Gov. Andrew Cuomo is sworn in to office this afternoon in Buffalo by the Hon. Gerald Whalen. Cuomo's family stands by his side. (PHOTOS BY HEATHER N. GRIMMER / ENP PHOTOGRAPHY)

BY SCOTT LEFFLER
scott.leffler@eastniagarapost.com

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BUFFALO — Highlighting four years of accomplishments before a packed house at the Buffalo and Erie County History Museum, Gov. Andrew Cuomo said there is more to do.

Gov. Cuomo addresses the crowd at the Buffalo and Erie County History Museum.

Cuomo, speaking this afternoon as part of a ceremonial inauguration ceremony in Buffalo — he had one in New York City earlier today — the recently-re-elected governor said "We have done great things in the past four years. We have to do more together."

He referenced the NY SAFE Act — while protesters outside the museum bemoaned its existence — as well as Common Core, saying more must be done to improve the state's education system. He patted himself on the back for the state's legalization of gay marriage and called for an increase to the minimum wage.

The governor's speech was very heavy with facts, figures and anecdotes from Western New York. He referred to Buffalo as his "second home," a reference to the week he spent in the area during the November storm.

There were many references to the November storm, both serious and joking, including: "Next time the mayor calls up and says 'we have seven feet of snow,' I'm going to say 'Call the Lt. Governor.' " Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul was also sworn in during the event and gave a speech of her own.

"We can talk about the proud history of Buffalo," Cuomo said. "But we can also talk about the exciting future of Buffalo." He said his administration has put a "laser-like focus" on upstate New York.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown agreed: "Buffalo is a perfect example of how things have changed for the better."

Cuomo noted that the state has more jobs today that an any point in its history, but said it's not enough. "Even with all we've done, we still have more to do."

For her part, Hochul said the new administration will do more. Hochul's speech included many Buffalo-area anecdotes and mentions of the Buffalo Bills. She said both are primed for a renaissance.

"We are celebrating the rebirth of Buffalo and our entire state," she said.

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