New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has announced his support for legalizing small amounts of marijuana. This decision comes only two months after he denied legalizing medical marijuana. His reasoning is not because he has changed his opinion about the drug itself but because he believes one of the biggest problems for police and prosecutors is that the laws are inconsistent and police officers are wasting their time arresting people for small amounts of cannabis. The greatest challenge in creating and passing this legislation will be the Republican majority in the New York Senate.

Beginning in 1977 the New York law stated that carrying twenty-five grams or less of marijuana is not a violation as long as the individual is a first-time offender. However, having the drug out in public is still a crime, including if it is removed from a pocket during a police search. By decriminalizing small amounts individuals will be able to possess these amounts, even if they are searched by the police. The maximum penalty would be a $100 fine.

In 2011 there were 50,000 arrests made in New York for twenty-five grams or less of marijuana. According to Cuomo this is costly for the taxpayer. Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance Jr. also points out that there is a great human cost too. “The human costs to each defendant charged with a misdemeanor are serious. The simple and fair change proposed by Governor Cuomo will help us redirect significant resources to the most violent criminals and serious crime problems, and, frankly, it is the right thing to do.”

The change in policy on marijuana will also alleviate some of the charges that New York’s laws are racially prejudiced. Eighty-two percent of those arrested in 2011 for small amounts of marijuana were black or Hispanic. Many believe that this statistic demonstrates how the current marijuana policy in tandem with the New York ‘stop-and-frisk’ law are racially biased and demonstrates that police are racially profiling individuals.

New York City prosecutors and the Police Commissioner Raymond Kelly support Cuomo’s declaration. Cuomo’s proposal is very similar to a directive Mayor Bloomberg has given to the New York Police Department.

Other states are also attempting to change their policies on marijuana. Colorado will have legalization as a ballot initiative in November. Rhode Island will be discussing a bill similar to that suggested by Cuomo. The main difference between what Cuomo has proposed and what Rhode Island will try to pass is that Rhode Island would require minors found in possession of the drug to complete a drug awareness program and community service.

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Brooklyn, U.S.A. -  Dr. Regina Peruggi, president of Kingsborough Community College, announced that Matilda Raffa Cuomo, former first lady of New York, will deliver the commencement address at the college’s 47th commencement ceremony. Mrs. Cuomo and Mario Cuomo, the 52nd governor of New York, will receive the President’s Medal. The graduation will be held on campus, 2001 Oriental Boulevard, Brooklyn, NY, Tuesday, June 12, at 11 a.m.

As first lady of New York, Mrs. Cuomo was dedicated to service. She diligently worked full time as a volunteer with state and elected officials, as well as community leaders, to establish programs to prevent child abuse, strengthen families, promote adoption for foster care children and prevent school dropout. She is the founder of “Mentoring USA,” an organization that has provided supportive mentors to more than 5,000 children. Mrs. Cuomo has been described as the most active first lady in New York’s history.

“We are honored that Mrs. Cuomo will deliver Kingsborough’s commencement address,” said Dr. Peruggi. “She is an inspirational and dynamic leader whom I have admired for many years. She recognized the necessity for broad range support and mentorship for young people in need across the state and graciously fulfilled it. Her dedication to education and community service is unparalleled and is a model for our Kingsborough students. I am extraordinarily pleased to award her and Former Governor Cuomo the President’s Medal in recognition of their devotion and commitment to serving the people of New York State.”

The Class of 2012 valedictorian is Nelli Sidorova. Ms. Sidorova, 27, is a native of Russia, a business major and has a perfect GPA of 4.00. She has been actively involved in the Honors Program, served as an Honors representative and has been a leader in a number of Business Clubs and activities.

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New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is all about talking the talk, but does not follow his own advice. After the Associated Press obtained state records under the Freedom of Information Act, it was discovered that Cuomo used the state aircraft for personal travels.

Although Cuomo may be entitled to use the state plane, it doesn’t sit well in the state that is threatened by his office to be decimated by budget cuts. While the governor was advocating massive state cuts that would destroy education and the infrastructure, Cuomo was traveling to Westchester County to visit his girlfriend on the state’s dime.

The records show Cuomo used a state plane and helicopter to return to Westchester County at the end of statewide tours more than a dozen times from when he took office in January through June, the end of his first legislative session. The state plane was then flown from Westchester, where Cuomo lives with his girlfriend, to the capital of Albany to return the aircraft to its hangar as required.

Even though Cuomo used state aircraft far less than his predecessors, there is no record of any politicking or fundraising in the trips.  According to state law, the governor is allowed to use the aircraft  only for “official events.” This includes his trips Westchester home, which the Democrat lists as his official address, Cuomo spokesman Josh Vlasto said Saturday.

Cuomo’s girlfriend Sandra Lee owns the home, and Cuomo’s daughters live there much of the time. Cuomo himself spends far more time at the executive mansion in Albany than other recent governors.

“The governor uses the plane in furtherance of state business,” Vlasto said. “Every trip is approved by the counsel’s office and the secretary to the governor and to the extent Governor Cuomo’s use of the plane is noteworthy, it’s for its limited use and anyone familiar with the relevant law or practice would know that.It’s outrageous that due to an apparent lack of news, The Associated Press has now decided to fabricate stories.”

Even though this may be a normal and common practice, it seems to be hypocritical. At a time when politicians keep talking about “sacrifice” and “budget cuts,” it appears the only people they are talking about is the middle and lower class.

Apparently, the rich or politicians do not have to sacrifice at all. Cuomo could make the two hour drive from Westchester to Albany and it would not disrupt his life too much.

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