Fredonia, N.Y. (WBEN) - New York Gov. Kathy Hochul says she will not be visiting Town of Niagara residents or other areas impacted by radiation contamination in Western New York.
Hochul made the remarks while in Fredonia on Thursday, 65 miles away, to celebrate construction of the new Northern Chautauqua Hospital.
"I have seen people go up there and politicize their cries for help. I'm not that kind of person. If I go there, it's a political show and I'm not going to use politics to capitalize on people's misery," said the governor.
Instead, she said she has chosen to send state experts.
"That's a mistake," said Republican Strategist Carl Calabrese with WBEN on Friday.
"It's not her fault or the state government's fault most likely. Or, if it is the state government's fault, it happened decades ago and was not under her watch. But people want their politicians to care, and to show compassion and empathy. One way to do that is to show up and talk to people and sit in their living rooms."
Calabrese went on to question her remark about it turning into a political show.
"I think it would be a political show, in a good sense, to portray her as someone willing to come out here and see and hear first hand the concern of residents," he said.
Hochul said she is proud that she launched the effort to look for radiological hot spots with both aerial and ground surveillance. She added that the federal EPA has a larger responsibility with the investigation.
Still, Calabrese finds it surprising that she is staying away.
"This has always been Kathy Hochul's strong point. Her ability to relate to people in small groups. This is a forum that she excels in. For her not to take it, and for her advisors not to recognize the opportunity, is a big mistake."
"If I go there, it's a political show and I'm not going to use politics to capitalize on people's misery"
"If I go there, it's a political show and I'm not going to use politics to capitalize on people's misery"
