Albany, NY – Rev. Al Sharpton expressed “serious concerns” on Tuesday about the lack of diversity within Gov.-elect Andrew Cuomo’s transition team.
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“They should have given a priority to send an early signal that they are going to have a diverse administration,” Sharpton told the Daily News.
“We have not seen the signal we had wanted to see. I haven’t seen any signal at all,” he added, underscoring African-American unease with the Democrat.
Sharpton warned of “governing problems” for Cuomo if the situation is not addressed soon.
“He cannot govern a state that any day could have any number of emergencies unless he has the good will of all the people of the state,” Sharpton said.
The powerful black, Hispanic and Puerto Rican legislative caucus is crucial for Cuomo’s agenda.
A number of caucus members have privately expressed concerns, particularly since Cuomo was put on notice in May about the absence of minorities on the statewide Democratic ticket.
Cuomo’s camp insists his 280-page urban agenda and his trip to Puerto Rico this week to address a conference of Hispanic New York lawmakers highlight his commitment to diversity.
“Andrew Cuomo has repeatedly said he will have the most diverse administration in history and that’s what New Yorkers will get,” Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto said.
Cuomo is expected to name several familiar African-American and Hispanic officials to his fledgling transition team in the coming days.
Brooklyn Assemblyman Hakim Jeffries, an African-American, rushed to Cuomo’s defense.
“I remain confident he will appoint a diverse administration, and I’m willing to give him time before making a judgment,” Jeffries said.
Sharpton and others insist the key will be whether those people have real input – or are simply “window dressing.”
Sharpton said he’s spoken to Cuomo once since the Nov. 2 election, and plans to meet with him as soon as next week for a “substantive conversation” about boosting the diversity in his ranks.
“I’ve not known [Cuomo] to have a racial component, but the results are what they are,” Sharpton said. “I’m not a psychiatrist, I’m an activist. Why it is, I don’t know. That it is, is what concerns me.”
Cuomo yesterday had one black leader firmly by his side – outgoing Gov. Paterson.
He powwowed with Paterson for 45 minutes to discuss the hand-off of power.
Afterward Paterson praised Cuomo, saying he feels “very assured being replaced by someone who is going to do an excellent job.”
Cuomo said he will begin touring state facilities to get a better idea of how they run. First up: Sing Sing prison in Ossining and the Manhattan Psychiatric Center.
**UPDATE**
But Cuomo pushed back Wednesday. “Once I announce it, then people can have a critique,” Cuomo said after touring Sing Sing prison in Ossining, noting his team has yet to be assembled.
Cuomo insists he’s just getting warmed up.
“I’ve said I want to have the most diverse work force in the history of the state of New York, and that’s going to be one of my goals over the four years,” Cuomo said following a visit to the Manhattan Psychiatric Center.
diverse in oppinions not necessarily color since we are all americans and with obama’s election color is no longer a factor.
How about sharpton’s team lacking diversity? When is the last time he took the side of a white man? What a hypocritical psychopath!
Who really cares what that big tub of lard thinks. I think if the media would ignore him he’d just disappear and maybe have to work for a living.
Wait!! Al. Remember your friend Mr. Obama has put a CHANGE to this country, this is part of the CHANGE.
I can’t understand why the news media (Fox News included) kisses the feet of Al Sharpton. He led a large demonstration in front of the headquarters of Lubavitch, at 770 Eastern Parkway, and helped instigate trouble, during the Crown Heights pogrom of 1991. Also, he led a demonstration in Harlem against a Jewish owned business. He is a trouble maker and a provocateur. He is no leader of the African-American community; instead, he is a race hustler.
Who needs diversity? We need competent people to do the work and to give advice and guidance. We need to ignore color completely. My family is all white. Does that make me discriminatory? Stop this PC nonsense. It has only ruined things for everyone, including people of color.
Was Cuomo in Sing Sing recruiting for his administration?
I will not use insulting name for al but he is a muck racker since day one. He is not doing anything good for the black people but he is lining his pockets greatly. He is know not to tell the truth on many occassions and he should be push away by ALL politicians without exception
#’s 2, 3, 8 good comments, # 5 perfect comments. Al plays by the simple rule which works in his world…he or she who makes the most noise wins.
Al Sharpton , I dont get you!
A mostly white country elected a black president.
You and jesse jackson can retire!
Were not racist no more! Go play golf!
Abe