Ryan on Cuomo, Christie: “Both Bullies”

Former Binghamton Mayor Matthew Ryan says New York Governor Andrew Cuomo and New Jersey Governor Chris Christie have something in common.

In the view of Ryan, who was mayor for eight years: "They're both bullies."

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program Wednesday, Ryan - who left office two weeks ago - suggested he wound up on Cuomo's "bad list" because of disagreements with the governor on the fracking review process and pension cost control issues.

The mayor said over the past two years, he had not been invited to any of Cuomo's local events "because of his dislike of me."

Ryan said it's "just unconscionable" not to invite a mayor of a major city because "he dares to disagree with him."

The former mayor who, like Cuomo, is a Democrat, was asked whether he was suggesting Cuomo is like Chris Christie, said: "Anybody who's honest knows exactly how these guys operate. They both operate the same. They're both, you, know, they're both bullies. I mean, it's clear."

Ryan then said "nobody likes Andrew Cuomo." He said: "They don't really like him. He's a very powerful guy who's very vindictive and if you get in his way, he'll try to crush you. And that's the same way, apparently, Chris Christie is."

Ryan later said he once was told he was number three on Governor Cuomo's "s--- list." Ryan said the person who made that comment said Syracuse Mayor Stephanie Miner and state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli were ahead of him on that list.

Governor Cuomo's office did not immediately respond to a request to comment on Ryan's remarks.