UFA Backing Cuomo For Attorney General

By GINGER ADAMS OTIS

The Uniformed Firefighters' Association endorsed Andrew Cuomo for State Attorney General Sept. 6, saying the frontrunner for the Democratic nomination was the best-qualified and most aggressive candidate.

The Chief-Leader/Pat Arnow 'HE'S OUR GUY': Uniformed Firefighters' Association President Stephen J. Cassidy (left) endorses Andrew Cuomo for State Attorney General, saying he has the best credentials among the candidates from both parties and 'will make sure New York gets its fair share for added resources and treatment for 9/11 responders.'

UFA President Stephen J. Cassidy, standing in front of the headquarters of Engine Co. 65 in midtown, said Mr. Cuomo's record of supporting firefighters and issues important to their safety made the endorsement an easy decision.

'He'll Fight for Us'

"Andrew Cuomo has always been a friend to firefighters," Mr. Cassidy said. "We need to have someone who will make sure New York gets its fair share [of Federal funding] for added resources and treatment for 9/11 responders."

Mr. Cuomo thanked the union officials flanking him and pledged to fight for working families across the state. Caring for those suffering Sept. 11-related health problems is the responsibility of "every government ... be it state, city or Federal," Mr. Cuomo added. "Remember, it was the [U.S. Environmental Protection Agency] that said the air was safe to breathe."

Mr. Cassidy said the UFA chose Mr. Cuomo over Republican Jeanine Pirro and Democratic rivals Mark Green and Sean Patrick Maloney because the record showed "he is clearly the best candidate."

Ethics Hammered

The endorsement came on a day when Mr. Green continued his attacks on Mr. Cuomo's ethics during a debate at the City Bar Association, citing a Village Voice story that raised questions about $2 million in salary and campaign contributions that Mr. Cuomo had received from a developer after settling a case against the man while he was U.S. Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

The Uniformed Fire Officers' Association endorsed Mr. Cuomo - whose other union backers include the United Federation of Teachers - June 23.