NY Dems Name Amazon Critic To Development Deal Review Board

Governor Andrew Cuomo of New York is girding up for a fight in the State Senate as the Democrats named a critic of Amazon coming to New York City to the state board that will look at the deal.

The New York Times reported Democrats in the State Senate chose Senator Michael Gianaris, a critic of Amazon building its second headquarters in Long Island City, which will pose a challenge to Cuomo, who can refuse the selection of Gianaris to the committee. The paper noted it also showcases a new era for Cuomo, who has up until now has the ability to create state boards that meshed with his views. With Democrats in control of the Assembly and Senate for the first time in ten years, it’s becoming easier to resist Cuomo, reported the paper, noting it’s harder now for Cuomo to blame Republicans if there is legislation he doesn’t like. If Cuomo does reject the pick, it could create a fight with Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins and other Democrats.

“This recommendation puts the self-interest of a flip-flopping opponent of the Amazon headquarters project above the state’s economic growth,” Dani Lever, a spokeswoman for the governor, said in a statement to The New York Times. “Every Democratic Senator will now be called on to defend their opposition to the greatest economic growth potential this state has seen in over 50 years.” The spokeswoman wouldn’t say if Cuomo will reject the choice of Gianaris. Gianaris represents Queens, which is where Amazon will be expanding in New York.

The paper noted that the Cuomo and Mayor Bill de Blasio used a state development process when approving the deal with Amazon in hopes of avoiding a move by a local legislator to stop the development. That appears to be futile if Gianaris’ selection goes through. As part of the Public Authorities Control Board, Gianaris and the board could veto the plan with Amazon. His appointment is being cheered by those who don’t want to see Amazon come to Long Island City. Amazon could get as much as $3 billion in state and city incentives as it will create 25,000 to 40,000 jobs.

In an interview with the NYT Gianaris said he has been clear about his view of the Amazon deal. “I’m not looking to negotiate a better deal,” said Gianaris. “I am against the deal that has been proposed and don’t believe that it can form the foundation of a negotiation.”