuomo-backs-keeping-columbus-statue-nyc/