Cuomo Blames Weather for Upstate Population Loss

Governor Andrew Cuomo says upstate residents who are moving out of New York want to fish or want warmer weather.

Cuomo Tuesday acknowledged upstate population losses in the past may have been linked to the loss of jobs or high property taxes. But he said economic conditions have gotten better since he took office.

The two-term Democrat is being challenged by Republican Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, who has blamed upstate economic problems for the exodus.

Cuomo said the economy no longer is the motivation for people to leave New York for places like Florida.

According to the Associated Press, the governor suggested that some upstate residents are heading south because "they want to fish. They want warm weather."

Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com

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