Niagara, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has faced intense criticism for declining to visit Town of Niagara residents affected by elevated residential radioactivity, stating she wanted to avoid turning the situation into a "political show".
The controversy has grown as political opponent visit the site, though Hochul later reached out to one homeowner by phone.
"I do think this is political, like everything else," said Albany insider Jack O'Donnell of O'Donnell & Associates with WBEN on Monday.
"I understand why people want to have her there, but I also understand her point that the professionals who work for the state are there now. It's not necessarily a great look, but I think it's an honest answer."
O'Donnell says he doesn't know if Hochul should be there right now. He thinks she and her administration should be working toward some resolution and trying to move things forward, including the suggestion from State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt to make sure that radiation is covered under the state's Superfund law.
It currently is not.
He added that he thinks there is a lot more to come on the issue.
