Ithaca, NY (WBNG Binghamton) Attorney General Andrew Cuomo makes a stop in Tompkins County
A campaign stop met by a group who wants to make natural gas drilling a top issue in the race for New York Governor.
Andrew Cuomo is far ahead of Republican challengers in the race for New York Governor, according to a recent Sienna Poll.
Many people who came out to hear him speak are concerned about his stand on natural gas drilling.
There is currently a moratorium on the use of hydraulic fracturing to drill into the Marcellus Shale.
The democrat says his message on the issue is clear.
Introducing Andrew Cuomo Thursday at a campaign rally at the Woman's Community Center in Ithaca was one of his biggest supporters, his daughter.
"I've known this man for my whole life," said Michaela Cuomo.
The event is part of his "Drive for a New, New York" campaign, a bold set of reforms he hopes will clean up the ethical mess in Albany and take control of property taxes that are squeezing families across the state.
"We will make this state the empire state once again," Cuomo said.
Cuomo says if elected, his goal is to to get government back on track, and grow jobs.
"The Governor of the state of New York, the first job is when you wake up in the morning, 'how do I grow businesses, how do I keep businesses, how do I attract businesses'?" said Cuomo.
But the business some people fear will grow the most is natural gas drilling.
Hundreds of folks against the hydro-fracking drill technique tried to make that clear to Cuomo during his brief visit.
Including Nancy Spero, who says if it's permitted -- could ruin her only source of drinking water.
"We really want to make sure he understand what the issues are and how important it is to protect every body's water, including those like I do, who live in the rural areas, dependent on our wells for drinking water," said Spero.
Cuomo addressed concerns over regulations after his speech to a mob of people, looking for answers.
"The DEC says they may be finalized by the end of the year, we'll see. But until we know what we're doing, nothing will be done," he said.
He adds that the state will not move forward with shale drilling until it knows all the facts as to what the possible consequences are for public health and safety of the environment.
At the live desk, Leigh Dana, WBNG TV Action News.
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