MICHAELA CUOMO, 13, OFFERS FRESH PERSPECTIVE ON NEW LEADER

BY KATIE GREENBERG

Michaela Cuomo, like most teenagers, sometimes has to tell her father to “stop being such an old man.” It does not matter to her that her father is New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

In an e-mail interview, 13-year-old Michaela Cuomo said, “To me, he’s just my dad. He makes me breakfast and sits at the table while I do my homework. But there are so many people in New York who need help, and my dad is the right person for the job. He’s always there for me and my sisters, and constantly talks about the importance of helping others. He’s smart, honest and he really cares about other people.”

Michaela comes from a legacy of public service. Her grandfather, Mario Cuomo, was governor for 12 years, and her grandmother is former state first lady Matilda Cuomo.

Michaela said, “I love my grandparents, and family is important to us, so we see each other a lot. Neither of them ever expected that they would be the governor and first lady of New York, so it’s amazing to hear their stories. They are ordinary people who feel a calling to public service, and they’ve had an incredible life.”

Michaela’s maternal grandfather was the late Robert Kennedy. Her mother, Kerry Kennedy, and Andrew Cuomo divorced in 2005. Michaela said, “Both my parents grew up with fathers in public service who influenced their values. … All of us try to honor the memory of our grandfather Kennedy by upholding his commitment to equality, justice and the greater good.”

This summer, Michaela and her sisters, 15-year-old twins Mariah and Cara, traveled across New York with their father on his campaign. “It was fun to travel all over the state and meet people,” said Michaela.

Michaela’s life may seem complicated and busy, but she said, “I actually feel like any other kid. I go to school, hang out with my friends and in the summer we go on vacation across New York in an RV.”

Even though Michaela’s dad is governor and has a lot of work to do, he still has time to do what he enjoys. Michaela said a little-known fact about her dad is “He loves fixing up classic sport cars and then embarrasses us by picking us up from school in them.”

Michaela’s favorite things include hanging out with friends, going on roller coasters and beating her dad at ping-pong. Her favorite books are the “Harry Potter” series, her favorite subjects are English and history, and she likes to wear bright, fun and comfy clothes. She also plays tennis and does gymnastics.

On the serious side, she does discuss issues with her dad. There are several she feels strongly about. She said, “My dad always says that ‘life is options.’ We can pursue our passion and make a difference, or be a bystander. I want to help my dad make New York a better place. There are so many ways that kids can get involved: Participate in a park cleanup, make sure that our schools recycle, voice our opinion by writing for the school paper, help out at a bake sale to raise money for our schools, or donate our old clothes to a shelter. Even though we can’t vote, we can still make a difference.”

Asked what they talk about at the dinner table, Cuomo said, “The usual. My dad asks me and my sisters about our day, and helps us with our problems. Now that I’m older, though, I ask more about his work to learn about the challenges facing the state. I’m really lucky to have such a supportive and smart dad. Sometimes, however, he just bugs me to clean up my room and finish my homework, and I have to nag him to stop acting like such an old man and lighten up.”

THIS STORY WAS FIRST PUBLISHED IN THE TIMES UNION NEWSPAPER ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 9, 2011.