Gubernatorial Candidates Reach Out To Hispanic Voters

Governor Cuomo At Hostos Community College

With just over two weeks to go until the general election, New York’s gubernatorial candidates continued their bids for support in Hispanic communities, which are eligible to vote in record numbers this year.

After visiting the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico last week, Governor Andrew Cuomo made a campaign stop at Hostos Community College in the Bronx on Sunday.

“We are proud of the record over the past four years and we’re excited about the next four years, where we’re going to build on that record of accomplishment,” he said, flanked by some of New York City's Hispanic leaders.

Rafael Peña, 25, was among a dozen students who interrupted the Governor’s speech. He said was disappointed with the lack of social services and the high unemployment rate in the Bronx and would not be voting this November.

“I’m not in full agreement that Cuomo or even the Democratic Party or even for that matter the Republican Party are parties acting in the interest of the people,” Peña said.

According to the latest Quinnipiac poll, Cuomo has a 20-point lead over his Republican challenger, Rob Astorino, who made a pitch to Hispanic voters in Glen Cove on Long Island on Saturday.

At Hostos, another student, Emelyn Fernández, 25, the daughter of Dominican immigrants, said she hasn’t yet decided whom she’ll vote for, but she said she’s dissatisfied with the failure of the Dream Act under Governor Cuomo.

“The Dream Act is something that I would like him to support,” she said. “That’s something that’s dear to my heart.”

The New York State Dream Act, which has repeatedly failed to pass the State Senate, would have given access to financial aid to some students in the country illegally.

The Governor said on Sunday he worked hard to pass the measure, and that it was up to the Legislature to follow suit and to the voters to take action.

“If you want the Dream Act to pass, then elect a legislature that supports it,” he said.