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Nixon in Buffalo Rips Cuomo on Economy

Actress and activist Cynthia Nixon visited Buffalo today for the first time as a candidate for the Democratic gubernatorial nomination. She criticized Governor Cuomo's economic development program as a flawed, top down policy favoring contributors and failing to actually create jobs.

BUFFALO, NY - After a somewhat bumpy start to her first official campaign appearance in Buffalo, gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon met reporters to rip into Governor Cuomo's economic development programs for upstate and propose that more investment in renewable energy and fines on polluters could help to "turbocharge" the economy and create up to 150,000 jobs for upstate New York.

Nixon, who is seeking the Democratic nomination, said she and her campaign staff had to scramble after being "bumped" from two community centers because of the intervention of the Cuomo administration. She did eventually meet with supporters at Babeville on Delaware Avenue. A spokeswoman from the Cuomo 2018 campaign labeled Nixon's claim as "incorrect."

VIDEO: Nixon says she was "bumped" from two community centers

Nixon says she is meeting with grassroots leaders and activists in Buffalo to hear their views and concerns and she specifically cited economic development. Nixon said the Cuomo administration has been "sloppy" in its "top down" approach that has not fulfilled necessary job creation for upstate.

Nixon says instead of tax breaks for the wealthy and corporations, it would be better to invest in transportation infrastructure and schools. She also feels a total commitment to renewable energy and fines on polluting companies could help to "turbocharge" the economy, and possibly provide up to 150,000 jobs.

VIDEO: Cynthia Nixon in Buffalo Rips Cuomo on Economy

Cuomo's campaign sent 2 On Your Side the following statement on Nixon's economic claims.

After decades of neglect from Albany, the governor fundamentally transformed the state’s approach to driving growth in Western New York and investing in Buffalo’s economic success. The results are both real and tangible – unemployment has rapidly declined, wages are growing, Western New York is home to more than half a million jobs, and more millennials than ever before – a 14 percent increase since 2010 – are calling Buffalo home. We’re proud of the progress achieved and will continue to build on this record of results.

When asked how she would cut taxes, Nixon says the state should make sure education funding is more equitable for city schools and other districts and pick up more of the share rather than forcing school districts to rely as much on property taxes for homeowners.

Cynthia Nixon says she is pleased to see Governor Cuomo moving to the left as she puts it. She says with Donald Trump in the White House, it is important for progressive Democrats to make their case.

The Erie County Democratic Committee issued this Statement on Cynthia Nixon’s Visit to Buffalo:

Buffalo has come a long way in a few short years. Since day one of his administration, Governor Cuomo has shown a deep dedication to turning around the Queen City and all of Western New York’s success. It’s unprecedented for a gubernatorial candidate not to set food in Western New York this far into their campaign. Buffalo is the second largest city in New York with diverse needs and challenges. It’s taken Cynthia Nixon 38 days to take even a cursory look at what those are. Western New York is finally receiving the attention it deserves from Albany. We aren’t interested in political talking points from candidates who don’t understand the needs of Upstate New York – only real results and action.

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