In an exclusive interview with Yahoo! Voices, Governor Kathy Hochul has vehemently denied reports that she will assist billionaire investor Steve Cohen in his bid to build a new casino in New York. The rumors began circulating after a recent meeting between Hochul and Cohen, leading many to speculate that the governor was planning to throw her support behind the controversial project. However, Hochul was quick to dismiss these claims, insisting that she has no intention of getting involved in Cohen’s casino venture.
“Let me be clear: I have not made any promises to Mr. Cohen regarding his casino bid, and I have no plans to do so in the future,” Hochul stated emphatically. “As the governor of New York, it is my duty to act in the best interests of all our citizens, and that includes carefully evaluating any proposals for new casinos in our state. I will not be swayed by special interests or personal connections when making decisions that impact the future of our state.”
Cohen, a well-known hedge fund manager and owner of the New York Mets, has been trying to secure a license to build a new casino in the Catskills region of upstate New York. His proposal has faced criticism from local residents and community leaders, who argue that it will have a negative impact on the environment and exacerbate existing social problems in the area. Despite these concerns, Cohen has continued to push forward with his plans, hoping to capitalize on the lucrative casino market in the state.
The potential involvement of Governor Hochul in Cohen’s casino bid raised eyebrows among many New Yorkers, who have been closely watching her actions since she took over from former Governor Andrew Cuomo earlier this year. Hochul, who has vowed to restore transparency and integrity to the governor’s office, has faced increased scrutiny over her connections to powerful figures in the state, leading some to question her commitment to upholding ethical standards in government.
However, Hochul’s latest statement on the matter appears to have reassured skeptics that she is not willing to compromise her principles for the sake of political expediency. By categorically denying any involvement in Cohen’s casino bid, the governor has made it clear that she will not be swayed by outside influences when making important decisions that impact the future of New York.
As the debate over Cohen’s casino bid continues to unfold, all eyes will be on Governor Hochul to see how she handles this contentious issue. With her reputation on the line, Hochul must navigate the delicate balance between economic development and community welfare, all while proving her commitment to ethical governance in the Empire State. Only time will tell how this high-stakes gamble will play out in the political arena.