New York Governor Embraces YouTube, Sparking Questions About Transparency
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has launched a novel initiative to connect with constituents: a YouTube series titled "Ask the Gov." In these monthly videos, Hochul directly addresses questions submitted by the public, fostering an image of accessibility and engagement. However, a recent disclosure of the unanswered questions, obtained through a public records request, has raised concerns about selectivity and potential spin.
The series, launched in April, invited New Yorkers to submit their queries through an online form. Over 600 submissions rolled in, painting a vivid picture of concerns dominating the state’s political landscape.
Issues like the cost of living, immigration, and crime were at the forefront, reflecting anxieties propelled by a heated presidential race and a newly revealed state budget. Submissions ranged from blunt criticisms like "I think you are not a good governor. Please step down" to polite inquiries like "Thank you for your time!" Some nudged towards hyperlocal concerns, while others delved into personal matters or offered oddly specific anecdotes.
One submission, however, garnered particular attention. Palmer H. from Syracuse asked about a specific policy: "good cause eviction," a measure designed to protect tenants from unjustified evictions.
Hochul addressed this question in her first "Ask the Gov" video, but with a crucial alteration. While Palmer’s submission directly referenced "good cause eviction," Hochul substituted this with the broader term "tenant protections," referring to a less substantial version of the policy included in the recent state budget.
This subtle shift raised eyebrows. Palmer Harvey, an Onondaga County legislator and strong advocate for tenant rights, while unaware of the governor’s altered response, expressed little surprise.
"This is not our first rodeo," Harvey stated, highlighting a years-long campaign to push Hochul towards supporting the more robust "good cause eviction" legislation. Notably, Hochul has received significant financial backing from the real estate industry, which generally opposes the stronger tenant protection measure.
Hochul’s office defended the governor’s altered response, describing it as a paraphrasing exercise. They pointed to Hochul’s explanation in the video about "tenant protections" being available for any community to adopt, leaving the decision to local municipalities.
While the series has provided a platform for Hochul’s engagement with the public, questions remain about the selection process and the level of transparency. While the governor’s office claims accessibility with "Ask the Gov", the omission of certain topics and the alteration of specific questions raise concerns about potential bias and a curated representation of public concerns.
Despite these concerns, Hochul’s initiative appears to be gaining traction. The five videos released so far have garnered hundreds to over a thousand views on YouTube, and excerpts are shared on platforms like TikTok and Facebook. Hochul’s spokesperson emphasized the importance of reaching constituents "on the platforms where they get their information."
As the series progresses, it remains to be seen whether "Ask the Gov" will evolve into a genuine space for open dialogue or primarily function as a platform for pre-selected messages.
[ Embedded YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hd2arvPS22A ]
[ Embedded link: http://ny.gov/AskTheGov ]
