Cuomo’s Taxpayer ‘Volunteers’

Maybe it really was the church ladies’ fault, as Gov. Cuomo’s minions claim. But it sure fits Team Cuomo’s MO. No, it probably didn’t much matter that “CUOMO FOR GOVERNOR” flashed on the giant screens as the gov addressed the congregation at Heavenly Vision Christian Center in The Bronx on Sunday, announcing a DOA lawsuit over the Trump administration’s response to Puerto Rico’s post-Hurricane Maria woes. The event was already nakedly political; a few seconds’ display of a campaign poster was almost honest.

Thing is, this governor has weaponized the press office (at least) in every state agency for his re-election bid, so it wouldn’t surprise much if staffers did the same to a church.

As the Buffalo News reported last week, hundreds of agencies have sent out mailers or other “public information” releases blaring variations about how “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership” new wonders are happening every day.

All at taxpayer expense, of course: Congratulations — you “volunteered”!

Our hearts are with Vicky DeFreese of New Windsor: The state Tax Department, of all places, sent her a card reading, “Register to vote. It’s easier than ever. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo is expanding access and opportunity to New Yorkers to register to vote.”

It was, she told The Post, an obvious ad for Cuomo, even if his office insisted the mailing was “purely informational.”

“Does he think he can get away with it?” DeFreese asked.

Yes, he definitely does.