Lawmaker’s False Accusation Ignites Controversy on Bridge Name Change

A New York lawmaker’s campaign to rename a bridge backfires due to a glaring mistake, igniting a heated debate over political legacy and public infrastructure.

At a Glance

Republican Mike Lawler mistakenly targets Andrew Cuomo instead of Mario Cuomo in bridge renaming effort
Lawler’s campaign includes selling “No Cuomo” merchandise for his re-election
The bridge, formerly known as Tappan Zee, was renamed after Mario Cuomo in 2018
Over 261,500 people have signed a petition to restore the Tappan Zee name
Democratic lawmakers join push to add Tappan Zee back to the bridge’s name

Lawmaker’s Blunder Sparks Controversy

In a recent political misstep, New York Republican Mike Lawler found himself at the center of a heated debate after mistakenly targeting the wrong Cuomo in his campaign to rename the Governor Mario M. Cuomo Bridge. Lawler, who is running for re-election in a competitive district, launched a merchandise campaign with “No Cuomo” products to support his effort to revert the bridge’s name to Tappan Zee. However, his promotional message inaccurately implied that the bridge was named after former Governor Andrew Cuomo, rather than his father, Mario Cuomo.

The error has not only embarrassed Lawler but also highlighted the contentious nature of naming public infrastructure after political figures. It has sparked a broader discussion on the importance of accuracy and thoroughness in legislative practices, with critics questioning Lawler’s competence and motives.

The Cuomo Connection and Public Sentiment

The bridge, formerly known as the Tappan Zee, was renamed in 2018 by then-Governor Andrew Cuomo to honor his late father, Mario Cuomo. This decision, made without public input as part of a budget package, has been a source of contention among local residents and politicians alike. Many New Yorkers, especially regular users of the bridge, have not embraced the Cuomo name, with over 90 percent of respondents in a legislative survey supporting Lawler’s bill to restore the Tappan Zee name.

“We must rename the bridge – get your No Cuomo merch today!” – Mike Lawler https://uk.news.yahoo.com/york-lawmaker-attacks-wrong-cuomo-162215814.html

The controversy has deepened with Lawler’s recent gaffe. His Democrat opponent, Mondaire Jones, was quick to criticize, stating, “If Mike Lawler is willing to lie about the name of an iconic bridge with large lettering on it, why should Lower Hudson Valley residents trust him not to vote for a national abortion ban?” This sharp rebuke underscores the political stakes involved in what might otherwise seem a local naming dispute.

Historical Significance and Compromise Efforts

The Tappan Zee name holds significant historical and cultural value for the region. It reflects the area’s Dutch and Native American heritage, with “Tappan” referring to a Native American tribe and “Zee” being the Dutch word for sea. This rich history has led to calls for compromise in the renaming debate.

“We have a heritage here. This is the most visible monument in the area. This was the center of their civilization,” Abbinanti said. “The Native Americans lived in this area. We should honor that heritage.” https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/ny-state-of-politics/2021/11/17/state-lawmaker-hopes-he-can-settle-mario-cuomo-bridge-controversy

Assemblyman Tom Abinanti has proposed a compromise to add “Tappan Zee” back to the bridge’s name while retaining Mario Cuomo’s name. This suggestion aims to honor both the region’s heritage and the legacy of the former governor. Meanwhile, Democratic State Senator James Skoufis is leading a legislative effort to restore the Tappan Zee name, demonstrating that the issue crosses party lines.

The Path Forward

As the debate continues, it’s clear that the issue of the bridge’s name resonates deeply with local residents and politicians. With nearly 261,500 people signing a petition to return the bridge’s name to “Tappan Zee Bridge,” the pressure for change is significant. However, previous attempts by GOP-led bills to revert to the Tappan Zee name have stalled, indicating the complexity of the issue.

“This is strictly about righting the wrong of this name change, which everyone in the Hudson Valley wants to see happen. it’s nothing personal,” said Skoufis. “This has nothing to do with any animosity or slight towards Mario Cuomo. It just simply has to do with returning the bridge to its rightful name.” https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/mario-cuomo-bridge-may-get-renamed-to-tappan-zee-thanks-to-democratic-lawmakers-push/4116594/

As the controversy unfolds, it serves as a reminder of the power of names and the importance of public input in decisions affecting shared infrastructure. Whether the bridge will retain the Cuomo name, revert to Tappan Zee, or find a compromise remains to be seen. What is certain is that this debate has brought to light the complex interplay between politics, history, and community identity in the Hudson Valley.