Scozzafava to head Cuomo’s Local Government effort

Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office announced Tuesday afternoon that former North Country Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava will serve as Deputy Secretary for Local Government in his Department of State.

Scozzafava could find herself at the center of some of Albany’s biggest debates over the next year, as Gov. Cuomo has promised to push for the downsizing and consolidation of local governments.

One of his top agenda items has been a 2% property tax cap for local governments and school districts.

Scozzafava, a Republican, has been hugely popular in her Assembly district, but is also a controversial figure in North Country politics.

She dropped out of a 2009 special election for the 23rd district House seat after facing stiff opposition from Conservative candidate Doug Hoffman.

She later endorsed Democrat Bill Owens in that race and also endorsed Cuomo in his 2010 gubernatorial bid.

Here is the governor’s announcement:

Dede Scozzafava will serve as Deputy Secretary for Local Government at the
Department of State. Ms. Scozzafava served as a member of the New York
State Assembly from 1999-2010, serving as Minority Leader, Pro Tempore
from April 2009-December 2009. She served as Chairwoman of the Assembly
Republican Review Committee and the SAVE NY TASK FORCE. Prior to joining
the Assembly, Ms. Scozzafava was Mayor of the Village of Gouverneur from
1994-1998. In the private sector, Ms. Scozzafava spent 20 years working
for Tucker Anthony/RBC Dain Rauscher as an investment advisor. She is a
graduate of Boston University and received an MBA from the Clarkson School
of Management in Potsdam.

Tags: politics