Famous Italian-Former Governor of New York: Mario Cuomo

Governor

Mario Cuomo:

The political

biography

of a national hero.

Mario Cuomo is without a doubt, a national hero. His achievements (as listed below in the bio) alone, clearly support this statement. Here, is a man who has made a difference in America. Here, is a man who has changed things for the better. Here, is an America Hero.

Mario Cuomo was elected New York State's 52nd Governor in 1982. He set records for popularity in both his 1986 and 1990 bids for re-election, gathering the highest percentage votes and highest victory margins of any candidate for second and third four-year gubernatorial terms in state history. During his 12-year term, he created more than a half-million jobs for New Yorkers and led the state through two national recessions. Governor Cuomo launched the largested economic development plan in the history of the State: "New York, New York." With $32 billion in investments to spur private sector growth, the plan is expected to create an additional 300,000 jobs by 1998. The investments he initiated accomplished everything from helping to make New York's roads safer than at any other time in history to building an unparalleled network of high-tech facilities. As a result, foreign investment in the State more than doubled and new export opportunities were created for thousands of New York firms. His building program constructed the new Stuyvesant High School, Riverbank State Park, and virtually all of Battery Park City. Overall, Governor Cuomo invested $50 billion in schools, hospitals, and roads and bridges. While balancing 12 consecutive budgets and making strategic economic investments, Governor Cuomo furthered New York's reputation as a leader in socially progressive legislation and programs. He created the largest homeless housing assistance program, the most expensive drug treatment network, a nationally recognized plan to deal with AIDS, the largest program for the mentally ill in the United States, the nation's first real alternative to welfare, and a revolutionary 10-year commitment to New York's children called "The Decade of the Child." New Yorkers received the biggest tax cut in the State's history when Mario Cuomo served office. He also gave them the first significant ethics law for public officials. He also improved public safety by enacting the nation's first seat belt law, building necessary prison space, and employing innovative approaches to criminal justice -- particularly in the area of drug-related crime. Governor Cuomo appointed every member of New York's highest court, the Court of Appeals -- which is regarded as one of the finest top state courts in the nation -- including the first African-American judge to serve a full term, the first Hispanic, and the first two women, one of whom he also selected to serve as Chief Judge. Governor Cuomo has authored numerous articles and essays, and has written and edited several books, including: Forest Hills Diary: The Crisis of Low-Income Housing (1974); Diaries of Mario M. Cuomo, on his 1982 gubernatorial race; The Cuomo Commission Report (1988) and America's Agenda: Rebuilding Economic Strength (1992), two separate reports of the findings and recommendations of The Cuomo Commission on Trade and Competitiveness, with introductions by the Governor; Lincoln on Democracy, a book he co-edited that brings together for the first time all of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, writings and conversations on the central theme of his political life (editions have appeared in both Polish and Japanese); More Than Words (1993), a compilation of some of Governor Cuomo's most famous speeches; and The New York Idea: An Experiment in Democracy (1994), the success story of the Empire State. The Governor's book, "Reason to Believe" , is an analysis of where this country has been, where it is now, and where it should go. For anyone who wants to hear the other side of the case against the so-called "Contract with America," Reason to Believe is essential reading. He is practicing law at the New York City firm of Willkie Farr & Gallagher and lecturing nationwide. In the summer of 1995, he began hosting a weekly national radio talk show. Mario Cuomo, an Italian-American, was born to Andrea and Immaculata Cuomo on June 15, 1932. An alumnus of New York City public schools, he graduated summa cum laude from St. John's University in 1953, and tied for top of the class honors at St. John's University School of Law in 1956. He became confidential legal assistant to Judge Adrian P. Burke of the New York State Court of Appeals in 1956, and entered private practice of law in 1958 with the firm of Corner, Weisbrod, Froeb, and Charles. Mr. Cuomo simultaneously taught at St. John's Law School as an adjunct professor for more than ten years, and served as Chairman of the St. John's University Alumni Federation. In 1975, Governor Carey appointed him Secretary of State, and in 1978 he was elected Lieutenant Governor. Mr. Cuomo married the former Matilda Raffa in 1954. The Cuomos are parents of five children: Margaret I. Cuomo, MD, married to Howard Maier; Andrew Cuomo, married to Kerry Kennedy; Maria Cuomo, married to Kenneth Cole; Madeline Cuomo, married to Brian O'Donoghue; and Christopher Cuomo. They have six granddaughters.