Probably the most important thing that Governor Cuomo did in his first term — at least locally — was to turn back on the lights at this Empire State Plaza.

The Empire State Plaza contains the region’s most significant architecture and represents the symbol of Albany and the New York State government.

It was an embarrassment to all Capital Region residents when our region’s world famous symbol was dimmed during the last state budget crisis.

Saving energy and taxpayer dollars is important but so is beauty and celebration of our region’s heritage.